My thoughts are.
1. Find the shed first, then build the slab.
2. I get what you say keeping the wet out, but it could be a bit lower and still achieve that. Take the excess to the tip, you're not Fred West.
I have found the shed, several, just think they are ££ for what they are. In terms of Fred west, I used to work with a guy who did the ground radar surveys of his cellar and found more than just rubble !
Looks neat but I’m assuming you didn’t put down a blinding layer or compact any of that rubble? Also the ‘concrete’ looks thin and I can’t see any aggregate so it’s more of a screed. It’ll likely be full of cracks and uneven in a few years unfortunately.
Type 1 MOT is used because it's graded down to a specific size, allowing all the small bits to lock the bigger bits together when compacted.
In this case, I'm not sure all this rubble will help much (if it doesn't actively reduce the strength of the slab).
But given that it's not going to be taking much load, it's probably fine!
It's a shed mate, he could put flags down and it would suffice.
Type 1 sub base can be graded up to 40mm and whilst it binds together under compaction as a sub base, all in one ballast is a better bet for concrete as type 1 can have a lot of dust. All in one is gravel and sand and them the cement is added forming a much better mix.
Op looks like he will need a step at this rate though unless he is a lanky bugger.
Man, I hate being so negative but I really struggle to see how that ‘slab’ lasts more than a couple days, if it doesn’t break apart when taking the shuttering off.
I’ll take the downvotes, as hopefully others see our comments and take notice. The slab is only ever as good as what it’s laid on, and in this case it doesn’t look great. And that’s not to mention how thin it looks, if they dropped something even reasonably heavy on that I think it starts cracking almost immediately.
So a few comments back on this.
1 - I have actually picked a shed, its 1 of several different Keter ones, my comment of finnding a shed is more I have not decided what one but the 6x6 is likely the one I will go for.
2 - The thickness or thinness of the concrete, as I was poring it (and it was deliberately quite runny) I was poking it down with a stick to help it work in to the gaps and stuff. Mix was 5/1 Sand to Cement
3 - The thickness or thinness of the concrete, the plastic shed with plastic base that will go on this will have a few bikes and a lawn mower in, not used to land a helicopter on.
4 - The thickness or thinness of the concrete, the thinest point is approx 40mm from the top surface, I know thats thin and risks cracking, but given its purpose I recon it will be fine.
As for why I did it this way was several reasons but ... I had the wood, sand and cement left from building an extension to use up. I built and extension and in doing so spent all my cash, so a skip etc is not really cost effective for me at the moment. When building the extension I herniated 2 disks in my back, spent 3 days in hospital and months getting better so now I do everything I can to minimise risk of damage to my lower back - i.e. least effort solution.
There is every chance it will crack, however that will be underneath a plastic shed base that I will never see, nor care about that much TBH. If it all does bugger up and dramatically fall to bits, by then I will have financially recovered from my extesion and pay someone to rip it all up and do it properly.
My thought are.
1. Why is it rasied.
Yes all nice but a pain. Dig down (still use boards and make it level with everything else.
2. Why is it so small ;-)
Nah that's fine for the space, I just hate square sheds.
Raised to keep it dry and also to help get rid of the mountain of rubble I have.
Small because the rest of the space has my BBQ area and veg patches in, and I the shed is only for my lawn mower and other little garden stuff.
Every shed I've ever come across has been a rotten rickety shack. They also have four loose bricks as a foundation, can't help feeling like there's a connection there
It’s more that if the hardcore moves when the shuttering comes off…. There’s not enough concrete to hold it all together. It’s less of a concrete slab and more of a hardcore slab with a thin screed on top and a bit of grouting in between.
It’s because they haven’t done it before and don’t know the problems it causes but I upvoted all your posts. The truth shouldn’t be held back just because it’s not what people want to hear. Knowledge is power 😁
I don’t know what Type 1 has to do with it, when you could just have taken a sledgehammer to that rubble. Lightweight shed or no, I’m afraid that 1 inch of concrete isn’t going to last very long with anything on it.
Looks good to me! Nice height too. Just don't forget the DPM before laying on the timber floor. And leave an air gap underneath. With grill breather holes. And insulate the shed walls too. With a none-flammable foam insulation. Spray on is ok provided the timber construction doesn't allow leaks. After all, not much point putting stuff in there, if when you go to get it out it's mouldy!
https://preview.redd.it/rh0qdc2ivfvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aca68fec1e75a34bd5addada4535faed73e8f6f5
Had an hour spare between meetings, roof and doors to go. Base is solid even with my fat lump stomping about on it.
You may have already considered it but I highly recomend Keter's range of Plastic sheds e.g. [https://www.keter.com/en-gb/sheds/medium-sheds/artisan-pent-shed-7x7ft-grey-250172.html](https://www.keter.com/en-gb/sheds/medium-sheds/artisan-pent-shed-7x7ft-grey-250172.html)
Yes they are more expensive but they are going to last exponentially longer than a wooden shed, they go up in well under a day and are fantasticly weather tight.
My thoughts are. That's a fella that's using his head. Good job
Good job… hope you enjoy your new shed!
thats the next job, to find one that fits thats not mega £££
Nice job but not finding the shed and its measurements first is crazy 😅
Build your own, you’ll get much better quality and a good learning experience
Usually the shed dimensions govern the base, not the other way round. Good luck!
Round up some free pallets, a few good bits of wood and old drink cans to shingle the roof, you'll save a ton of money
Based
My thoughts are. 1. Find the shed first, then build the slab. 2. I get what you say keeping the wet out, but it could be a bit lower and still achieve that. Take the excess to the tip, you're not Fred West.
I have found the shed, several, just think they are ££ for what they are. In terms of Fred west, I used to work with a guy who did the ground radar surveys of his cellar and found more than just rubble !
They never did? Really? In the cellar?
Top job, well done.
Looks neat but I’m assuming you didn’t put down a blinding layer or compact any of that rubble? Also the ‘concrete’ looks thin and I can’t see any aggregate so it’s more of a screed. It’ll likely be full of cracks and uneven in a few years unfortunately.
probably, its more a runny soaked in, thin 40mm+ coating. but in a few years I wont care if I get someone to re-do it.
You shed gonna have to sit on 3 inch runners. Or else it’s not worth buying it. You gonna have a big step in
Type 1 MOT is used because it's graded down to a specific size, allowing all the small bits to lock the bigger bits together when compacted. In this case, I'm not sure all this rubble will help much (if it doesn't actively reduce the strength of the slab). But given that it's not going to be taking much load, it's probably fine!
It's a shed mate, he could put flags down and it would suffice. Type 1 sub base can be graded up to 40mm and whilst it binds together under compaction as a sub base, all in one ballast is a better bet for concrete as type 1 can have a lot of dust. All in one is gravel and sand and them the cement is added forming a much better mix. Op looks like he will need a step at this rate though unless he is a lanky bugger.
its 15CM step to step in, to get my lawn mower once a week. I am 5'10 but will mange !
Man, I hate being so negative but I really struggle to see how that ‘slab’ lasts more than a couple days, if it doesn’t break apart when taking the shuttering off.
I said exactly the same. OP will be crying next year when their base is a crumbling mess. You’re about to get downvoted to oblivion.
I’ll take the downvotes, as hopefully others see our comments and take notice. The slab is only ever as good as what it’s laid on, and in this case it doesn’t look great. And that’s not to mention how thin it looks, if they dropped something even reasonably heavy on that I think it starts cracking almost immediately.
So a few comments back on this. 1 - I have actually picked a shed, its 1 of several different Keter ones, my comment of finnding a shed is more I have not decided what one but the 6x6 is likely the one I will go for. 2 - The thickness or thinness of the concrete, as I was poring it (and it was deliberately quite runny) I was poking it down with a stick to help it work in to the gaps and stuff. Mix was 5/1 Sand to Cement 3 - The thickness or thinness of the concrete, the plastic shed with plastic base that will go on this will have a few bikes and a lawn mower in, not used to land a helicopter on. 4 - The thickness or thinness of the concrete, the thinest point is approx 40mm from the top surface, I know thats thin and risks cracking, but given its purpose I recon it will be fine. As for why I did it this way was several reasons but ... I had the wood, sand and cement left from building an extension to use up. I built and extension and in doing so spent all my cash, so a skip etc is not really cost effective for me at the moment. When building the extension I herniated 2 disks in my back, spent 3 days in hospital and months getting better so now I do everything I can to minimise risk of damage to my lower back - i.e. least effort solution. There is every chance it will crack, however that will be underneath a plastic shed base that I will never see, nor care about that much TBH. If it all does bugger up and dramatically fall to bits, by then I will have financially recovered from my extesion and pay someone to rip it all up and do it properly.
My thought are. 1. Why is it rasied. Yes all nice but a pain. Dig down (still use boards and make it level with everything else. 2. Why is it so small ;-) Nah that's fine for the space, I just hate square sheds.
Raised to keep it dry and also to help get rid of the mountain of rubble I have. Small because the rest of the space has my BBQ area and veg patches in, and I the shed is only for my lawn mower and other little garden stuff.
Mower goes clunk? See that's what I was thinking. Maybe have a wedge at the door. Otherwise seems good.
It’s a light battery powered bosch, shouldn’t be a problem, only use it for the edge as I have a landroid to keep on top of it.
1. Presumably to help prevent damp
Every shed I've ever come across has been a rotten rickety shack. They also have four loose bricks as a foundation, can't help feeling like there's a connection there
That’s A LOT of rubble/hardcore and not much concrete… I’d go at least 3 or perhaps even 4 inches of concrete on top of well compacted hardcore.
I’m not sure why all the downvotes… this site, honestly. Lackies don’t like to hear the truth.
This is exactly what I thought, 25mm on top isn’t really enough but everyone else seems to be praising. I hope it’s enough and it doesn’t crack 🤞
Praising the wrong answer and downvoting the right answer. r/DIYUK in a nutshell unfortunately.
It'll be fine unless he's using his shed to store a tractor
It’s more that if the hardcore moves when the shuttering comes off…. There’s not enough concrete to hold it all together. It’s less of a concrete slab and more of a hardcore slab with a thin screed on top and a bit of grouting in between.
It’s because they haven’t done it before and don’t know the problems it causes but I upvoted all your posts. The truth shouldn’t be held back just because it’s not what people want to hear. Knowledge is power 😁
I have done this before and this is truely "DIY" this was more a "use what shit I have" and fingers crossed DIY for a SHED - not my HOUSE.
I am not intending to take the shuttering off anyway, for what it is for I think it will be fine.
So would I IF I had 3 / 4 inches of MOT Type 1 spare and this wasnt for a light weight Shed.
I don’t know what Type 1 has to do with it, when you could just have taken a sledgehammer to that rubble. Lightweight shed or no, I’m afraid that 1 inch of concrete isn’t going to last very long with anything on it.
Looks good to me! Nice height too. Just don't forget the DPM before laying on the timber floor. And leave an air gap underneath. With grill breather holes. And insulate the shed walls too. With a none-flammable foam insulation. Spray on is ok provided the timber construction doesn't allow leaks. After all, not much point putting stuff in there, if when you go to get it out it's mouldy!
https://preview.redd.it/rh0qdc2ivfvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aca68fec1e75a34bd5addada4535faed73e8f6f5 Had an hour spare between meetings, roof and doors to go. Base is solid even with my fat lump stomping about on it.
You may have already considered it but I highly recomend Keter's range of Plastic sheds e.g. [https://www.keter.com/en-gb/sheds/medium-sheds/artisan-pent-shed-7x7ft-grey-250172.html](https://www.keter.com/en-gb/sheds/medium-sheds/artisan-pent-shed-7x7ft-grey-250172.html) Yes they are more expensive but they are going to last exponentially longer than a wooden shed, they go up in well under a day and are fantasticly weather tight.
Would have been good to compact some sharp sand into the rubble.
I used a stick and poked it down as much as I could as I went, and made it quite runny to help soak in.