I want to build a shed

[Samdy Gray]

Yes, a thread about sheds.

Having recently moved and discovered the shed at the new gaff has what you might describe as "added ventilation" and even it's own rooftop pond, I need a new one.

Not content with the pre-fab options, I've decided to build one myself. Has anyone built a shed from scratch before that can offer any advice or tips?

And where's a good place locally to source good quality, but reasonably priced, timber?

[Bewster]

I've been looking at sheds recently, not to build but pre fab, and found a good local supplier. Significantly better quality than any of your DIY store rubbish.

Things I have learnt :

- The base is incredibly important for ventilation and proper drainage - avoid concrete bases
- Access all the way round for painting
- The use of sacrificial sleepers is a good practise for avoiding dampness
- Pressure treated timber is advisable for longevity

This is their website http://www.skinners-sheds.com/

[4D]

Ahem, I built one using blocks and timber. Designed it myself,  built it myself (plus dad). Concrete base was already there. Bought blocks, sand, cement,  timbers,  roof boards, cladding (all pressure treated),  felt, bitumen,  flashing (attached to garage) and galvanised clout nails. Windows salvaged from old shed. Most solid shed I've ever owned.

Block up to 3-4ft, timber on top.

[Samdy Gray]

Things I have learnt :

- The base is incredibly important for ventilation and proper drainage - avoid concrete bases

Ah, really? Because I was going for a solid concrete base which will also form the floor of the shed. I understand you need ventilation under the floor if it's wooden/boarded, but if I'm using the concrete as the floor that should be ok, I think.

[4D]

I put one row of blocks on the concrete and then damp course. You can coat the outside of the block to prevent water penetration

Keeps rats out too 

[Bewster]

Ah, really? Because I was going for a solid concrete base which will also form the floor of the shed. I understand you need ventilation under the floor if it's wooden/boarded, but if I'm using the concrete as the floor that should be ok, I think.

Yes I think so. If the shed sits on the concrete water will gather underneath and seep into the timbers and over time rot. If the base is, for want of a better description, internal, then I am sure you be ok. However, what about the sides being on the floor ??

I was opting for a concrete base and was talked out of it as it was explained to me that a pressure treated timber base was designed for damp conditions and that a shed sat on a concrete base was more likely to rot unless raised up - so you'd have quite a high shed. If the base does rot it is cheaper to replace than a shed.

[Samdy Gray]

I plan on constructing the base to the exact dimensions of the shed, so nowhere for puddles to form externally. The bottom of the frame will be sat on concrete, but pressure treated timbers on concrete should be fine. I could always run a length of damp proof membrane under the timber if I was being ultra cautious.

Plus, concrete floors are easier to keep clean than wood and I can sink an anchor into it when it's poured as security for the bikes

[Bewster]

Plus, concrete floors are easier to keep clean than wood and I can sink an anchor into it when it's poured as security for the bikes

This is the deciding factor.

[4D]

Buildbase at the top of Oxford Road (calne) sell good priced pressure treated timber.

[pauld]

Sorry, but this has to be done

[paul backskin]

Come to see me at H J Webb & Son in Watchfield, be more than happy to sort you out.

[fatbasher]

 

Come to see me at H J Webb & Son in Watchfield, be more than happy to sort you out.

Yep I second that and grab a tin of the quality treatments they stock there too.

[Batch]

Make it secure from yoofs.

[Honkytonk]

Keeps rats out too 

Know what else keeps rats out?

A fucking gun.

[singingiiiffy]

I put one row of blocks on the concrete and then damp course. You can coat the outside of the block to prevent water penetration

Keeps rats out too 

Rats can eat through concrete