Shire - Preparing a Base Guide

This guide, primarily provided by Shire for their products, offers instructions on preparing a base for a garden building. While the emphasis is on Shire products, the underlying principles can be applied to other similar items.

There are various methods for preparing a base, detailed in this guide. Regardless of the specific method chosen, achieving a flat and sturdy surface is crucial to ensure the building's stability, prevent long-term damage, and facilitate proper assembly.

**Pressure Treated Frame Base**

*For use on firm soil or lawns*

Shire's frame base is straightforward to assemble and easy to level. This system minimizes the need for extensive tools and skills, reducing labor compared to alternatives like laying slabs or mixing concrete. The frame can be used on firm soil, grass, or hard ground, and its spike system accommodates uneven surfaces and slight gradients.

*Stage 1*

- Select an appropriate site for your building, allowing at least 18 inches or 450mm of space around for assembly access.
- Ensure the area is not waterlogged and lacks steep slopes or overhead obstructions.
- Verify components and assemble the frame base per the manufacturer's instructions.

*Stage 2*

- Attach leveling spikes to the frame, ensuring they do not protrude above the frame when flipped over.

*Stage 3*

- Flip the frame into place, tap the leveling spikes into the ground, and check for levelness using a spirit level.
- Adjust for unevenness by tapping spikes further or making small adjustments as needed.
- Recheck with a spirit level, and once level, the base is ready for your new garden building.

*Materials and tools required*

- Tape measure
- Sandpaper
- Gloves
- Battery-powered drill/screwdriver
- 6mm drill bit
- Spirit level
- Rubber mallet or standard hammer with a piece of timber for protection

**Concrete**

*Stage 1*

- Choose a level area for the building site, allowing ample access during fitting.
- Use pegs and string to mark the base area, ensuring it matches the building's floor area plus the formwork's timber thickness.
- Check for squareness by measuring the diagonals.

*Stage 2*

- Dig out the base area if on soft ground or lawn, ensuring a 6-inch or 150mm depth.
- Optionally excavate for a step-up, leaving a 3-inch or 75mm depth for compacted hardcore.
- Level the hole and remove pegs and string.

*Stage 3*

- Build formwork, ensuring it is square, and place it in the hole.
- Add a layer of hardcore, compact, and cover with sand.
- Measure, mix, and spread concrete, leveling it to the top of the formwork.
- Cover with polythene in wet conditions or damp sacks on hot days to prevent cracking.
- Allow 48 hours to dry completely.

*Materials and tools required*

- Hardcore
- Sand
- Standard cement powder
- Sand/gravel ballast or Dry mix concrete bags
- Water
- Tape measure
- Pegs and string
- Spade
- Timber for formwork
- Spirit level
- Broom
- Cement mixer
- Spot mixing board
- Wheelbarrow
- Tamp board
- Straight edge section of timber