If one of the first garden jobs you have on your list is building a new shed, now is a great time to do it. With the winter weather behind us, it is a good time to get on with all of those garden jobs, so you can spend the summer enjoying your garden, and also ensuring that you will have the extra storage space come the winter.
Building a shed is the ideal solution to garden storage problems, and as with all structures first you must ensure that you have a suitable foundation to build on.
When choosing a suitable base for your shed, first of all you need to think about things like the location of the shed, the size of the shed and what you are intending to use the shed for. There are many different materials that you can use for a shed base, and it is worth researching these to see what suits your shed best.
Concrete bases are a popular choice, as concrete is incredibly tough and hard wearing, and will provide you with a strong base. You can get concrete from a local supplier like this concrete Swindon based company https://www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk/concrete-swindon/ who will be able to deliver it to your home.
Another option if you are thinking about the most eco friendly bases, is to use treated timber. This needs to be placed on top of gravel and can also provide you with a sturdy base. Using gravel alone is another popular choice, as it is cost effective and also allows water to drain away.
Looking after your shed through winter
A good base is the start, but a shed also needs a little care each autumn to last for many years. Clear leaves and debris from around the base and sides, and make sure ventilation gaps are open so damp air can escape. Check the base itself for cracks or sinking. Get up and inspect the roof felt, repairing any tears, and clear or fit guttering to carry rain away from the walls.
Reseal windows where the old sealant has perished, and give the timber a fresh coat of preservative or a water-resistant exterior paint while the weather is still dry. Through the winter, brush off heavy snow and wet leaves so they do not weigh down or soak the roof. Open the door now and then on dry days to let air through, and wipe away any mould or condensation you find. Finally, fit a sturdy lock and keep the hinges and fittings oiled so they do not rust, which also helps keep the contents secure.