Base preparation guide

Every garage, shed, deck and pergola we sell needs a firm, level base. Get it right and assembly goes quicker, and the doors, panels and boards stay lined up for years. This page covers the basics; the PDF guide in Documents has the drawings.

Steel garages

Use a concrete slab at least 10 cm thick, reinforced with mesh, and 10 cm larger than the garage on every side. A strip foundation under the walls works too. Keep the slab level to within a few millimetres along its length. The anchors come with the garage.

Garden sheds

A small shed can stand on paving slabs laid on compacted gravel. Larger sheds need a concrete slab. Either way, make the base a little larger than the shed and check it with a spirit level.

WPC decking

• On paving slabs or compacted gravel, set adjustable plinths under the joists.
• On an existing concrete slab, screw the joists straight to the slab.
• Give the deck a slight fall, about 1 cm per metre away from the house, so rain runs off.
• Space the joists as shown in the technical sheet for your board.

Pergolas

Each post stands on its own concrete footing. The footing drawing in Documents gives the size and depth.

Before the truck arrives

• Let new concrete cure for at least a week before you start assembly.
• Clear a path from the kerb to the base for carrying the parts.
• Download the assembly manual and check which tools you need.