Which foundation for the garden house?

Choosing the right foundation for the garden shed often seems difficult. The following information will help you gain an overview and thereby make an informed decision.

necessity and benefits

At very small garden houses or tool shed and a level surface, the question often arises as to whether a foundation is necessary at all. The advantages speak for themselves:

• Compensation for unevenness
• increased stability
• extended lifespan of the garden shed
• Prevention of water damage and mold

A suitably selected foundation can reduce costs in the long term, avoid sinking the garden house and thus prevent costly repairs. Smaller sheds and houses should therefore always stand on a foundation.

type of foundation

Foundations can be found in minimalist and solid designs. The respective suitability depends on various factors:

• intended service life
• soil condition
• weight of the house
• size of the area

Different variants are required on loose, loose soil than on solid soil. For larger garden houses, more stable foundations must be chosen than for smaller and lighter models. It is also important to consider how long the garden shed will stand.

Tip: When finished Garden shed kits a recommendation is given for the type of foundation. In addition, the condition of the ground must also be taken into account.

slab foundation

The simplest option for small footprints and lightweight sheds or houses is a slab foundation. A pit about 30 centimeters deep is dug for this purpose. The ground is compacted, filled with gravel and chippings and the mixture is compacted again. Paving slabs of the desired size are laid on top of this.

The advantages and disadvantages are:

Advantages	Disadvantages
low cost	only designed for low loads and base areas
lower expense	no complete protection against moisture from below
no concrete required
can be easily removed

screw foundation

With this variant, foundation bolts are fixed in the ground. A wooden frame is placed on these screws. This variant is suitable for small to medium-sized garden houses and compacted ground.

The pros and cons include:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Compensation of small bumps possible	only suitable for well-compacted, compact soil
easy to remove	precise work required
low cost
lower expense
no concrete required
no waiting times

Tip: With larger roots, stones or rubble, the screw foundation does not offer a secure hold. However, by digging a pit and adjusting the subsoil, it can be used almost anywhere.

point foundation

With a point foundation, individual columns are placed in a pit. A frame is placed on these individual foundations or the basic beams of the garden shed are erected. The construction is suitable for small, medium-sized and light garden houses.

Advantages	Disadvantages
relatively low cost	very precise work required
lower material requirements	Only suitable for dense, solid soil
Compensation of unevenness possible

However, the planning already requires a very precise procedure, comprehensive knowledge and precise adjustment. Small mistakes can lead to the individual foundations sinking or rising and thus to warping of the entire garden house. For this reason, it is worthwhile to have it professionally applied by specialists.

Tip: Instead of the cumbersome bringing in of built formwork, pipes can be used. The concrete is poured directly into this. This reduces costs and effort at the same time.

strip foundation

With a strip foundation, a narrow trench is dug in the shape of the outline of the garden house, which reaches a depth of at least 80 centimeters. It is provided with formwork and filled with concrete. This frame serves as a support for the load-bearing walls. For larger garden houses with load-bearing walls inside, the shape of the strip foundation must be adjusted accordingly. Otherwise, sagging of the floor may occur. This also occurs with a large footprint.

The advantages and disadvantages of the strip foundation are:

Advantages	Disadvantages
relatively low cost of materials	high effort
frost resistance	use of machinery necessary
high stability	long drying time
Suitable for larger and heavier garden houses

Although less material is required in comparison to a continuous concrete foundation, the quantity should not be underestimated. This can mean logistical problems, as it is not always possible to mix the mass yourself.

In addition, the formwork alone is usually problematic for laypersons. Anyone who has no experience in this area should therefore rely on professional and expert implementation. Although this is more expensive at first, it is also more durable.

foundation plate

The term foundation plate is sometimes used synonymously with the designation plate foundation. However, this is a single slab cast in concrete that corresponds to the footprint of the garden house. This can also mean a combination of strip foundation and concrete slab.

This variant is suitable for medium and large garden houses. It is characterized by:

Advantages	Disadvantages
very high stability	associated with great effort
longevity	expensive
ideal for unsteady, loose or swampy soils	Floor is sealed
maximum load
can be designed to be frost-proof

Again, for a simple and continuous concrete slab, a pit is first dug, the soil compacted and the sides boarded if necessary. Crushed stone and gravel serve as the basis. An applied PE film provides the Water barrier and thus protection against soil moisture and dammed water. The first layer of concrete is placed on top of this. A steel mat is placed on top of this layer as reinforcement and enclosed with the second layer of concrete.

With the combination of strip foundation and continuous slab, the frame is made first and then the slab is poured. However, this procedure is only necessary for very difficult soils.

Notice: If the garden house is to have underground pipes for water and electricity, these must be planned and laid before watering. Subsequent changes are associated with a great deal of effort.

frequently asked Questions