Question 1

Which shed base type is best for Blandford's chalk soil?

Accepted Answer

Blandford Forum sits on Cretaceous chalk, which is generally excellent for foundations — it's stable and drains well. Here's what works best: Concrete slabs — The most stable option, especially for heavier sheds and workshops. Ground screws — Work exceptionally well in chalk. They anchor firmly and cause minimal disturbance. Paving slabs — Traditional choice, works well when properly bedded on compacted sub-base. Timber frame bases — Ideal for gardens with a slope towards the Stour Valley. For properties on the clay-with-flints areas towards Bryanston, we'll adjust our approach with deeper sub-base preparation.

Question 2

How much does a shed base cost in Blandford Forum?

Accepted Answer

Our shed base prices in Blandford Forum and Mid-Dorset start from: Paving slab base: From £510 (9x5) Concrete slab base: From £595 (8x6) Timber frame base: From £700 (8x6) Ground screw base: From £1,180 (8x6 screws only) or £1,650 (with timber frame) Your quote includes all materials, labour, and waste removal — no hidden costs. View our full price list for more sizes.

Question 3

Do I need planning permission for a shed base in Blandford Forum?

Accepted Answer

Most garden sheds qualify as "permitted development" and don't need planning permission. Standard rules apply: Outbuilding must be single-storey with eaves no higher than 2.5m Maximum height 4m (dual-pitched roof) or 3m (other roof types) If within 2m of a boundary, maximum height is 2.5m Total area of outbuildings must not exceed 50% of your garden Blandford Forum's Georgian town centre is a conservation area, so if you're in the historic core, check with Dorset Council Planning for any additional restrictions.

Question 4

What about properties near the River Stour?

Accepted Answer

Properties in the Stour Valley floodplain (around Langton Meadows, Stour Meadows, and Blandford St. Mary) have alluvial soil that behaves differently from the chalk uplands. The water table can be seasonally high. For riverside sites, we recommend: Raised timber frame bases to keep your shed above potential water ingress Ground screws installed to appropriate depth for stability Concrete bases with proper drainage channels if required We'll assess your specific site and recommend the most suitable approach.

Question 5

How long does shed base installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Blandford Forum are completed in a single day: Ground screw base: Often half a day Paving slab base: Typically 1 day Timber frame base: 1 day Concrete base: 1 day for installation, plus 24-48 hours curing The chalk soil in most of Blandford is relatively easy to work. Clay areas may take slightly longer due to additional preparation.

Question 6

Can you access properties in the town centre?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we're experienced with Blandford's Georgian market town layout. Many properties have rear gardens accessed through narrow passages or alleys. We use appropriately sized equipment and can wheelbarrow materials if needed. For particularly tight access, just let us know when you request a quote and we'll plan accordingly. We've worked on many period properties in the town centre.

Question 7

Do you supply sheds in Blandford Forum?

Accepted Answer

No, we specialise in bases and foundations only — it's what we do best. However, these local suppliers can help with your shed: Winchester Sheds — Based in nearby Blandford St. Mary, they hand-make sheds, workshops and summerhouses. Dorset Sheds — Family-run business based in Wimborne with competitive prices. Poultons Dorset — Bespoke timber buildings manufactured in their Shaftesbury factory. Order your shed, then contact us for the base — we'll coordinate timing so everything aligns perfectly.

Question 8

Do you assemble or erect sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we focus exclusively on base installation. For professional shed assembly in the Blandford Forum and Stour Valley area, we recommend: Poultons Dorset — They manufacture and install timber buildings from their Shaftesbury factory, covering all of Mid-Dorset. Winchester Sheds — Offer installation services for their handmade sheds across Dorset. Local Blandford handymen — Search "shed assembly Blandford Forum" on Checkatrade or Bark to find rated tradespeople familiar with Mid-Dorset properties. The most efficient approach: order your shed with an installation date, book us to complete the base a few days before, then your chosen installer fits the building onto the ready foundation.

Question 9

Do you remove all waste from the site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, complete waste removal is included in every fixed-price quote. We leave Blandford gardens immaculate — no soil, rubble, or old materials left behind. How we handle waste: Excavated chalk and clay soils go to licensed recycling facilities Old bases and concrete are broken up and recycled Green waste is composted where possible We're fully licensed waste carriers. For household waste, the Blandford HWRC is at Higher Shaftesbury Road (DT11 7TB).

Question 10

Do you work in the surrounding villages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we cover all of Mid-Dorset including: Around Blandford: Blandford St. Mary, Bryanston, Langton Long, Pimperne Winterborne villages: Winterborne Stickland, Winterborne Whitechurch, Winterborne Kingston, Winterborne Clenston Tarrant villages: Tarrant Hinton, Tarrant Rushton, Tarrant Keynston Further afield: Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury, Wareham, Wimborne

Question 11

Is a site visit required before you quote?

Accepted Answer

Not always. For standard shed bases, clear photos and measurements are usually sufficient for an accurate fixed-price quote. We recommend a free site survey for: Gardens sloping towards the Stour Valley Properties with restricted access in the town centre Sites near the river where ground conditions may vary Larger bases (over 15x10)

Question 12

Do ground screws work in chalk?

Accepted Answer

Yes — ground screws work excellently in Blandford's chalk geology. Chalk provides good grip for screw threads while being soft enough for efficient installation. Benefits of ground screws on chalk: Quick installation — often half a day No concrete needed, no wet trades Minimal ground disturbance Excellent for sloping sites towards the valley Fully reversible if you ever need to relocate

Question 13

What's included in your 10-year guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Our 10-year guarantee covers: Structural integrity — The base will remain level and stable Materials — All concrete, timber, and fixings we supply Workmanship — Any defects arising from our installation We're a local family business and we stand behind our work. If anything goes wrong within 10 years, we'll put it right.

Question 14

What about the clay areas around Bryanston?

Accepted Answer

The northern parts of Blandford (towards Bryanston and Tarrant Hinton) have clay with flints overlying the chalk. This clay retains water, swells when wet, and shrinks when dry. For clay sites, we recommend: Concrete bases with deeper sub-base preparation Ground screws installed to greater depth Timber frames raised above ground level to avoid moisture We'll assess your site and recommend the most suitable solution for clay conditions.

Question 15

Do you work during winter months?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we work year-round. The chalk drains well even in winter, making installations feasible most of the year. Clay sites may need drier conditions. For concrete bases, we avoid pouring when temperatures are below freezing or when frost is forecast within 48 hours. Ground screws and timber frames can be installed in almost any weather.

Question 16

What areas of Blandford Forum do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all of Blandford Forum and the surrounding Mid-Dorset area: Blandford: Town Centre, Blandford St. Mary, Bryanston, The Camp Nearby villages: Langton Long, Pimperne, Stourpaine, Durweston Winterborne villages: Stickland, Whitechurch, Kingston, Clenston Tarrant valley: Tarrant Hinton, Tarrant Keynston, Tarrant Rushton

Question 17

How do I prepare my garden for base installation?

Accepted Answer

Keep it simple — we handle the hard work. Just ensure: Clear access to your garden for our team and equipment Remove any garden furniture or pots from the installation area Ensure gates are unlocked and parking is available nearby Let us know about any underground services (cables, pipes, etc.) We'll clear the area, level the ground, and handle all excavation as part of our service.

Question 18

Are you fully insured for work in Blandford Forum?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we carry full public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance. We work to strict health and safety standards on every project. As a family business with 50+ years of heritage, we take our responsibilities seriously. You can request copies of our insurance documentation if required for your records.

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Shed Base Installation FAQ — Blandford Forum & Stour Valley