Question 1

Which type of shed base is best for my garden?

Accepted Answer

The best shed base depends on three key factors: your shed size, ground conditions, and site access. Here's a quick guide for Bournemouth gardens: Poured concrete — Best for heavy workshops, large sheds, and garden offices. Provides maximum stability and can support significant weight. Ideal for flat gardens in areas like Westbourne and Talbot Woods. Timber frame on posts — Perfect for sloping gardens common in Charminster and Moordown. Allows us to create a level base without expensive excavation. Also great when you want to avoid bringing wet concrete through the house. Ground screws with frame — Ideal for tight access sites typical of Victorian terraces in Southbourne, or gardens with mature trees where you can't disturb roots. No digging, no concrete mess, and the shed can go on the same day. Paving slabs — Suits smaller sheds, bike stores, and bin stores. Neat finish, permeable for drainage, and more affordable for compact bases. Not sure which is right for you? Send us a photo of your garden and we'll recommend the best option — no obligation.

Question 2

What's the difference between ground screws and a concrete shed base?

Accepted Answer

Ground screws are galvanised steel screws that we drive directly into the ground using specialist machinery. A timber frame is then bolted on top to create your shed base. The key advantages are: No excavation or digging — minimal garden disruption No concrete mixing — perfect for tight access in terraced properties No curing time — your shed can be installed the same day Reversible — screws can be removed if you ever want to return the garden to lawn Tree-friendly — ideal near TPO-protected trees as there's no root disturbance Concrete bases involve excavating, laying a compacted sub-base (usually MOT Type 1), installing a damp proof membrane if needed, then pouring and levelling concrete. Advantages include: Maximum strength — essential for heavy workshops with machinery Longevity — a properly installed concrete base lasts decades Lower cost for larger bases Both options come with our 10-year written guarantee.

Question 3

Is a timber frame base cheaper for sloping gardens?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. When you have a sloping garden — common in Bournemouth areas like Charminster, Moordown, and parts of Winton — a timber frame base on concrete pad footings is usually more cost-effective than levelling the entire area with concrete. With a timber frame, we only dig individual post holes rather than excavating the full footprint. The frame sits close to the ground at the high end and is raised slightly at the low end to create a perfectly level surface. This approach: Reduces excavation (less labour and skip costs) Minimises disruption to your garden Works well with tight access since materials are carried in pieces Creates a raised floor which can improve ventilation under the shed For very steep slopes, we may recommend ground screws with a timber frame, which eliminates digging entirely. We'll assess your specific garden and give you honest advice on the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Bournemouth?

Accepted Answer

Our shed base prices depend on the base type, size, and site conditions. Here are our starting prices for standard installations: Paving slabs — from £510 (for a 9x5 base) Poured concrete — from £595 (for an 8x6 base) Timber frame on posts — from £700 (for an 8x6 base) Ground screws only — from £1,180 (for an 8x6 layout) Ground screws with timber frame — from £1,650 (for an 8x6 base) Factors that may affect your quote include: Site access (very narrow alleys may add time) Ground conditions (heavy clay in Kinson may need more sub-base) Waste removal distance Skip permits if parking on streets like Wimborne Road See our full pricing page for all sizes, or get a personalised quote — it's free and no-obligation.

Question 5

Is VAT included in your shed base prices?

Accepted Answer

If VAT is applicable, we will notify you clearly as part of your quotation. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden extras or surprise costs at the end of the job. Your quote will include all materials, labour, waste removal, and any skip permits needed for your Bournemouth street. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 6

What factors affect shed base pricing?

Accepted Answer

Several factors can influence the final cost of your shed base installation: Base size — Larger bases naturally require more materials and labour. We price per square metre for most base types. Base type — Ground screws cost more than concrete due to the specialist equipment, but save money if access is difficult. Site access — Very narrow alleys (under 700mm) or long carry distances can add time to the job. Ground conditions — Clay soil in areas like Kinson and Bear Cross may require a deeper sub-base. Sandy soil in Southbourne is generally easier to work with. Slope — Significant slopes require more engineering, whether that's extra excavation for concrete or taller posts for a timber frame. Waste removal — On busy roads like Christchurch Road or Wimborne Road, we may need a grab lorry (faster but more expensive) rather than a skip. Tree roots — Working near TPO-protected trees may require an arboricultural method statement, and ground screws are often the only suitable option. We always provide a fixed-price quote before starting work, so you know exactly what to expect.

Question 7

Can you access my narrow side alley in Bournemouth?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is our speciality. We own retractable micro-diggers that can squeeze through gaps as narrow as 700mm (about a standard door width). This is crucial for the many Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Bournemouth, particularly in areas like: Southbourne — narrow side passages between semi-detached houses Charminster — older properties often lacking rear vehicle access Winton — terraced streets with limited options Boscombe — mixed housing with challenging access points Our rule of thumb: if you can walk a wheelbarrow down your side passage, we can usually get our equipment through. Send us a photo of your access point and we'll confirm immediately. For properties where even micro-diggers can't fit, we can hand-dig smaller bases or use ground screws which require minimal equipment access.

Question 8

What are the ground conditions like across Bournemouth?

Accepted Answer

Bournemouth has varied ground conditions that we factor into every installation: Coastal areas (Southbourne, Boscombe, Westbourne) — Predominantly sandy, free-draining soil. Easy to excavate and excellent for drainage, though we ensure adequate compaction for stability. Inland areas (Kinson, Bear Cross, Moordown) — Heavier clay content. Requires a thicker sub-base (typically 100mm+ of MOT Type 1) to prevent movement. In wet conditions, clay can be slower to work with. Talbot Woods, Meyrick Park — Often have mature tree roots to work around. We typically recommend ground screws here to avoid disturbing established root systems. Valley areas (Charminster, Iford) — Can have higher water tables in winter. We may recommend improved drainage or a raised timber frame base. We've installed hundreds of bases across BH1-BH11 and know the local conditions well. Our quotes always account for the specific ground at your property.

Question 9

Do I need planning permission for a shed base in Bournemouth?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Garden sheds and outbuildings typically fall under "permitted development" rights, meaning you don't need planning permission from BCP Council, provided: The building is single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m The total area of all outbuildings doesn't exceed 50% of your garden It's not forward of the principal elevation (front of the house) In Conservation Areas (parts of Westbourne, Talbot Woods), it's not more than 10m² with a height under 4m Important exceptions that may require permission: Listed buildings or their curtilage Properties in Conservation Areas with larger structures Buildings intended for sleeping accommodation (annexes) Removal of or damage to TPO-protected trees We install the base only and cannot provide planning advice, but we recommend checking BCP Council's planning guidance or the Planning Portal if you're unsure.

Question 10

Are there Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) I need to consider in Bournemouth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many Bournemouth properties — particularly in leafy areas like Talbot Woods, Meyrick Park, Queen's Park, and parts of Charminster — have trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders. It's a criminal offence to damage or destroy a TPO-protected tree without consent from BCP Council. How this affects your shed base: Trees have a Root Protection Area (RPA) where digging can damage them Concrete bases typically require excavation which may harm roots Ground screws are often the solution — they cause minimal soil disturbance and are specifically recommended for building near protected trees You can check if trees on your property are protected using BCP Council's interactive map . If you're unsure, send us a photo of your proposed base location and nearby trees. We can advise whether ground screws would be the appropriate choice to avoid any TPO issues.

Question 11

How long does shed base installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases are completed in a single day. Here's what to expect by base type: Ground screws with timber frame — Usually half a day. Your shed can be placed the same day. Timber frame on posts — One day. Ready for immediate use. Paving slabs — One day. Ready immediately. Poured concrete — One day to install, but requires 2-3 days curing before placing the shed. We recommend keeping it covered for the first few days, especially in wet Bournemouth weather. For larger bases (over 10x8) or challenging sites, installation may extend to two days. We'll confirm timings when we provide your quote.

Question 12

Is a site visit required before you can quote?

Accepted Answer

Often, no. We can provide accurate quotes from photos and measurements in most cases. Send us: A photo of the proposed base location A photo of your access point (side gate, alley, etc.) The dimensions of your shed Any relevant details (slope, trees, drainage issues) For larger projects (garden offices, annexes), unusual sites, or if you'd simply prefer a face-to-face chat, we're happy to visit. Site visits are free and there's no obligation. Craig or a member of our team covers Bournemouth regularly, so we can usually visit within a few days of your enquiry.

Question 13

Do you supply sheds or just install bases?

Accepted Answer

We specialise in bases only — it's all we do, and we do it exceptionally well. For quality sheds from local suppliers, we recommend: Dorset Sheds — Based in Wimborne, they manufacture quality wooden sheds and workshops Custom Timber Buildings — Bespoke sheds, summer houses, and garden buildings Regency Garden Buildings — Garden rooms and log cabins We regularly install bases for customers who've ordered from these suppliers. We can coordinate timing so your base is ready when your shed arrives.

Question 14

Do you assemble or erect sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we focus purely on bases. For shed assembly and erection in the Bournemouth area, we recommend: Matthew Wilkins Landscapes — Experienced with garden buildings and structures Easy Sheds — Specialist shed assembly service Many shed suppliers also offer a delivery and assembly package. We're happy to coordinate timing with your chosen supplier so everything runs smoothly.

Question 15

Do you remove all waste from the site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, waste removal is included in your fixed-price quote. We leave your garden clean and ready for your shed — no piles of soil or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks where access allows (quickest option) Skip hire for larger excavations or restricted access Grab lorries when we need to remove material over fences or walls We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recycling facilities including Bournemouth Skip Hire and Dorset Skips . Soil, rubble, and excavated material goes to licensed recycling centres — we aim to recycle over 90%. For reference, BCP Council operates recycling centres at Ringwood Road (BH11 9LQ), Nuffield Road Poole (BH17 0RS), and Wilverley Road Christchurch — though these are for household waste only.

Question 16

What areas of Bournemouth do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all Bournemouth postcodes from BH1 to BH11, including: Town and coastal areas: Bournemouth Town Centre, Westbourne, Southbourne, Boscombe, Pokesdown, Springbourne, Lansdowne Northern suburbs: Charminster, Winton, Moordown, Wallisdown, Kinson, Bear Cross, Ensbury Park, West Howe Eastern areas: Littledown, Iford, Tuckton, Throop Residential estates: Talbot Woods, Meyrick Park, Queen's Park, Strouden Park We're based in nearby Ringwood, so Bournemouth is a core part of our service area. We also cover neighbouring areas including Christchurch, Poole, Ferndown, and the New Forest villages.

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