Question 1

Which shed base type is best for Broadstone's clay soil?

Accepted Answer

Broadstone sits on the famous "Broadstone Clay" — part of the Poole Formation, with alternating layers of clay and sand laid down millions of years ago. This geology creates specific challenges: clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry, causing poorly-built bases to crack and move.

At JustBases, we've spent decades working on Broadstone's variable ground. Whether you're on the Dunyeats side near the golf course, in the village centre, or towards Lower Parkstone, we prepare your sub-base properly to prevent movement and install bases that stay level for years.

Question 2

Will my shed base crack on clay?

Accepted Answer

Not if it's installed correctly. Many cheap concrete slabs crack on Broadstone clay because they're too thin or lack reinforcement. At JustBases, we: Excavate deeper than standard — typically 200-250mm below topsoil Install a thick MOT Type 1 sub-base compacted in layers Use steel mesh reinforcement in concrete slabs Allow for seasonal ground movement in our design The result is a base that stays level and crack-free — backed by our 10-year guarantee.

Question 3

Are ground screws suitable for Broadstone's clay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ground screws work very well in Broadstone. They bypass the unstable upper clay layer and screw into more stable ground below. Benefits include: No concrete — Fully reversible if you ever need to move the shed Minimal excavation — Less mess and faster install than digging out heavy clay Deep anchoring — Screws reach past the shrink-swell zone Immediate use — No waiting for concrete to cure For gardens with established trees or near Broadstone Heath, ground screws are our recommended option.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Broadstone?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Broadstone depend on the base type and size. Here are our starting prices for standard installations: 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 final quote includes all materials, labour, and waste removal — no hidden costs. View our full price list for more sizes, or request a personalised quote.

Question 5

Is VAT included in your prices?

Accepted Answer

If VAT is applicable to your project, we will clearly notify you as part of your quotation. There are no hidden extras — your quote shows exactly what you'll pay. Some domestic groundworks may be VAT-exempt under certain conditions. We'll explain which applies to your specific project when we provide your quote.

Question 6

What factors affect shed base pricing in Broadstone?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence your final price: Base size: Larger bases require more materials and labour. Ground conditions: Heavy clay may need extra excavation depth and reinforcement. Access: Most Broadstone properties have good access, but narrow side passages can add complexity. Existing obstacles: Removing old bases, tree stumps, or heavy vegetation adds to the work. Drainage: Waterlogged gardens may need drainage improvements before base installation. We provide honest, transparent quotes with no surprises. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 7

Can you access gardens with limited side access?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many Broadstone properties have narrow side passages or limited rear access. We regularly work with: Narrow side passages — We have compact equipment that fits through standard gates Rear gardens accessible only through the house — We can carry materials by hand if needed Properties on the Dunyeats Road — Long driveways are no problem For very restricted access, ground screws are ideal as they require no heavy concrete delivery.

Question 8

What areas of Broadstone do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all of Broadstone and surrounding BH18 postcodes: Broadstone village centre — The conservation area and surrounding streets Dunyeats — Near the golf course Hillbourne — Towards Creekmoor Lower Parkstone borders Corfe Mullen borders We also serve neighbouring areas including Poole, Wimborne, Canford Heath, and Upton.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Most garden sheds qualify as "permitted development" and don't need planning permission, but there are specific rules: 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 Must be at the rear, not forward of the principal elevation Note: Broadstone has a Conservation Area in the village centre. If your property is within this area, additional restrictions may apply. Contact BCP Council Planning for guidance.

Question 10

My property is in the Broadstone Conservation Area — are there restrictions?

Accepted Answer

The Broadstone Conservation Area covers the historic village centre. While installing a shed base is usually still permitted development: Larger outbuildings may require planning approval The shed design and materials may need to be sympathetic to the conservation character You cannot place a shed forward of the main house frontage The base itself is rarely the issue — it's the building above that's scrutinised. We recommend confirming with BCP Council before ordering your shed if you're unsure. We're happy to advise based on our experience working in conservation areas.

Question 11

How long does shed base installation take in Broadstone?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Broadstone are installed in a single day. Here's what to expect: Paving slab base: Typically 1 day Concrete base: 1 day for installation, plus 24-48 hours curing before you can place the shed Timber frame base: 1 day Ground screw base: Often half a day — the fastest option Heavy clay can slow excavation slightly, but we allow for this in our scheduling. We'll confirm the timeline in your quote.

Question 12

Do you take away waste and old materials?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Broadstone clay is heavy and messy to dispose of — but we handle it all. We carefully remove all excavated soil, old paving, and rubble from your site. We use licensed waste carriers and recycle materials wherever possible. Your garden is left clean and tidy, ready for your new shed. Waste removal is included in your fixed-price quote — no hidden charges.

Question 13

Do you supply sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we specialise in bases and foundations only — it's what we do best. However, these local Broadstone-area suppliers can help: Buckley Landscape Supplies — Based in Poole, they supply quality garden sheds with delivery and installation options. Dorset Sheds — Family-run, based in Wimborne. Quality timber sheds with delivery and erection service. Order your shed, then contact us for the base — we'll coordinate timing so the base is ready when your shed arrives.

Question 14

Do you assemble or erect sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we focus exclusively on base installation. However, several Broadstone-area tradespeople offer professional shed assembly: Matthew Wilkins Landscapes Ltd — Bournemouth-based, they serve Broadstone and offer shed construction and decking installation. Dorset Sheds — Based in Wimborne, they supply, deliver, and erect timber-frame buildings across Broadstone. Local Broadstone handymen — Search "shed assembly Broadstone" on Checkatrade or Bark to find rated local tradespeople. The most efficient approach: order your shed with an installation date, book us to install the base a few days before, then your chosen installer fits the building onto the ready-and-waiting level base.

Question 15

Do you remove all waste from the site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, complete waste removal is included in every fixed-price quote. We leave your Broadstone garden pristine — no piles of heavy clay, gravel, or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks where access allows Skip hire for larger excavations — essential for Broadstone clay which is heavy and bulky Grab lorries for properties with narrow side passages We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers. All excavated material — clay, gravel, or old paving — goes to licensed recycling centres. We recycle over 90%. For reference, Dorset's Canford Recycling Centre is at Magna Road (BH21 3BT) — close to Broadstone, though for household waste only.

Question 16

What guarantee do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide a rock-solid 10-year guarantee on all materials and labour. This covers: Structural integrity of the base Levelling remaining true Materials (concrete, timber, ground screws) Workmanship As a Dorset family business with over 50 years of experience, you know we'll be here if you ever need us. Our guarantee is backed by our reputation — not just a piece of paper.