Question 1

Which shed base type is best for Ferndown's sandy soil?

Accepted Answer

Ferndown sits on the Bagshot Beds — light, sandy, acidic heathland soil. While it drains well, it requires proper compaction to prevent settling. We typically recommend: Concrete slabs — Best for heavy-duty sheds and workshops. The weight helps anchor into sandy ground, and we use a deeper MOT Type 1 sub-base for stability. Timber frame on posts — Great for slightly uneven ground. Raises the shed floor away from ground moisture. Ground screws — Excellent for heathland-adjacent gardens where minimal disturbance is preferred. Fast installation without concrete curing. Paving slabs — A classic, budget-friendly choice for smaller garden sheds in residential areas. We'll assess your garden access, ground conditions, and shed size to recommend the most suitable option.

Question 2

Do I need to worry about my shed sinking into sandy ground?

Accepted Answer

Not if the base is installed correctly. Sandy soil can shift if it's not properly compacted or if the sub-base is too shallow. At JustBases, we: Excavate to stable ground below the topsoil Use a thick layer of MOT Type 1 compacted in stages Apply professional-grade compaction equipment Allow for Ferndown's free-draining characteristics The result is a base that stays level for decades — backed by our 10-year guarantee.

Question 3

Are ground screws a good option near the heathland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ground screws are an excellent choice if your property backs onto protected heathland or you want to minimise environmental impact. Benefits include: No concrete — Fully reversible if you ever need to remove the shed Minimal excavation — Less disturbance to surrounding soil and ecology Fast installation — Often completed in half a day Strong and stable — Each screw can support significant loads For gardens adjacent to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or near protected heathland, ground screws offer a low-impact, planning-friendly solution.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Ferndown?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Ferndown 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 Ferndown?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence your final price: Base size: Larger bases require more materials and labour. Ground conditions: Sandy heathland soil is generally easy to work, but very loose ground may need extra compaction. Access: Most Ferndown properties have good access, but we can accommodate tighter spots if needed. Existing obstacles: Removing old bases, tree stumps, or heavy vegetation adds to the work. Heathland proximity: Some sites may need ground screws to avoid disturbance. We provide honest, transparent quotes with no surprises. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 7

Can you access gardens in new-build estates?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Ferndown has many modern developments with varying access arrangements. We regularly work on new-build estates and are equipped to handle: Side passages between terraced or semi-detached homes Rear access through gates or neighbouring gardens (with permission) Carrying materials by hand where machinery can't reach Send us a photo of your access when you request a quote, and we'll confirm what's possible.

Question 8

What areas of Ferndown do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all of Ferndown and surrounding BH22 postcodes: Ferndown town centre — Residential and commercial West Moors — Near the heathland Longham — Village properties Trickett's Cross — Edge of Ferndown Hampreston — Rural border with Wimborne Three Legged Cross — Rural heathland fringe We also serve neighbouring areas including Wimborne, Verwood, St Leonards, and Ashley Heath.

Question 9

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

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 For specific guidance, contact Dorset Council Planning .

Question 10

My property backs onto heathland — are there restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Properties near the Dorset heathlands may be in buffer zones designed to protect this internationally important habitat. While installing a shed base in your garden is usually not restricted, you may face: SANGs contributions — New dwellings within 5km of heathland typically require contributions to Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces, but this usually doesn't apply to garden buildings Heathland buffer zones — Dorset Council has restrictions on development near heathland to protect wildlife like the Dartford Warbler and Sand Lizard For sheds, the main consideration is choosing a low-impact base type. Ground screws are ideal as they require no concrete and can be removed without trace. If you're unsure, we're happy to advise on the most appropriate solution for your specific location.

Question 11

How long does shed base installation take in Ferndown?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Ferndown 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 Larger bases or challenging conditions may require a second day. We'll confirm the timeline in your quote.

Question 12

Do you take away waste and old materials?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. 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 Ferndown-area shed suppliers can help: Leisure Garden Buildings — Family-run, based in Ferndown (BH22). Over 20 years' experience with a 15-year guarantee on their buildings. The Greenhouse People at Haskins — Display site at Haskins Garden Centre (BH22 9DG) with over 70 garden buildings including sheds. 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 Ferndown-area tradespeople offer professional shed assembly: Dorset Sheds — Based in Wimborne, they supply, deliver, and erect timber-frame buildings across Ferndown. They also offer base preparation. Easy Sheds — Offer free fitting and delivery to Ferndown. Custom-made wooden sheds with full installation service. Local Ferndown handymen — Search "shed assembly Ferndown" 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 Ferndown garden pristine — no piles of sandy heathland soil, gravel, or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks where access allows Skip hire for larger excavations Grab lorries for new-build estate gardens with restricted parking We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers like Eco Sustainable Solutions in Wimborne. All excavated material — sandy soil, 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 Ferndown, 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.

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