Question 1

Which type of shed base is best for my New Milton garden?

Accepted Answer

The best shed base depends on your location within New Milton and what the shed will be used for. Here's our local guide: Poured concrete — Recommended for heavy workshops, large sheds, or properties on Barton clay near the coast. The clay can shift with moisture, so a reinforced concrete slab provides maximum stability. Timber frame on posts — Ideal for sloping gardens common towards Chewton Bunny and Barton-on-Sea. Creates a level platform without extensive excavation. Also excellent when concrete access is tricky. Ground screws with frame — Perfect for gardens near the New Forest boundary with TPO-protected trees. No digging means no root disturbance, and installation is quick. Paving slabs — Suits smaller sheds, bike stores, and bin stores in compact Old Milton and Ashley gardens. Neat finish and naturally permeable. Send us a photo of your garden and we'll recommend the right solution for your specific ground conditions.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Ground screws are galvanised steel screws driven directly into the ground using specialist machinery. A timber frame is then bolted on top. Key advantages for New Milton properties: No excavation — minimal disturbance to established gardens near the Forest edge No concrete mixing — ideal for properties with limited access in Old Milton No curing time — your shed can be placed the same day Tree-friendly — essential near TPO-protected trees common in Bashley and Wootton Reversible — can be removed if you want to return the garden to lawn Concrete bases involve excavating, laying a compacted sub-base, and pouring concrete. Best for: Heavy workshops and machinery stores Properties on Barton clay where maximum stability is needed Larger bases where concrete is more cost-effective Both options come with our 10-year written guarantee.

Question 3

Is a timber frame base more affordable for sloping ground?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many gardens in New Milton slope towards the coast — especially around Barton-on-Sea and Chewton Bunny. A timber frame base on concrete pad footings is usually more economical than levelling the entire area with concrete. With a timber frame approach, we dig individual post holes rather than excavating the full footprint. The frame sits close to the ground at the high end and is raised at the low end. This method: Reduces excavation labour and skip costs Minimises disruption to your coastal garden Works brilliantly with challenging access — materials are carried in pieces Creates airflow under the shed, reducing damp in the humid coastal climate For very steep slopes, ground screws with a timber frame can eliminate digging entirely. We'll assess your specific garden and give you honest advice.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in New Milton?

Accepted Answer

Our shed base prices depend on the base type, size, and site conditions. Here are our starting prices for standard installations in the BH25 area: 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 New Milton quote include: Ground conditions (Barton clay near the coast may need deeper sub-base) Site access (narrow passages in Old Milton may add time) Slope towards the cliffs Proximity to TPO-protected trees 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 New Milton street. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 6

What factors affect shed base pricing in New Milton?

Accepted Answer

Several factors can influence the final cost of your shed base installation: Base size — Larger bases require more materials and labour. We price per square metre for most base types. Base type — Ground screws cost more due to specialist equipment, but save money when access is difficult or trees need protecting. Ground conditions — The Barton Group clays near the coast require deeper preparation than the sandy gravels further inland at Bashley. Slope — Gardens sloping towards Chewton Bunny may need extra engineering for timber frames or stepped concrete. Site access — Tight passages in Old Milton or properties only accessible via narrow lanes may add time. Tree roots — Working near TPO-protected trees (common in Wootton and near the Forest) may require ground screws as the only suitable option. Waste removal — Skip or grab lorry hire depends on access and excavation volume. We always provide a fixed-price quote before starting work, tailored to your exact New Milton property.

Question 7

Can you access narrow side passages in New Milton?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we own retractable micro-diggers that can squeeze through gaps as narrow as 700mm (about a standard door width). This is essential for many properties in New Milton, particularly: Terraced and semi-detached houses in Old Milton with side alleys Properties in Ashley with limited rear access Homes on narrow lanes in Bashley and Wootton 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 extremely tight sites, ground screws require minimal equipment and are often the perfect solution.

Question 8

What are the ground conditions like across New Milton?

Accepted Answer

New Milton has varied and distinctive ground conditions that we factor into every installation: Plateau areas (Bashley, inland Wootton) — Well-drained sandy gravels sitting on the Forest gravel beds. Generally easy to excavate and excellent for stability. A good base for all foundation types. Coastal areas (Barton-on-Sea, near the cliffs) — The famous Barton Group clays. This clay can shrink and swell with moisture, so we use deeper sub-bases and often recommend reinforced concrete for heavier structures. Transition zones (Old Milton, Ashley) — Mixed conditions where gravels meet clays. We assess each site individually. Near the Forest edge (Bashley, Wootton) — Often have mature oaks and other TPO-protected trees. Ground screws are frequently the only option that doesn't disturb roots. We've installed hundreds of bases across the BH25 area and know the local geology inside out. Our quotes always account for your specific ground conditions.

Question 9

Do I need planning permission for a shed base in New Milton?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Garden sheds and outbuildings typically fall under "permitted development" rights, meaning you don't need planning permission from New Forest District 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) If your property is within the New Forest National Park boundary, additional restrictions apply Important exceptions that may require permission: Listed buildings or within their curtilage Properties within the New Forest National Park with stricter rules Buildings intended for sleeping accommodation (annexes) Work affecting TPO-protected trees We install bases only and cannot provide planning advice, but we recommend checking New Forest District 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 New Milton?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many New Milton properties — particularly in Bashley, Wootton, and near the New Forest boundary — have trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders. It's a criminal offence to damage or destroy a TPO-protected tree without consent. How this affects your shed base: Trees have a Root Protection Area (RPA) where digging can cause damage Excavation for concrete bases may harm established root systems 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 New Forest District Council's TPO information or the New Forest National Park Authority's tree guidance . 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.

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, especially given New Milton's coastal weather. For larger bases (over 10x8) or challenging coastal 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, nearby trees, drainage issues) For larger projects (garden offices, workshops), complex coastal sites, or if you'd prefer a face-to-face chat, we're happy to visit. Site visits are free and there's no obligation. We cover New Milton regularly from our Ringwood base, 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: Foster Fencing — Based right here in New Milton, they manufacture quality wooden sheds, workshops, and summerhouses in their own factory. Over 40 years' experience. Redcliffe Landscape Gardeners — Based in Bashley with showrooms at Redcliffe Garden Centre. They offer bespoke garden rooms and buildings, and have been trading since 1950. We regularly install bases for customers who've ordered from these local 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 specialise exclusively in base installation and do not assemble or erect sheds. For professional shed assembly in New Milton, we recommend: Winchester Sheds — over 30 years' experience manufacturing and erecting sheds, with repairs and re-felting services. Matthew Wilkins Landscapes — based in Bournemouth, offering shed construction and installation across Dorset and Hampshire. Meon Valley Outbuildings — Hampshire-based family business providing full shed and garden building installation. We're happy to coordinate timing so your base is ready before your shed installer arrives.

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 New Milton garden pristine — no piles of sandy gravel, Barton clay, or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks where access allows (quickest option) Skip hire for larger excavations or restricted access in Old Milton Grab lorries when we need to remove material over fences or walls We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers. All excavated material goes to licensed recycling centres. We recycle over 90%. For reference, Hampshire's Efford HWRC is at Milford Road, Pennington, Lymington (SO41 8EZ) — close to New Milton, though for household waste only.

Question 16

What guarantee do you provide on shed bases?

Accepted Answer

We provide a comprehensive 10-year written guarantee covering both materials and workmanship. This applies to all base types — concrete, timber frame, paving slabs, and ground screws. Our guarantee means: If your base develops any structural issues within 10 years, we'll return to fix it at no cost The guarantee is backed by our family business reputation built over 50+ years We use quality materials designed to withstand New Milton's coastal climate We're a local company based in Ringwood — we're not going anywhere. You have complete peace of mind.

Question 17

What areas of New Milton do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all of New Milton and the BH25 postcode area, including: New Milton areas: Old Milton, New Milton town centre, Gore Road, Ashley, Bashley, Wootton Coastal areas: Barton-on-Sea, Barton Common, Chewton Bunny, Naish Nearby areas we also serve: Highcliffe, Walkford, Milford-on-Sea, Hordle, Everton, Lymington We're based in Ringwood, so New Milton is a core part of our service area with no travel surcharge. We also cover Christchurch, Bournemouth, the New Forest villages, and across to Southampton.

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