Question 1

Which shed base type is best for my Poole garden?

Accepted Answer

The best base depends on your garden's specific conditions. In Poole, we commonly recommend: Concrete slabs — Ideal for heavy-duty workshops or large sheds on level ground. Works well in Hamworthy and Upton where gardens tend to be flatter. Timber frame on posts — Best for the steep terraced gardens common in Lower Parkstone, Ashley Cross, and Broadstone. Creates a level surface without massive excavation. Ground screws — The tree-friendly option for gardens in Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs where TPO-protected pines must not be disturbed. No concrete means no root damage. Paving slabs — A classic, budget-friendly choice for smaller sheds in residential gardens like Penn Hill and Westbourne. We'll assess your garden access, ground conditions, and shed size to recommend the most suitable option.

Question 2

What's the difference between ground screws and concrete bases?

Accepted Answer

Both create solid foundations, but they work very differently and suit different situations in Poole: Concrete bases involve excavating your ground, laying a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, then pouring reinforced concrete. The concrete needs 24-48 hours to cure before you can place your shed. This is the most robust option for heavy workshops, but requires more excavation and generates more waste. Ground screws are large steel screws driven directly into the earth using specialist machinery. They support a timber frame on top. Installation is faster (often same-day), there's no concrete curing wait, and minimal ground disturbance. They're essential in Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs where conservation area rules and TPO trees require root protection. Ground screws cost slightly more upfront (from £1,180 for an 8x6 base vs £595 for concrete), but save on excavation costs and are fully reversible if you ever want to relocate your shed.

Question 3

Is a timber frame base cheaper for sloping gardens in Parkstone?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — timber frame bases can save significant money on sloping sites. Many gardens in Lower Parkstone, Ashley Cross, and Broadstone have steep gradients. A traditional concrete base would require substantial excavation to create a level pad, plus disposal of all that spoil. A raised timber frame on concrete or composite posts spans the slope instead. The frame sits close to the ground at the high end and raises slightly at the low end, creating a perfectly level platform. This approach typically generates far less waste and requires less labour. Timber frame bases start from £700 for an 8x6 shed. Compared to the excavation costs involved in levelling a steep Parkstone slope for concrete, this often represents better value. During your free quote, we'll calculate both options so you can make an informed decision.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Poole?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Poole 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 Poole?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence your final price in the Poole area: Base size: Larger bases require more materials and labour. Ground conditions: The sandy soil around the Harbour or clay subsoil in Broadstone may require additional sub-base preparation. Access: Narrow side alleys in Poole Old Town or Ashley Cross can add time. We have micro-diggers that fit through standard doorways, which helps keep costs down. Slope: Steep gardens in Parkstone require either excavation (for concrete) or a raised timber frame system. Existing obstacles: Removing old bases, tree stumps, or heavy vegetation adds to the work. TPO trees: If tree roots must be protected, ground screws are required instead of concrete. We provide honest, transparent quotes with no surprises. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 7

Can you access my narrow side alley in Poole Old Town?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly, yes. Access challenges are common in Poole Old Town, Ashley Cross, and the Victorian terraces of Lower Parkstone. We've invested in specialist equipment specifically to tackle restricted access: Micro-diggers that can fit through a standard doorway (under 750mm wide) Power barrow systems for moving materials through tight spaces Ground screw installers that avoid the need for concrete trucks entirely If access is extremely tight — for example, through a house or over a wall — a quick site visit helps us plan the most efficient approach. Send us a photo of your access when you request a quote, and we'll confirm what's possible.

Question 8

What are the ground conditions like in Poole?

Accepted Answer

Poole and the Harbour sit on varied geology, and we've worked across all of it for decades: Sandy soil (Sandbanks, Lilliput, Harbour): Good drainage but requires solid compaction. Works well for most base types. Clay and heavy soil (Broadstone, Upper Parkstone): Holds water and can shift seasonally. Needs proper sub-base preparation to prevent movement. Steep slopes (Lower Parkstone, Ashley Cross): Raised timber frames are often the most cost-effective solution. Conservation areas (Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs): TPO-protected pines require ground screw solutions that protect root zones. Because we're local, we know exactly which preparation each area needs. We'll tell you if your postcode has specific challenges and how we'll address them — it's all included in your fixed-price quote.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Most garden sheds qualify as "permitted development" and don't need planning permission, but there are specific rules to follow: General permitted development 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 Conservation areas (Branksome Park, Poole Old Town): Additional restrictions may apply. Check with the council before proceeding. For specific guidance, contact BCP Council Planning .

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Tree Preservation Orders are very common in Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs, and parts of Lilliput — particularly on the large Scots pines that characterise these areas. A TPO means you cannot cut down, lop, top, uproot, or damage a protected tree without consent from the Local Planning Authority. If your shed base would be near a TPO-protected tree, concrete excavation could damage the root system — which risks prosecution and unlimited fines. This is where ground screws become essential . They're driven into the ground between roots, causing minimal disturbance — a "no-dig" solution that satisfies TPO requirements. Additionally, if you're in a Conservation Area (parts of Branksome Park and Poole Old Town), trees with stems over 75mm diameter at 1.5m height are automatically protected. You can check for TPOs on your property by contacting BCP Council's Tree Officers . We're very experienced in working around protected trees in Poole and can advise on compliant base solutions during your quote.

Question 11

How long does shed base installation take in Poole?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Poole 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 (over 12x10) or challenging ground may require a second day. We'll confirm the timeline in your quote. We always aim to complete work as efficiently as possible, respecting your privacy and leaving your property immaculate.

Question 12

Is a site visit required before you quote?

Accepted Answer

Not always. For standard shed bases in Poole, clear photos and measurements are usually enough for us to provide an accurate fixed-price quote — often on the same day you enquire. We recommend a free, discreet site survey for: Steep gardens (common in Lower Parkstone and Broadstone) Very restricted access (e.g., through a house or over a wall) Sites near TPO-protected trees in Branksome Park or Canford Cliffs Larger bases (over 15x10) Commercial or unusual applications Site visits are always free and arranged at your convenience.

Question 13

Do you supply sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we specialise in bases and foundations only — it's what we do best. However, these Poole-based shed suppliers can help: Holland Garden Buildings — Family-run Poole business specialising in sheds, summerhouses, and garden rooms. They build and install across the south coast. Buckley Landscape Supplies — Poole-based supplier offering quality wooden sheds with delivery and installation services. 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 Poole-based tradespeople offer professional shed assembly: Buckley Landscape Supplies — Offer professional delivery and installation of their own sheds across Poole. Vision Landscapers — Poole landscapers who offer garden building services including shed erection. Local Poole handymen — Search "shed assembly Poole" on Checkatrade or Bark to find rated local tradespeople in BH postcodes. 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 your fixed-price quote. We leave your Poole garden immaculate — ready for your new shed. How we handle waste: Our own vehicles where access allows Skip hire for larger excavations Grab lorries for sites with restricted access (common in Sandbanks and Old Town properties) We're licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers including Dorset Skips and Bournemouth Skip Hire . All excavated material goes to licensed recycling centres — we recycle over 90%. For reference, BCP Council's Poole Recycling Centre is at Nuffield Road (BH17 0RS), with additional sites at Ringwood Road Bournemouth and Wilverley Road Christchurch.

Question 16

What areas of Poole do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover the entire Borough of Poole and all BH12-BH18 postcodes: Sandbanks & Lilliput — Luxury harbour-front properties Canford Cliffs & Branksome Park — Conservation area specialists with TPO expertise Lower Parkstone & Ashley Cross — Steep garden experts Upper Parkstone & Penn Hill — Established residential areas Broadstone & Westbourne — Family home specialists Hamworthy & Upton — Including properties near the Harbour Creekmoor & Canford Heath — Modern estates and older properties Poole Town Centre & Poole Old Town — Tight access specialists We also serve Corfe Mullen, Lytchett Matravers, Merley, and across to Bournemouth and Wimborne.

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