Question 1

Which shed base type is best for my Ringwood garden?

Accepted Answer

The best base depends on your garden's specific conditions. In Ringwood, we commonly recommend: Concrete slabs — Ideal for heavy-duty workshops or large sheds on level ground. Perfect for the stable soil in Avon Castle and Ellingham. Timber frame on posts — Best for sloping gardens common in Poulner, Verwood, and the surrounding hills. Creates a level surface without massive excavation. Ground screws — The tree-friendly option for gardens near the New Forest boundary, Crow, or Burley. No concrete means no root disturbance — essential if you have TPO-protected trees. Paving slabs — A classic, budget-friendly choice for smaller sheds in residential gardens like St Ives and St Leonards. We'll assess your garden access, ground conditions, and shed size to recommend the most suitable option. Most quotes are provided same-day since we're based locally on Poulner Hill.

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 Ringwood: 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 particularly popular in New Forest edge properties where tree roots and TPOs are a concern — the screws go around roots rather than damaging them. 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?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — timber frame bases can save significant money on sloping sites. Many gardens in Poulner, Verwood, and across the Ringwood area have natural 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 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 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 Ringwood?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Ringwood 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) Since we're based on Poulner Hill, there are no excessive travel charges for Ringwood postcodes. 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?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence your final price in the Ringwood area: Base size: Larger bases require more materials and labour. Ground conditions: The clay soils in Hightown or water table issues near the Avon Valley may require additional sub-base preparation. Access: Narrow side alleys or restricted parking can add time. We have mini-diggers that fit through standard gates, which helps keep costs down. Slope: Sloping gardens 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. Base type: Ground screws cost more than concrete, but save on excavation and waste disposal. We provide honest, transparent quotes with no surprises. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 7

Can you access my narrow side alley or gate?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly, yes. Access challenges are common in Ringwood Town Centre and the older properties around Meeting House Lane. We've invested in specialist equipment specifically to tackle restricted access: Mini-diggers that can retract to fit through standard gates (under 800mm 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 low wall — a quick site visit helps us plan the most efficient approach. We're only on Poulner Hill, so site visits are easy to arrange. 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 Ringwood?

Accepted Answer

Ringwood and the New Forest sit on varied geology, and we've worked across all of it for decades: Sandy gravel (Avon Valley): Good drainage but requires solid compaction. Common in Avon Castle and Sopley areas. Clay (Hightown, Crow): Holds water and can shift seasonally. Needs proper sub-base preparation to prevent movement. Heathland/peaty soil (Ashley Heath, St Leonards): Often requires ground screws or deeper foundations due to softer ground. Forest clay (Burley, New Forest edge): Heavy soil that requires attention to drainage and base depth. 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 Ringwood?

Accepted Answer

Most garden sheds qualify as "permitted development" and don't need planning permission, but the rules are more restrictive if you're within the New Forest National Park (covers Crow, Burley, parts of Hightown). 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 National Park restriction: If the outbuilding is more than 20m from the house, the maximum area is just 10 square metres without planning permission. For specific guidance, contact the New Forest National Park Authority or New Forest District Council .

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Tree Preservation Orders are common in Ringwood and throughout the New Forest. 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. Additionally, if you're in a Conservation Area (parts of Ringwood Town Centre), trees with stems over 75mm diameter at 1.5m height are automatically protected. You can check for TPOs on your property by contacting the NFDC Tree Officers (Trees@NFDC.gov.uk or 023 8028 5345, option 1). We're experienced in working around protected trees and can advise on compliant base solutions during your quote.

Question 11

How long does shed base installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Ringwood 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 — being local means we can respond flexibly to weather conditions and reschedule quickly if needed.

Question 12

Is a site visit required before you quote?

Accepted Answer

Not always. For standard shed bases in Ringwood, 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 site survey for: Sloping gardens (common in Poulner and Verwood) Very restricted access (e.g., through a house or over a wall) Sites near TPO-protected trees Larger bases (over 15x10) Commercial or unusual applications Since we're based on Poulner Hill, site visits are easy to arrange at short notice. We can often pop round the same day for complex projects.

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 Ringwood shed suppliers can help: In-Excess Ringwood Garden Centre — Located on the A31 just east of Ringwood, they have sheds on display and staff who can advise on sizes. A truly local option. Ringwood Garden Centre (Christchurch Road) — Stocks a range of garden buildings and sheds, with local delivery available. 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 local tradespeople offer professional shed assembly in the Ringwood area: Meon Valley Outbuildings — Cover Hampshire and Dorset including Ringwood, offering professional installation of timber buildings. In-Excess Ringwood — Can arrange installation for sheds purchased through their garden centre. Local Ringwood handymen — Search "shed assembly Ringwood" on Checkatrade or Bark to find rated local tradespeople in BH24. 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 pride ourselves on leaving Ringwood gardens immaculate — no piles of gravel, clay, or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks from our Poulner Hill headquarters (the quickest option for local jobs) Skip hire for larger excavations Grab lorries for restricted access sites We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers. All excavated material — New Forest gravel, heathland soil, or old paving — goes to licensed recycling centres. We recycle over 90%. For reference, Hampshire's Somerley HWRC is at Verwood Road, Ringwood Forest (BH24 3QE) — though this is for household waste only.

Question 16

What areas of Ringwood do you cover?

Accepted Answer

From our base at Highlands, Poulner Hill, we cover all of Ringwood and the surrounding New Forest villages: Ringwood Town Centre — Including the older properties around Meeting House Lane and Christchurch Road Poulner & North Poulner — Our home turf, we know every road Hightown & Crow — Within the National Park boundary Avon Castle & Sopley — Along the Avon Valley Ashley Heath & St Leonards — Including the caravan park areas St Ives & Three Legged Cross — Towards Verwood Ellingham, Harbridge & Ibsley — Rural properties along the A338 Burley — Deep into the New Forest We also serve Verwood (BH31), Wimborne (BH21), and across to Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Southampton. Local jobs in BH24 have no travel surcharges — we're your neighbours.

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