Question 1

Which type of shed base is best for my Salisbury garden?

Accepted Answer

The best shed base depends on your location within Salisbury and what the shed will be used for. Here's our local guide: Poured concrete — The classic choice for heavy workshops and larger sheds. Salisbury's chalk bedrock provides excellent load-bearing capacity, often requiring shallower excavation than clay soils elsewhere. Timber frame on posts — Ideal for sloping gardens near the water meadows, or where you want to avoid extensive chalk excavation. Creates a level platform with good airflow underneath. Ground screws with frame — Perfect for properties with TPO-protected trees or in conservation areas. No digging means no root disturbance, and installation is quick. Paving slabs — Suits smaller sheds, bike stores, and potting sheds in cottage gardens around Harnham and Bemerton. Neat finish and naturally permeable. Send us a photo of your garden and we'll recommend the right solution for your chalk downland or riverside plot.

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 Salisbury properties: No excavation — minimal disturbance to established period gardens No concrete mixing — ideal for properties with limited or awkward access No curing time — your shed can be placed the same day Tree-friendly — essential near TPO-protected trees in conservation areas 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 where maximum stability is needed Larger bases where concrete is more cost-effective Salisbury's chalk bedrock is actually excellent for concrete bases — stable, free-draining, and quick to excavate. Both options come with our 10-year written guarantee.

Question 3

How does chalk bedrock affect my shed base?

Accepted Answer

Salisbury's Cretaceous Chalk bedrock actually provides excellent foundation conditions . Here's how it affects your base: Excellent load-bearing capacity — Chalk is stable and doesn't shrink or swell with moisture like clay. Your base won't crack or shift. Free drainage — Rainwater drains through chalk quickly, reducing the risk of waterlogging around your shed. Shallow soil depth — We often hit solid chalk within 200-300mm. This reduces excavation but requires proper preparation. Clean excavation — Chalk is easier to remove than heavy clay, often speeding up the job. Some areas near Salisbury's rivers (Avon, Nadder, Bourne, Wylye, Ebble) have alluvial soils rather than chalk. We assess each site individually and adapt our techniques accordingly. The key is understanding these conditions — we've worked on chalk downland for decades and know exactly how to engineer a lasting foundation.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Salisbury?

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 SP1/SP2 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 Salisbury quote include: Ground conditions (chalk, alluvial soil, or clay-with-flints) Site access (narrow passages in historic properties may add time) Slope towards the water meadows 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 Salisbury street. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 6

What factors affect shed base pricing in Salisbury?

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 — Most of Salisbury has stable chalk, but properties near the river confluence may have different alluvial soils. Slope — Gardens sloping towards the water meadows may need extra engineering for timber frames. Site access — Narrow passages in Georgian townhouses or walled period gardens may add time. Tree roots — Working near TPO-protected trees 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 Salisbury property.

Question 7

Can you access narrow passages in Salisbury's historic properties?

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 Salisbury, particularly: Georgian and Victorian townhouses with narrow side passages Walled gardens in Harnham and the Cathedral Close Cottage properties in Bemerton and Stratford-sub-Castle Properties accessed via narrow lanes in the historic centre 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 Salisbury?

Accepted Answer

Salisbury has varied ground conditions that we factor into every installation: Chalk downland (most of SP1/SP2) — Stable Cretaceous Chalk with shallow rendzina soils. Excellent drainage and load-bearing capacity. We often reach solid chalk within 200-300mm. Higher ground (clay-with-flints) — Some areas have clay pockets over the chalk. These drain less well and may need slightly deeper preparation. River valleys (alluvial deposits) — Near the Avon, Nadder, Bourne, Wylye, and Ebble, you'll find river-deposited sands and silts. These are generally stable but may require different techniques. Water meadows — Some low-lying areas near the rivers can be seasonally wet. Raised timber frames work brilliantly here. We've installed hundreds of bases across South Wiltshire 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 Salisbury?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Garden sheds and outbuildings typically fall under "permitted development" rights, meaning you don't need planning permission from Wiltshire 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) Important exceptions that may require permission: Listed buildings or properties within their curtilage Properties within the Salisbury Conservation Area (including Cathedral Close) Buildings intended for sleeping accommodation (annexes) Work affecting TPO-protected trees We install bases only and cannot provide planning advice, but we recommend checking Wiltshire 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 Salisbury?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many Salisbury properties — particularly in conservation areas and established neighbourhoods like Harnham, the Cathedral Close, and Laverstock — 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 Wiltshire Council's online mapping service . 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. For larger bases (over 10x8) or challenging sites with limited access, 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, proximity to rivers) For larger projects (garden offices, workshops), historic properties, 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 Salisbury regularly from our 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: The Shed Shop Salisbury — Located at South Newton Industrial Estate (SP2 0QW), they design and manufacture custom sheds in their own workshop. They also offer a full fitting and base service. Frenchmoor Garden Buildings — Based near Salisbury with over 40 years' experience manufacturing quality garden buildings. They offer bespoke designs and a 5-year build warranty. Bespoke Shed Company — Based in Whiteparish, they specialise in custom timber sheds and garden buildings with hand-built construction. 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 focus purely on bases. For shed assembly and erection in the Salisbury area, we recommend: Stonehenge Fencing & Landscape — They offer shed installation in Salisbury, Amesbury, and surrounding areas. They can also clear old sheds and dispose of them. The Shed Shop Salisbury — They offer a complete fitting service including site surveys and installation. Local Salisbury handymen — Search "shed assembly Salisbury" on Checkatrade or Bark to find rated local tradespeople in SP1/SP2. Many shed suppliers also offer a delivery and assembly package. We're happy to coordinate timing with your chosen supplier.

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 Salisbury garden pristine — no piles of chalk, soil, 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 the historic centre Grab lorries when we need to remove material over walls in period properties 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, Wiltshire Council's Salisbury HWRC is at Stephenson Road, Churchfields Industrial Estate (SP2 7NP) — though this is 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 last on Salisbury's chalk bedrock We're a reputable family company — we're not going anywhere. You have complete peace of mind.

Question 17

What areas of Salisbury do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all of Salisbury and the SP1/SP2 postcode areas, including: Salisbury areas: City Centre, Cathedral Close, Harnham, Bemerton, Stratford-sub-Castle, Laverstock, Old Sarum, Britford, Milford Nearby areas we also serve: Wilton, Amesbury, Downton, Alderbury, West Harnham, East Harnham, Figheldean, Durrington We also cover Ringwood, Fordingbridge, and across to the New Forest, Bournemouth, and Southampton. South Wiltshire is well within our service area with no travel surcharge for standard jobs.

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