Question 1

Which shed base type is best for my Wimborne garden?

Accepted Answer

The best base depends on your garden's specific location and ground conditions. In Wimborne, we commonly recommend: Concrete slabs — Ideal for heavy-duty workshops or large sheds. Works well on the gravel terraces in Colehill where drainage is good. Timber frame on posts — Best for gardens near the rivers (Stour/Allen) where water tables can rise seasonally. Keeps your shed floor elevated and dry. Ground screws — Fast, no-dig option that minimises ground disturbance. Popular in established gardens and near protected trees. Paving slabs — A classic, budget-friendly choice for smaller sheds in residential gardens like Merley and Oakley. 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: 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 work particularly well in Wimborne's gravel soils. 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 better for gardens on London Clay?

Accepted Answer

London Clay can be challenging — it expands when wet and shrinks when dry, which can cause ground movement over time. A raised timber frame on concrete or ground screw posts can be a good solution as it isolates your shed from minor ground movements. However, a properly prepared concrete slab with adequate depth and reinforcement also performs well on clay. The key is proper ground preparation — we dig to stable subsoil and use appropriate aggregate depths. During your free quote, we'll assess your specific ground and recommend the most cost-effective long-term solution.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Wimborne?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Wimborne 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 Wimborne?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence your final price in the Wimborne area: Base size: Larger bases require more materials and labour. Ground conditions: Heavy London Clay in the town centre may need deeper excavation. Gravel in Colehill is generally easier to work. Access: Historic town centre properties and rural lanes can have restricted access. We have compact equipment to cope. Drainage: Properties near the rivers may need elevated bases or additional drainage. Existing obstacles: Removing old bases, tree stumps, or heavy vegetation adds to the work. We provide honest, transparent quotes with no surprises. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 7

Can you access gardens in the town centre and rural areas?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly, yes. Access challenges are common in both Wimborne's historic core and surrounding countryside. We've invested in specialist equipment for restricted access: Micro-diggers that can fit through a standard doorway (under 750mm wide) Power barrow systems for moving materials through tight passages Tracked equipment for soft ground and long garden approaches Ground screw installers that avoid the need for concrete trucks entirely Whether you're in a cottage near the Minster or a farmhouse in Pamphill with a long track, we can reach your site. 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 Wimborne?

Accepted Answer

Wimborne has varied ground, largely influenced by its rivers and underlying geology: London Clay (town centre): Heavy clay that holds water and can move seasonally. Needs careful preparation and sometimes deeper foundations. Gravel terraces (Colehill, Merley): Well-drained and stable. Excellent for all base types. River floodplain (near Stour/Allen): Can have high water tables after rain. Raised timber frames often recommended. Sandy/acidic soils (towards Ferndown): Free-draining but may need compaction. Generally easy to work. Because we're local, we know exactly which preparation each area needs. We'll tell you if your location 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 Wimborne?

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 Area (Wimborne Minster centre): The town centre is a Conservation Area. Additional restrictions may apply — check with the council before proceeding. For specific guidance, contact Dorset Council Planning .

Question 10

Are there Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in Wimborne?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are TPOs on various trees throughout Wimborne, particularly in conservation areas and established residential neighbourhoods. 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 — risking prosecution and fines. This is where ground screws become valuable . They're driven into the ground between roots, causing minimal disturbance — a "no-dig" solution that satisfies TPO requirements. Additionally, if you're in the Wimborne Minster Conservation Area, trees with stems over 75mm diameter at 1.5m height are automatically protected. You can check for TPOs on your property by contacting Dorset Council's Tree Officers . 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 in Wimborne?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Wimborne 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 conditions (heavy clay, restricted access) 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 Wimborne, 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: Gardens with suspected heavy clay or drainage concerns Very restricted access (e.g., through a house or down a long rural track) Sites near protected trees Larger bases (over 15x10) Commercial or unusual applications Site visits are always free and arranged at your convenience. Being based locally, we can often visit within a day or two.

Question 13

Do you supply sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we specialise in bases and foundations only — it's what we do best. However, these Wimborne-based shed suppliers can help: Dorset Sheds — Family-run, based in Wimborne (BH21 2BT). They supply quality timber sheds at competitive prices and can create bespoke designs. Foster Fencing — Over 40 years in Wimborne, hand-building bespoke garden sheds, workshops, and summerhouses with sturdy framing. 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 Wimborne-area tradespeople offer professional shed assembly: Dorset Sheds — They supply, deliver, and erect their timber-frame buildings across Wimborne and surrounding areas. They also offer base preparation. Winchester Sheds — Manufacture, supply, and install sheds in Wimborne. Offer installation service, repairs, and re-felting. Local Wimborne handymen — Search "shed assembly Wimborne" on Checkatrade or Bark to find rated local tradespeople in BH21. 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 Wimborne garden pristine — no piles of clay, gravel, or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks where access allows Skip hire for larger excavations — especially useful when dealing with heavy London Clay Grab lorries for restricted access sites or properties with long driveways We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers including Dorset Skips . All excavated material — clay, gravel, or old paving — goes to licensed recycling centres. We recycle over 90%. For reference, Dorset Council's Millhams HWRC is at Millhams Street, Wimborne (BH21 1PN) — though this is for household waste only.

Question 16

What areas of Wimborne do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all of Wimborne Minster and surrounding BH21 postcodes: Wimborne Minster town centre — Including the Conservation Area Colehill — Well-drained gravel soils, established residential Merley & Oakley — Family home specialists Canford Magna & Little Canford — Riverside properties Pamphill & Cowgrove — Rural and estate properties Stapehill & Hampreston — On the border with Ferndown Leigh & Witchampton — Rural villages north of town We also serve neighbouring areas including Ferndown, Broadstone, Corfe Mullen, and across to Ringwood.

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