Shed Base Installation in Edinburgh
The right base is the foundation of a long-lasting shed. We install five types of shed base across Edinburgh — each with different strengths to suit your garden, your building, and your budget.
Types of Shed Base
Every garden is different. Here's a detailed comparison of the five main shed base options we offer, with honest pros and cons to help you choose.
Gravel Grid Base
£ — Most affordableA cost-effective option using interlocking plastic grids filled with gravel. Ideal for smaller sheds and areas with good natural drainage.
Advantages
- Most affordable option
- Excellent natural drainage
- Quick and easy to install
- Environmentally friendly — permeable surface
- No planning permission usually required
Disadvantages
- Less stable than concrete for heavy loads
- Can shift over time on soft ground
- Not ideal for garden rooms or large buildings
- Gravel may need topping up periodically
Best for: Small to medium garden sheds, storage sheds, and areas where drainage is a priority.
Concrete Slab Base
£££ — PremiumA solid, poured concrete base that provides maximum stability and load-bearing capacity. The gold standard for larger buildings and heavy-use sheds.
Advantages
- Maximum stability and strength
- Supports heavy machinery and equipment
- Long-lasting — will outlive the shed
- Perfectly level surface
- Ideal for garden rooms and workshops
Disadvantages
- Most expensive option
- Longer installation time (needs curing)
- Permanent — difficult to remove
- Requires proper drainage planning
- May require building regulations for larger bases
Best for: Garden rooms, workshops, large sheds, and any building storing heavy equipment.
Concrete Pad Base
££ — Mid-rangePre-cast concrete pads arranged in a grid pattern to support the shed's bearers. A good middle ground between gravel and a full concrete slab.
Advantages
- Good stability at a moderate cost
- Faster to install than a poured slab
- Can be adjusted and relevelled
- Suitable for most shed sizes
- Good for slightly uneven ground
Disadvantages
- Not as strong as a full concrete slab
- Requires precise levelling of each pad
- Less suitable for very heavy loads
- Gaps between pads can allow moisture
Best for: Medium to large garden sheds, summer rooms, and moderately heavy-use buildings.
Paving Slab Base
££ — Mid-rangeStandard paving slabs laid on a compacted sand or mortar bed. A popular and versatile choice that doubles as a patio area around your shed.
Advantages
- Attractive finish — doubles as a patio
- Good stability for most sheds
- Wide range of styles and colours available
- Relatively easy to repair individual slabs
- Good value for money
Disadvantages
- Can become uneven over time if ground settles
- Requires good ground preparation
- Heavier slabs need machinery to lay
- Joints can allow weed growth
Best for: Any shed where you want the base to also serve as an attractive outdoor area.
Timber Bearer Frame Base
£ — AffordablePressure-treated timber bearers laid directly on the ground or on concrete pads. A traditional and effective base solution, especially on sloped sites.
Advantages
- Works well on sloped or uneven ground
- Cost-effective and quick to install
- Good airflow under the shed (prevents damp)
- Can be combined with concrete pads
- Easy to level and adjust
Disadvantages
- Timber can rot over time if not treated
- Less stable than concrete for heavy loads
- Requires regular inspection
- Not suitable for garden rooms
Best for: Sloped gardens, smaller sheds, and traditional timber buildings on uneven sites.
Quick Comparison
| Base Type | Cost | Stability | Drainage | Install Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel Grid | £ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Half day |
| Concrete Slab | £££ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | 3-5 days |
| Concrete Pad | ££ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | 1-2 days |
| Paving Slab | ££ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | 1-2 days |
| Timber Bearer | £ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Half day |
Timber & Materials
Every Edinburgh Shed Centre build uses the strongest timber available. Our standard timber is pressure-treated and kiln-dried for maximum durability and resistance to rot, insects, and weather damage.
- Pressure-treated, kiln-dried timber framework
- Loglap cladding — thick, interlocking profile for superior weather protection
- Shiplap cladding — classic, smooth finish with excellent water run-off
- Composite cladding — zero-maintenance, modern look, 25+ year lifespan
- Tanalised floor bearers for ground contact
- Poly carpet or felt roofing as standard, EPDM rubber upgrades available
Popular Sizes
We build to any size — there's no limitation. Here are some of our most popular shed sizes to give you a starting point:
Need a different size? No problem — every build is fully custom. Get a free quote for your exact dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not Sure Which Base You Need?
We'll visit your garden, assess the ground, and recommend the perfect base for your build — completely free.
Get a Free Quote