Base for an 8x6 greenhouse

[HawkEye244]

Soil is clay.

It's on my allotment, I've been told I can have one but that the base cannot be permanent in nature, i.e. I can't pour a slab.

This leaves me with a few options:

1) concrete sleepers around perimeter

2) Bricks around perimeter

3) concrete blocks around perimeter

4) paving slabs around perimeter

I don't like the idea of a timber base unless it's raised off the ground, this would be difficult as it's a greenhouse, not a shed.

As for the inside I planned on taking off about 2-3 inches of topsoil and infilling with gravel, to help drain and stop weeds.

Not sure whether I would need to bother with a sub-base with any of the above options?

The point is a solid base for the alluminium frame.

Oh, and lastly I would consider making my own sleepers with concrete if it is cheaper, perhaps I would need to add some rebar with this option, and also what size sections should I make them in ?

Thanks chaps

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I'd lay a base and stick some slabs down around the perimeter, it's only a greenhouse.

 

[HawkEye244]

Hi Freddy, you mean a concrete base ? I've been told I can't do that

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

No not concrete: http://www.pavingexpert.com/faq_subbase.htm

 

[HawkEye244]

If you are implying just the paving stones on their own I really don't think that's adequate. A greenhouse is weighty

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If it can't be permanent then you have little choice. A good base could withstand a lorry driving/parking on it, so build a good base and it'll be fine. A block paved road is compacted hardcore, sand and blocks, yet it can cope with artics/buses etc. There's no concrete involved.

 

[HawkEye244]

It wouldn't be too pricey if I went down about 100mm + the depth of the paving, and infilled with hardcore and sand, as long as this isn't classed as permanent. Cheers