Making a concrete floor for a shed

[DIYalot]

Hi. I want to put some machinery inside a 12' x 10' wooden or metal shed.

It's best I think to mount the machinery on a concrete floor rather than a wooden floor. Because I want to sound-proof the shed to minimise noise, and that's not really going to be possible if the machinery is standing on the wooden floor of a shed, because vibration is simply going to transmit from the wooden floor to the shed walls.

So, does anyone know how I should construct a concrete base say 13' x 11'? One that is level with the ground - NOT proud.

I know I'd create a wooden border and fill it with concrete. But, how thick should the concrete be? And should I use rebar? Your help appreciated. Thanks.

P.S. It's not a base for a shed as such I'm wanting. but a floor. Also, how do I achieve a dry floor?

 

[Brigade77]

How heavy is the machinery?

 

[DIYalot]

I'm thinking of buying an OMEC 650 M dovetail machine. It weighs 130Kg.

http://www.cantarinigroup.it/en/machines-for-wood/650-m-.html

If I went for the 450 M weight would be 100Kg:

http://www.cantarinigroup.it/en/machines-for-wood/450-m-.html

 

[Brigade77]

Not very heavy then.

For a light workshop base I would dig down enough to put a 150mm layer of compacted hardcore (MOT Type 2), then a 25mm blinding layer of sand, followed by a 1000 polythene DPM sheet, then at least 50mm of insulation. If you top that with 100mm of concrete it should give you a firm base for your man cave.

 

[DIYalot]

Not very heavy then.

For a light workshop base I would dig down enough to put a 150mm layer of compacted hardcore (MOT Type 2), then a 25mm blinding layer of sand, followed by a 1000 polythene DPM sheet, then at least 50mm of insulation. If you top that with 100mm of concrete it should give you a firm base for your man cave.

Thanks. Indeed, in the scheme of things a light weight item for the floor to handle.

I think I get what all the items are, exept the insulation. What is the 50mm of insulation?

 

[Brigade77]

For insulation you could use straight polystyrene sheet or (if budget allows) any foil backed PU board.

I would concentrate more on insulation to make the workshop a pleasant environment, the soundproofing aspect will be a by-product of this.

 

[DIYalot]

I'm assuming the polythene sheet is to maintain a dry floor, and the insulation is to avoid a cold floor.

 

[Brigade77]

If you ever get to stand on that floor for longer than 30mins & it's -3deg outside then you'll thank me.

The use of a DPM to prevent rising damp is subjective & beyond the realm of this forum. I'm in the rising damp is a myth camp.

 

[DIYalot]

I've been thinking. I reckon instead of a concrete topping, I could use regular paving 50mm flags and I'd be okay.