Pouring a concrete base

[Jupiter01]

I plan to prepare the ground for a garden shed, approximately 2.5m x 2.5m. I’ve never poured a concrete base and concerned that I may underestimate the material required. Would it be an issue if I had to leave a section and do that the following day? Does the join between the two sets of concrete present any issues?

This would just give me some peace of mind when approaching this task.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Charlie George]

Not critical for a garden shed, what depth are you going and what materials do you have? 100mm deep will need at least a tonne of ballast and 8 cement.

 

[Jupiter01]

Not critical for a garden shed, what depth are you going and what materials do you have? 100mm deep will need at least a tonne of ballast and 8 cement.

10cm should be adequate I think?

 

[martygturner]

There a lots of alternatives to concrete... you could just use 100mm of type 1 and some paving stones for that size of shed.

 

[Jupiter01]

There a lots of alternatives to concrete... you could just use 100mm of type 1 and some paving stones for that size of shed.

I would like to experience the concrete slab but just wanted to check what happens if I have to do it in a couple of attempts. I will be building the shed from timber framing and it will have a reasonable amount of weight. Want to avoid any issues with sagging.

 

[Deluks]

It's not a huge area, you should attempt it in one go. Hire a cement mixer, and use a hand tamper for the sub base.
Buy in a few extra small bags of ballast, just to make sure you have enough.
You'll be able to take lunch/tea break whilst working, just pull a tarp over it.
And again once you've finished and it's started to firm up.

 

[^woody^]

You should do the slab as one pour, or you risk the two pieces moving differently over time.

 

[Jupiter01]

hand tamper for the sub base.

What material should I use for the sub base and approximately how much do I need please?

 

[Deluks]

You can buy in some MOT type 1, a ton bag will be enough.
Or save money by using old bricks, floor tiles, roof tiles, broken slabs. Smash them into smithereens with a sledge hammer, golf ball sized and smaller. (Wear safety specs)
Look in local ads/marketplace for 'free hardcore'

3" to 4" deep.