shed base on clay soil

[adiwill]

Hi, i'm reading so much opinion on this so thought i'd ask.

Getting an 8x8 corner shed/summer house , and it's going on top of a heavy clay soil (which previously had an old shed on top resting on pavers and a badly done dry mix, mainly sand).
I've levelled off down to the soil again. My original plan was a 50mm 5:1 mix directly on top of the clay soil, then the pavers. Would this be okay? I'm not sure if i need a sub base ? I guess my other options is a plastic shed base, but again, would i need to sub base on top of the clay soil?

 

[Mike13]

As clay tends to swell and shrink with the seasons/weather, my guess is that you need a thicker base to make a raft so that it does not break up prematurely.

 

[adiwill]

what kind of thicker base? And what do you mean by raft? Do you mean the base of the shed? I'm thinking more specifically of the sub base. Ie will i need an MOT type base on top of the soil.

 

[Mike13]

"My original plan was a 50mm 5:1 mix directly on top of the clay soil, then the pavers."
That is the bit I think you are skimming on for a clay soil

 

[SFK]

I would have gone for a concrete slab for a summer house, likely with rebar if on poor soil.

How to lay a shed base

Concrete is perfect for creating a solid, hard-wearing base for your garden shed. The first step is mark out the area where the concrete will be laid, adding an extra 100mm to the width and length of the finished shed to allow a small edge around the base. Also add in a further 75mm all-round to...

www.hanson.co.uk

But if it is more of a lightweight shed might get away with patio quality foundations.

For which you need a >75mm MOT Type 1 granular hardcore compacted layer below your 50mm layer (which should use sharp sand not builders sand). And I am saying that for stable soil ground, no idea of you need thicker for clay soil.

Following are links for patios which have less loading than a summer house.

Build a garden room base | Garden room foundations

Build a sturdy base for your garden building to ensure longevity and stability. Avoid common pitfalls with expert guidance!

www.gardenaffairs.co.uk

How to Lay a Patio: A Step-by-Step Guide - Minster Paving

Easy How To Lay A Patio Guide Laying a patio can be done quickly and easily with our step-by-step guide. Laying a new patio can enhance the visual appeal of your garden as well as create an inviting area for entertaining guests and enjoying leisure activities. You’ve already found inspiring...

www.minsterpaving.co.uk

 

[adiwill]

The shed is literally one of the below. 8x8. I was really hoping to get away without a sub base, but i'm guessing not judging by the comments. I would prefer to avoid the concrete route if possible, and use pavers on top of the sub base. But, from what i'm reading maybe this isn't a good idea.

 

[adiwill]

well i'm admitting defeat and putting a sub base down. Is this sort of stuff okay?

Tarmac Granular Sub Base Mot 1 - Major Bag | Wickes.co.uk

Tarmac Granular Sub Base Mot 1 - Major Bag

www.wickes.co.uk

 

[blup]

Type 2 is fine as well

Blup