Recycled Plastic Garden Shed Bases: The Eco-Friendly Alternative to Concrete

 If you are lucky enough to have some form of outside space at your house, then you may also be fortunate to own one of the world’s most underrated structures: the Garden Shed!

 For some, it is a tool storage facility; for others, it is a respite from the world; to others, it is just a plain old dumping ground.  Your small garden shed should be treated with the respect it deserves, no matter what you use it for. So, if it's a little off or crooked, give it a new base to stand on or, if you're going to buy a new one, put it on a base that's both secure and sustainable and good for the environment at the same time. How do you sound? That is easy, as a recycled plastic interlocking grid system is the newest and most sustainable way to lay a shed base.  Easy to install, guaranteed to drain and a great way to say goodbye to concrete.

 Why fix Something That Isn't Broken?

 The garden shed has been balancing on old paving or sitting on a solid concrete base for years, and both methods have worked, so why alter a winning strategy? Simple, really, concrete is not the most environmentally material we can use.  As it has no drainage or ventilation, the base of the garden shed can rot or perish in the harsh wet conditions we experience here in the UK.

 I understand that you may disagree with me regarding the environmental harm caused by plastic waste and manufacturing processes, but with the new wave of interlocking shed base kits on the market, you can put your worries to rest because we only recommend purchasing these from businesses that use recycled plastic in the manufacturing process. 

How Do We Determine Whether It is Recycled Plastic?

 The majority of suppliers and manufacturers of interlocking shed base systems will only work with recycled materials and display symbols appropriate to their products. However, Wickes and Eco deck will only use recycled plastic for their shed bases. Diagram of shed base grids and how they remove moisture

 Why Choose Them?

 They are therefore a better option for your beloved Garden Shed Base , greenhouse, log cabin, or any other outdoor building when you consider the sustainability and green credentials, as well as the fact that they are UV stable and easier to install than concrete alternatives. Any rainwater or moisture that falls on your shed can drain through because they have holes and are not impenetrable structures. This prevents your shed from rotting from the bottom up, which is the fate of many of our beloved sheds. Additionally, you can reuse the shed, greenhouse, or garden structure if you need to move them elsewhere in your outdoor space. Reusing something says sustainability more than anything else! 

Are They Expensive

 They can be in comparison to the concrete alternative, with an average 6×4 garden shed base kits are coming in at anywhere , but that has to be weighed up with labour costs and also the extra cost of hiring a cement mixer if you are planning to do-it-yourself.

 The weed-proof membrane and, of course, the stones or shingle you use to fill the holes are the additional costs associated with the bases. In all, you are looking at for everything you need for this wonderful and eco-friendly way to give your beautiful garden shed, greenhouse or outdoor building the love it deserves.

 How To Install

 This is without a doubt the most important benefit of this method of shedding bases. The only preparation you need is to ensure the ground they are sitting in is level, and then you can lay the base down on a sheet of weed-proof or landscaping membrane, fill it with stones and shingle and away you go.

 However, for a completely solid and drainable base, you may need to add some extra to ensure drainage and width, therefore, adding to the shed’s, greenhouses, log cabins or any building’s longevity.

 If you want the building base to drain fully without the risk of sinking, then removing the top layer of soil or paving would seriously benefit the process.

 Dig out the area required and place some shingle or, even better, some MOT type 1 stone down as a barrier between the soil and plastic interlocking base.  You will be able to create a level area and use this as the base for the landscaping membrane, ensuring complete drainage. The membrane is an essential component of the entire procedure because it is a porous sheet that prevents weed growth and allows water to drain through. Once you have that, all you have to do to put the interlocking pieces together like a huge jigsaw puzzle is lay them out. The system really is that simple.

 You only need to select the infill once you are satisfied with that stage. Most use a 10mm shingle or stone as it fills the gaps fully and creates fantastic drainage, but that is entirely your choice as you can select a myriad of styles and colours for this; the world is now your oyster as the time you have saved from mixing up endless concrete can be spent wisely by choosing your stone or gravel.

 Final Thoughts 

As we venture into a new era of sustainability and environmental protection, we need to ensure that what we buy and what we use has minimal impact on our planet, and any chance to use recycled goods in exchange for potentially eco-damaging ones should be taken to make sure future generations have a safe place to live.

 With all of this in mind, this system makes it easy for novices and do-it-yourself enthusiasts to complete an easy-to-install project with the confidence of a professional.