FAQs

Will I need planning permission?
A Garden Retreat with a floor area of less than 30 square metres is generally classed as permitted development and requires no planning permission providing that it is:

If you have any doubts call your local planning office for a copy of planning guidelines.

What are Floor Bearers?
Treated timber floor bearers laid across the run of the flooring joists provide a simple alternative to a paved base.

What type of base?
As with all buildings, garden sheds require a firm, level base if they are to remain sound and serviceable. Without the correct base, a garden shed will quickly deteriorate. The walls and roof will sag and the door and windows jam. The lower timbers in the wall will remain wet, while the floor will rot through because it is in permanent contact with the ground. Not only will the shed always smell unpleasant, but tools will quickly rust and other materials will grow mould. We recommend 3 types of base:

  1. Mark out the area of the shed, strip off the turf if there is any and smooth out the the soil as well as you can. 
  2. Lay a string line along 2 edges of the shed and place the first slab in the corner, level it using a spirit level. You can use the 5 blobs of mortar technique to get it right and even a hardcore base if you want, though for most purposes, soil is perfectly adequate to level the slabs.
  3. Lay the next slab against the long edge and level it with the first using the spirit level. Continue until the first row are all laid, then start on the second.
  1. Carefully mark out the exact size of the required shed base, using pegs and string. Mark 6" all around the outside of this area for the overall size of the 'dig'. Remove the setting out strings, but leave the pegs in place for further use. Remove all vegetation and clear the topsoil to the depth required. 
  2. Carefully level and compact the ground using a large spirit level - there must be no bumps or imperfections in the level of the base. You make find it easier to put down a 2" layer of pea shingle over the area (this will also aid drainage) Finally, please have on-site various pieces of packing in case the fitter needs to pack any of the bearers. These should include house bricks, roof slates or tiles, and paving slabs.

What size base?
Please ensure your base is 6 inches larger than your building in both directions. E.g. A base for a 10'x8' building should be 10'6"x8'6"

Can you provide a base?
Unfortunately we do not offer a base construction service. It is recommended you contact a local builder to provide this service.

What's the difference between Shiplap & Loglap cladding?
 Shiplap features smooth planed and fully interlocking tongued and grooved boarding. Loglap is an increasingly popular cladding profile for use in garden buildings. It features smooth planed and fully interlocking tongued and grooved boarding with a rounded external log effect profile. The design of both Shiplap and Loglap ensures that rainwater drains quickly and the timber dries quickly.

How are buildings measured?
All building measurements indicate the total floor area of the building. You can specify which measurements apply to which sides of your building on the order confirmation form which will be sent to you once you have placed your order. Click here to see an example of the order confirmation form (800KB PDF file) where you can mark on your dimensions and door/window positions.

I want a custom sized building?
Please contact us if you are interested in a non standard sized building.

Do you offer buildings on a supply only basis?
Although we offer our buildings on a supply only basis, erecting timber buildings is often not as easy as it may first appear. Therefore we offer an installation service carried out by skilled erectors to ensure that your building lives up to expectations.