Adding a wooden workshop to your garden is a practical and attractive way to expand your workspace, whether for DIY projects, gardening tasks, or hobbies. However, before erecting your new workshop, it's essential to prepare the area correctly. Proper preparation ensures the longevity of the structure, optimises functionality, and complies with local regulations.
Does my workshop need planning permission?
Before making any changes, verify if you need planning permission. Here in the UK, most garden structures are considered permitted development, provided they meet specific criteria. For instance, the workshop should not exceed 2.5 metres in height if located within 2 metres of a boundary, and its footprint should not cover more than 50% of your garden area. Read Does my shed need planning permission? for more information, and always consult your local council for clarification to avoid potential issues.
Choose the right location for your workshop
When choosing a suitable spot in your garden for the workshop, consider the following factors:
• Accessibility - ensure easy access to and from your home.
• Sunlight - depending on the workshop’s purpose, select a location that provides the desired amount of natural light.
• Drainage - avoid low-lying areas prone to waterlogging, as excess moisture can damage the wooden structure.
• Proximity to utilities - if you plan to install electricity or water, choose a spot that simplifies the connection process. Adding electricity to a garden shed discusses the regulations you need to be aware of. For electricity, heating, or water, plan these installations in advance, and always employ qualified professionals to ensure compliance with UK safety regulations.
How to prepare the ground for a garden workshop
Once you’ve chosen a location, the ground must be prepared to ensure a stable and level base for the workshop, as follows:
• Clear the area - remove all grass, weeds, roots, and debris. This prevents plant growth under the structure and ensures a flat surface.
• Level the ground - use a spirit level and a long plank of wood to create a level surface. Uneven ground can lead to structural instability and alignment issues during assembly.
• Consider drainage - if the area has poor drainage, install a gravel layer to facilitate water runoff.
Installing the foundations for a workshop
A strong foundation is crucial for the durability of your wooden workshop. Common options include:
• Concrete slab - this is the most durable and stable option, ideal for larger or heavier workshops. Pour a concrete slab that’s the same size as the base of your workshop.
• Paving Slabs - these are easier to install and suitable for smaller structures. Ensure the slabs are evenly spaced and level.
• Timber base frame – a wooden base frame elevates the workshop off the ground, preventing direct contact with soil and reducing the risk of rot.
Treat the ground and take preventative measures against moisture and pests to protect the workshop further:
• Install a damp-proof membrane (DPM) - place a DPM between the foundation and the workshop to prevent rising damp from affecting the wooden structure.
• Use weed fabric - lay a weed-proof fabric under the foundation to prevent vegetation from growing.
• Apply pest deterrents - if pests like ants are a concern, use appropriate deterrents before assembly.
At Sutton Sheds, we do not install foundations for our workshops. Our blog posts What foundations do I need for my shed? and Preparing your garden for a new shed will help anyone with the confidence and knowledge to install their own foundations and base. Alternatively, we can put you in touch with reputable and trusted contractors.
How will the workshop integrate into your garden?
Think about your surroundings and whether access to the workshop will affect the aesthetic of your space. Will access paths to the workshop be more convenient for you, especially in wet weather? Consider landscaping around the workshop to maintain the garden’s aesthetic appeal and installing security measures such as adding motion-sensor lights and a sturdy lock.
Weatherproof your garden workshop
The UK’s unpredictable weather makes weatherproofing essential, so all wooden structures should be treated with a preservative to protect it from rot, fungi, and insects. At Sutton Sheds, we apply a coat of Protek preservative in standard golden-brown to all our workshops and sheds after manufacture. Where preferred, customers can choose from over 100 colours from the Protek Royal Exterior range.
All our garden workshops are finished with a quality 20kg polyester roof felt to ensure the roof is waterproof and to prevent leaks.
By following these steps, you’ll create a solid and well-prepared foundation for your new wooden workshop. Thoughtful planning and preparation not only ensure a durable structure but also enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your garden. With everything in place, you’ll soon have a practical and charming addition to your outdoor space, ready for all your projects and pursuits.
Wooden workshops from Sutton Sheds
We do not hold pre-made timber workshops in stock, to be installed upon receipt of a customer order. Instead, we manufacture every one of our garden structures to order only and we deliver and install them at your chosen location. If our standard wooden workshops do not offer what you need in terms of size and/or configuration, our custom-build service can help. We will work with you to create a bespoke workshop to your exact specifications, to meet your individual needs.
To find out more contact us by email or give us a call on 01526 342777.
