Garden houses come in a variety of designs: from the small hut, in which only the garden tools can be accommodated, to the spacious arbor, in which heating and sanitary facilities ensure comfort, almost anything is possible. A good foundation is essential to ensure that the house does not become lopsided over the years. In this article we would like to introduce you to the common substructure types.

A concrete foundation is stable and frost-proof

The planning of the foundation

Laying the foundation is no problem with a little manual skill. The machines required for this work can be rented inexpensively in many hardware stores, so that the physical exertion is kept within limits. Which type you ultimately choose depends on the subsoil, the size and the future use of the house.

What tools are needed?

These vary a little depending on the version. The following tools are useful:

  • bricklaying cord
  • spade
  • bucket and wheelbarrow
  • level
  • formwork boards or wooden pegs
  • A sufficient amount of gravel and ready-mixed concrete
  • vibrating plate
  • mini excavator

The foundation of concrete slabs

This is probably the simplest variant, which is very suitable for smaller garden houses. First tension a scaffold and then proceed as follows:

  • Dig the soil about 25 centimeters deep and 10 centimeters larger than the base.
  • Add a layer of gravel about 10 centimeters thick and a thin layer of sand on top.
  • The concrete slabs are laid in this bed.
  • Distribute the sand on the slabs and sweep well into the joints.
  • Support the edges with mortar.

The foundation plate: Stable and frost-proof

If the house is larger than a tool shed or the ground is not very compact, a continuous foundation plate is the better solution. With a little skill, you can easily create this yourself.

  • Dig a pit at least 30 centimeters deep with an overhang of 10 centimeters.
  • Attach edge formwork made of stable boards so that the concrete does not spill over the edge.
  • Fill in a layer of gravel about 15 centimeters thick.
  • Compact the material with a vibrating plate (€499.00) and spread a PE film over it to protect against moisture and frost.
  • Backfill with a layer of concrete into which a steel mesh is placed and a second layer of concrete.
  • Smooth the surface with a squeegee.

You can place another layer of gravel over this base plate, into which paving stones that look more attractive can then be laid.

The strip foundation

You only have to create this under the load-bearing walls, and in the case of a light and not too large summerhouse (€24.90) even without steel reinforcement. Since a concrete floor slab about 10 centimeters thick is sufficient, you save a lot of expensive material. However, the construction is more complex because the concrete strips have to protrude far into the ground. A mini excavator is very helpful here, because it makes the strenuous work noticeably easier.

Method:

  • Dig the soil about 20 centimeters deep.
  • Dig a trench 60 centimeters deep and 30 centimeters wide along the outer walls.
  • If necessary, attach a formwork made of stable boards.
  • Fill with concrete, the wood can then remain in the floor as additional insulation.
  • Spread a thin layer of gravel over the entire surface and fill with concrete.

The point foundation, ideal when the ground conditions are consistent

Nine symmetrically arranged individual foundations usually form the point foundation.

  • Complete the thread foundation with crosswise stretched cords.
  • Then dig holes at least 80 centimeters deep with 40 centimeters on each side along the outer walls and in the middle of the garden house.
  • Board these with stable boards if necessary. This is only necessary if the subsoil is not very stable.
  • Fill up with concrete.

Since no base plate is usually poured here, it is important to place the individual concrete points at least five centimeters above the edge of the lawn. Another substructure made of wood is then attached to this.

The pile foundation

If the arbor is to stand by a body of water or on relatively wet ground, a garden house standing on stilts is not only the ideal solution in terms of looks, but also practically. It is realized using wooden or cast concrete piles driven into the ground. With prefabricated, pressure-treated squared timber, it is very easy and inexpensive to create. The substructure of the garden house is then screwed to this base, time-consuming excavation work and concreting are no longer necessary.

tips

When planning the foundation, be sure to consider power lines and plumbing. Please bear in mind that a building permit is required in almost all federal states for garden houses constructed in this way.

Category:

Garden design