What is the best base for a garden room?

In this article, we'll address common questions regarding the foundation or base requirements for a garden room. These include questions such as:

1. What is the best base for a garden room?
2. What is the cheapest base?
3. Do garden rooms need a concrete base?
4. What is the alternative to a concrete slab for a garden room?
5. How deep should a concrete slab be for a garden room?

Before we look at the cheapest, the best and the alternatives, let's discuss whether a garden room needs a concrete base.

Whether a garden room requires a concrete base depends on various factors, including the ground type, size and weight of the structure and the intended use of the space. While a concrete base offers stability and durability, it might not always be necessary. Concrete bases are not the greenest of choices and are a more expensive choice. Other options include concrete piles, ground screws and concrete pads. Smaller garden rooms, summer houses or log cabins might suffice with alternative foundations like paving slabs or plastic grid systems. However, for larger or permanent structures, especially those intended for year-round occupancy, a concrete base, concrete piles, concrete pad or ground screws are often recommended to ensure structural integrity and longevity, providing a solid foundation to support the weight of the garden room and resist ground movement. Consulting with a local garden room company can provide specific guidance tailored to your project's requirements and local regulations. It is worth noting that a garden room over 30m2 will be subject to building regulations and will have the foundations designed specifically according to the soil type. So let's look at the different options and the pros and cons of each as well as the cost.

Concrete raft with steel cages and bars. Insulation, screed and masonry plinth.

  Garden Room Foundation Types: Concrete bases vs Ground Screws vs Concrete Piles vs Plastic grid System: The pros and cons of each  

Type	Pros	Cons	Cost
Concrete Raft	Provides a solid foundation, especially good for garden room gyms or where there is heavy equipment, running or bouncing around No gap between the garden room and the ground, effectively preventing small animals and rodents from nesting underneath.  Stops weeds etc growing underneath your room	This option comes at a higher price point, approximately £70 per square meter, not including labour costs, with additional charges possible for soil excavation. Less environmentally sustainable when compared to alternative foundation methods. Risks damaging tree roots and may not be compatible with all soil conditions. The process of installation and setting takes several days to complete. Timber subframes that come into contact with concrete are susceptible to rot, necessitating preventive treatments for durability.	£££
Ground Screws	Installation is quick, often completed within just a morning. Eliminates the requirement for digging or excavation work. Enables immediate construction following installation. Offers greater durability than concrete, while also being more eco-friendly. Ideal for sloped or irregular terrains, without causing damage to tree roots. Raises timber above moist surfaces, mitigating the risk of decay. Perfectly suited for areas with significant ground unevenness.	Potentially more expensive than concrete foundations. May necessitate extra measures, such as steps or decking, to address gaps due to uneven terrain. Coordination with subcontractors could be required. The presence of large screw heads and central placement of the garden room floor frame might lead to the need for additional decking or similar solutions to hide the ground screws, adding to the overall cost. Gaps could provide openings for pests to enter.	£££
Concrete Pile Foundations	Offers an environmentally friendly option, slashing concrete use by over 90% compared to conventional slabs. Installation is swift and efficient, typically completed within a morning, causing minimal disruption without the need for heavy excavation equipment. Distributes weight evenly across several points for enhanced stability. Versatile enough to be effective on various ground conditions, including slopes and uneven landscapes. Unaffected by and does not harm tree roots, making it an ideal choice for garden settings. Elevates the structure above moist and cold ground, reducing the risk of rot and thereby prolonging the garden room's durability. Lightweight and easily transported, making it suitable for locations with limited access.	Uneven terrain can result in gaps between the ground and the garden room, necessitating solutions for coverage that could lead to extra expenses. Not recommended for significantly sloped areas.	££
Plastic Grid System (ProBase)	Cost-effective ProBASE systems are fully recyclable, require no maintenance, and are lightweight and straightforward to manage, all while being significantly more affordable than traditional concrete foundations. Installation is straightforward and efficient. Enhances air circulation, which facilitates the drying of timber. Made from recycled plastic, ensuring excellent drainage. Allows for immediate commencement of construction following installation.	The effectiveness is influenced by the condition of the underlying terrain; the structure may shift if the ground changes. Initially designed for lighter constructions such as sheds, log cabins, and summer houses. There's a higher risk of moisture penetration. While gravel can ward off larger pests, smaller insects might still find their way in. Due to its less rigid material composition, it's more susceptible to shifting.	£
EasyPad (concrete pads)	Raises timber above the ground, ensuring it stays dry and is properly aerated. Its lightweight design facilitates easy transportation to locations with limited access. Provides up to 150mm of adjustability for precise on-site levelling. An environmentally friendly option, cutting down concrete usage by 98% relative to conventional bases. Installation is straightforward, needing no specialised skills or tools.	Installation may be prolonged and potentially unsuitable for extremely uneven garden landscapes. Not the best choice for areas with especially soggy or soft ground. The need for additional excavation and soil removal to fit the 400mm x 400mm pads can lead to higher costs. Alternatively, if you can use the soil in your garden you can save money.	££What would you like to do next? Find out how much a garden room costs. Find out how much a pod kit costs. Design your own garden room for free that will be installed by us.

  How deep should a concrete slab be for a garden room? A concrete raft should be a minimum of 150mm thick (C35) with A142 or similar mesh reinforcement.

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