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How to seal concrete slab before shed installation?

Innov8tive

So, I'm doing this one especially for myself.

This is going to be for a work shed. I'll be using the work shed for building wooden furniture and restoring wooden furniture. Obviously my tools will be going inside the shed.

So to start with the foundation is already a concrete slab so no need to have a new slab poured.

I'm in the planning stage. First off I'm going to clean the space and re seal it.

So need to still do that and paint the back fence.

I think the biggest shed I can have in this space would be possibly a 3 x 2. That's with leaving the gap between the fence line. I will do the measurements again for precision.

I'm just wondering what product I would need to seal the slab. I'm going to just give it a very basic clean up and then will seal it. The slab is actually a car parking spot but it's not used for that purpose.

Already have everything to paint the fence.

I'm currently looking at Absco sheds but it would depend on if there is anything in the size close enough to what I need.

Also I need a shed that has a front facing door due to the layout of the backyard and deck. I will get something with windows as good ventilation is necessary for when I use any type of solvents and paint.

I'm shed hunting and drawing up plans at the moment but best get the slab and fence sorted first.

Mainly looking for advice with sealing the slab before installing a shed. There are no cracks in the slab either.

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MitchellMc

Hi @Innov8tive,

That looks like a great spot for a workshop, and having an existing sound concrete slab certainly gives you a good starting point.

For sealing the slab, I'd first give it a thorough clean with a pressure washer and suitable concrete cleaner/degreaser, particularly as it has previously been used as a parking area. Allow it to dry thoroughly before applying a concrete paint. This will help reduce moisture absorption and make the slab easier to keep clean without creating a particularly slippery or glossy workshop floor.

Before choosing the shed, I'd also check that the slab has sufficient fall so rainwater isn't going to collect around or run underneath the shed. When you eventually install it, sealing around the base of the shed will also be important to prevent wind-driven rain entering underneath.

For a woodworking space, I'd prioritise the largest shed you can comfortably accommodate while maintaining the required boundary clearances. Windows will certainly help, although I'd still recommend plenty of ventilation when working with paints or solvents and following the ventilation requirements specified on those products.

It's also worth checking with your local council regarding size, boundary setbacks and whether approval is required before settling on the 3 x 2m option.

You should also consider our Shed Assembly Service.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Innov8tive

Hi @MitchellMc

Do you happen to have any idea if Bunnings hire out pressure cleaners?

I think I will just focus on the steps of doing the driveway first and then I'll start thinking about the shed.

I've already contacted the council to find out what the guidelines are for shed installation on a residential property as I will be putting something in that requires no council approval.

I'll come back to this post when I'm in the position of installing the shed.

Innov8tive

@MitchellMc

I'm looking at possibly going for something like this.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/250374/stilla-peppertree-studio-build-for-craft-room

Innov8tive

I've decided to get a professional in to clean the carport and seal it. That way I can focus on the shed. I've decided to build my own shed as I really can't find what I'm looking for so best to build it myself and save some money. I've decided to have a raised wooden floor off the concrete because standing on concrete for long hours is not good for the body. I'll start drawing up some plans in the next few weeks.

MitchellMc

I think it's worth considering the kit option carefully before committing to building the whole shed from scratch, @Innov8tive.

Although something like the https://www.bunnings.com.au/stilla-timber-2-74m-x-1-92m-peppertree-studio_p0527768?msockid=224da806a54066bc02d3bfaaa4146747 is a significant upfront investment, building an equivalent structure yourself isn't necessarily going to save as much as you might expect. The timber, cladding, roofing, flooring, windows, doors, fixings and other materials alone could easily account for a substantial portion of the cost of a complete kit.

You'd then need to factor in your time. Building something like this from scratch would be a high-level, advanced D.I.Y. project and could potentially take several weeks. You may also need additional tools, with something like a compound mitre saw being particularly useful when constructing and accurately fitting the framing, windows, doors and trim.

There's also the design work involved. You'll either need suitable plans or need to develop your own, including working out the framing, roof structure, openings and material quantities. By comparison, the Peppertree project you've linked came as a complete kit with instructions and the required components, and the member described the instructions as easy to follow. Even with the kit, they used a drill, circular saw, hand saw and brad nail gun, and needed another person to help install the roof.

So while there's certainly satisfaction in building your own, I wouldn't assume it's automatically the cheaper or easier option. A kit removes a huge amount of the design, material selection, cutting and fabrication work while still giving you a substantial D.I.Y. project, and even the assembly alone of the kit would be a significant undertaking.

And yes, we do hire pressure cleaners if you decide you'd prefer to tackle the carport yourself at some stage.

Mitchell

Innov8tive

@MitchellMc

That kit is massively expensive and I'm not really willing to part with that amount of money.

I will take into consideration your points while I'm designing and planning this shed.

Thank you for the advice.

Innov8tive

EricL

Hello @Innov8tive

I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - How to build a 3X6 wooden shed? by @LieslC. My teammate Jacob has provided some excellent links on D.I.Y timber shed projects. My other recommendation is to look at this project - Art studio in transformed garage by @JoLee as a possible alternative. This is of course on the condition that you have extra space in your garage.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Innov8tive

@EricL

Thanks so much for this. I will take a look at these projects. The carport is booked in for a clean and seal now so my dream is getting closer

Innov8tive

@MitchellMc @EricL

I have found a place that has a showroom. It is possible these timber sheds may be just what I am after. I am only growing as a woodworker so I do not need anything massive to start with as I will grow along the way. The bonus with this is I could actually take it down and take it with me if I do move. I am looking forward to going to their showroom.

https://www.gardenshedsgalore.com.au/product/treated-pine-timber-shed-special-treated-pine-timber-garden-shed-special/

EricL

Hello @Innov8tive

A similar shed to what you have shown would be the https://www.bunnings.com.au/stilla-2-53-x-1-84-x-2-55m-hyland-cedar-shed_p3316923 . Its main advantage is that it uses Cedar timber which is naturally resistant to decay, moisture and insect attack, which makes it a popular timber for outdoor applications. It is also lightweight, dimensionally stable and less prone to warping and splitting than many other timbers. It also has Colorbond roofing and the unit comes with a window in the door. Just keep in mind that these units can be modified by adding windows or extra doors. Just type in "Stilla" on the Bunnings webpage and you'll see a great number of models.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Innov8tive

@EricL

These are nice sheds definitely, but I am trying to stick to a budget at the moment. I will save it and look at both options over time to weigh things up. I am just keeping in focus that I need to stay within a budget. Out of curiosity, I see this is a special orders item. Does bunnings still offer installation for this particular model?

EricL

Hello @Innov8tive

The store does offer a Shed Assembly Service. If you can tell me the closest store to your location, I can find out if they install Stilla sheds. At the moment not all sheds can be assembled as part of this service.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Innov8tive

Hi @EricL

Closest bunnings to my location is Altona, Victoria. Millers Road exit.

Thank you.

EricL

Hello @Innov8tive

I've just been in contact with the Bunnings Altona store, and the Stilla sheds do not fall into the installation category. In saying that, the assembly of the Stilla sheds is fairly straight forward as seen in these guides - It's easy to build a Stilla shed! and this one as well - Stilla Willow 12×8.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Innov8tive

Hello @EricL

Thank for finding that out for me. I thought it might be the case. At the moment I am just going to put installation aside and focus on the shed I am actually going to buy.

I checked out the one you recommended. https://www.bunnings.com.au/stilla-2-53-x-1-84-x-2-55m-hyland-cedar-shed_p3316923

I did some measurements today. What I am most concerned about is the height. In one of my images with double blue arrows above the trees is where the height would reach to. Obviously, it will be away from the tree but that would be the height. I also measured 260mm away from both fencelines.

I also took an image of where the gate opens up onto the area where the shed will go. Clearly, I will need to leave ample room for that gate to be opened and closed. It is also the direction the door to the shed will be facing as if it is facing any other way that will not be ideal at all.

I have also included images of the width and depth marked out. The thing is the shed is able to fit into the space but I am a visual person so trying to imagine in my head what it would look like, how much space I will really have and if it is not going to interfere with access to any relevant parts of the backyard is challenging.

I have also decided to purchase a substrate floor if I end up going with this shed, and an opening window for extra ventilation but for now I am still planning and trying to find the most suitable shed given all the things I have mentioned.

EricL

Hello @Innov8tive

I totally understand what you mean, one quick way to visually see the floor space that the shed will occupy is by cutting up some large cardboard boxes and taping them together to the size of the floor area. You can then adjust it and move it around in your available space. The same technique can be applied to the shed height. You can grab some of the free large boxes at the store and tape them together to the height mentioned which is 2.55meters. You can then step back and see how tall the shed will be.

A similar technique is to use a tall ladder and have it stand next to the tree. One other option is to get a willing volunteer to stand in the middle of the space holding a tape measure or long ruler or stick to indicate the shed height.

Eric

Innov8tive

@EricL

Those are really good ideas. I am not so concerned about the shed height anymore. I checked the conditions for sheds and as long as it is not over 3 metres in height and 10 metres in width then I do not any planning permits. I will strap some boxes together to see if the size would be suitable.

Innov8tive

@EricL

I also found this shed from Stilla that would also fit in my space. https://www.stilla.com.au/products/hazel-9x6

I realised I actually do not need a substrate as it is going on concrete even ground which eliminates the need for a substrate for me. The flooring of the shed itself will be slightly raised off the concrete anyway, so I feel that will be fine.

Innov8tive

@EricL

In other words, fasten the shed to the concrete like one would with an Absco shed. That is completely doable.

Innov8tive

@EricL

I also rang and spoke to Stilla. They recommended as an option if I wanted to, to purchase a substrate as I can cut down the posts to size without the need to concrete the posts in. That way it will be more elevated off the concrete floor and water can then run underneath it. Being Melbourne, I'm going to do that because we get a lot of rain in winter. I will also be sealing the shed once it is up for further protection but I'm still at least a few weeks off of even purchasing. I'm just planning right now. I think either the first shed you recommended or the recent one I included a link to that are both Stilla sheds are going to be the best option for me.

I just want to see his level.the concrete floor is. How do I go about checking that it is level please? I do have a leveller but not sure what the simplest way is to check this.

EricL

Hello @Innov8tive

I propose drawing a chalk line of the footprint of the shed. Once you have drawn the chalk line place the spirit level in the middle of the chalk line and it will show you if that side is level or not. Repeat the process for the remaining three sides and it will give you a general idea of level of the cement base. So how will you level the Stilla shed you say? You can either use timber or plastic shims in the corners of the assembly to lift it off the ground. In this manner the wall will then be "square and level".

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Innov8tive

@EricL

Thank you for the response. To avoid all of this - I know a carpenter who will install the shed. Honestly it's going to save me time I don't have, and allow me to focus on the important things I need too. Thank you for all your advice.

Innov8tive