Railway sleepers for shed base

Kieron · « **on:** January 20, 2009, 17:43 »

Hi all,

I have a completely clear plot on a new and cleared site and am looking to get a base for a 6x4 shed down.

Initially I was thinking concrete but discounted due to inflexible should plot change (first plot so likely), cost and skill required.

Then considered patio slabs but having seen about 10+ sheds on our site blown over on their sides at the weekend the day after they'd all be put down I discounted that.

So I've got 4 half sleepers. 4' wide 10x8". Plan is to level ground and screw/nail shed to sleepers.

Initially I thought this was a great idea but I'm having reservations about it being enough to secure the shed to the floor. Anyone have experience with this method and is it sound?

Cheers

Trillium · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2009, 18:05 »

when you know the direction of your prevailing wind, set the shed back to face that direction. There will be no openings for the wind to catch and more easily blow over the shed.
Also, fix very strong lag bolts with strong hooks, 2-3 per side to latch down the shed to the sleepers. If you're very worried, drill holes into both sleeper corners of the windy side in which you'll insert strong lengths of pipe which you'll also bolt to the shed corners. I find that 3-4 foot of pipe above ground seems to anchor a building well as any wind would have to also pull up the heavy sleepers.

mumofstig · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2009, 18:32 »

Bang some stout posts into the earth at the side of the sleepers. fix through the posts into the sleepers. Just gives an extra layer of holding power. SIL did mine and it's not going anywhere!

Kieron · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2009, 22:37 »

Excellent ideas and I shall probably incorporate both into the base.

Really appreciate the info.

SIL? Not sure I follow. What or who is SIL? :scratch:

shaun · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2009, 22:41 »

sister-in-law

muntjac · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2009, 04:45 »

if you can get hold of some of those metal rods that apppear on building sites for holding up orange type temp fencing try cutting them in half about 2ft lengths and drill holes in the outside edge of the sleepers and about 3 inches in and right through then bang the rods down in the ground until the hook part meets the wood now bend them over if needed with a lump hammer

Salmo · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2009, 10:59 »

The things that Muntjac refers to are called lamp irons and you can get them at any builders merchants. Usually in dozen packs at about £1.50 each.

Kieron · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2009, 17:54 »

You mean these?

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Railway sleepers for shed base

Trillium