Victorian terraces in Battersea often hide surprisingly long gardens perfect for workshops and studios. Getting the foundation right determines whether your shed lasts decades or develops that dreaded lean after the first winter.
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South of the river, where railway arches meet riverside apartments, garden sheds serve countless purposes. From bike storage in Nine Elms' new builds to artist studios tucked behind Northcote Road's period properties, each structure needs proper groundwork. Clay soil near the Thames presents particular challenges - moisture levels fluctuate dramatically between seasons, making amateur bases crack and shift.
Excavation depth depends entirely on what sits above. Lightweight potting sheds require minimal preparation, perhaps 100mm of compacted hardcore. Heavier workshops demand reinforced concrete slabs, steel mesh included, extending beyond the building's footprint. Ground conditions dictate everything - that boggy corner where nothing grows properly needs French drains before any base goes down.
Twenty years handling Battersea's quirky plots means recognising problems before digging starts. Those narrow access paths between terraces? Equipment fits through with centimetres to spare.
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Small timber bases (6x4ft) start around £350-450. Standard concrete slabs (8x10ft) typically run £600-850. Larger workshop foundations can reach £1200-1500, especially if drainage work's needed.
Most Battersea properties we've tackled, including those tightly-packed streets around St John's Hill. Mini-diggers fit through 750mm gaps, wheelbarrows manage even less.
Timber frame bases: usually done by lunchtime. Concrete installations need 2-3 days including cure time before shed assembly.
Structural defects in our groundwork carry decade-long protection. Settlement issues, concrete cracking, timber rot - all covered without quibbling over causes.
Timber suits dry spots with good drainage - cheaper, quicker, allows airflow underneath. Concrete wins for heavy structures, damp areas, or anywhere you need absolute permanence. Most Battersea gardens benefit from concrete given the clay soil.
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