Jump to:
A concrete shed base is one of the longest-lasting base options for a garden building. But when it’s time for a change, it turns into an obstacle to remove. This can happen whether you’re taking down your garden storage or using the space in another way. We’ll take you through the steps to get started.
5 Steps for Removing a Concrete Shed Base
With the right tools, you can carry out this project yourself. These include:
- Sledgehammer
- Bolster chisel
- Crowbar
- Strong gloves
- Safety glasses
- Wheelbarrow
- Skip or rubble sacks
Have these ready, and you’re set for step one. Once the shed moving process is complete, you’ll be ready to start.
Step 1: Prepare the ground
Before you start swinging a hammer, clear away anything sitting on or around the base. Might as well double-check what’s underneath or close to it, such as pipes or cables.
If all is clear, kit yourself with PPE, including safety glasses and gloves, so you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Break the base
Start at the edge of the slab and hit it with the sledgehammer. Don’t try to smash through a big section. Instead, make separate hits across the surface, a bit like a polka-dot pattern.
Each strike weakens that spot, and as you go, cracks will form between them. Put the bolster chisel in the crack and hit it with the hammer to widen it. Use the crowbar to get under the edge and lift the piece out.
Work across the slab, breaking it into chunks, and you’ll end up with a pile of concrete ready to move.
Step 3: Remove concrete bits
Start with the smaller chunks, then move on to the heavier pieces. Put them in rubble sacks, then load them in a wheelbarrow. Be careful not to overload the sack or barrow; stick to its recommended capacity limit.
Tip it into the skip or a neat pile ready for collection.
Step 4: Clear the ground
When the last chunk of concrete is out, the job’s not over yet. Run through the area with a rake or shovel to get rid of leftover rubble—otherwise, they’ll only get in the way later. Level out any uneven patches so the ground is flat and clean overall.
From here, you’ve got a few choices. If you want a fresh lawn, cover the soil with turf or seed. For a shed replacement, you can put in a new base, such as gravel or slabs.
Step 5: Dispose
Here are a few routes for concrete shed base rubble disposal:
- Skip hire – Hiring one is handy if there’s a lot to get rid of. A lorry drops the skip off, you chuck the rubble in, and they cart it away.
- Recycling centre – Most tips accept concrete, but check the rules and whether you need to book. This will do if you don’t mind doing a few runs in the car.
Again, rubble bags are your best bet for collecting piles. Sling them in the boot for a trip to the tip, or book a collection if that’s easier.
Round-up
Removing a concrete shed base takes effort, but it’s completely doable with these steps. From there, you can turn the cleared area into a new shed base, a patio, or open garden space with new sets. Check out these deck furniture ideas next for inspiration!
