Laying a concrete base?

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by IceColdRum, Jul 31, 2015.

  1. IceColdRum

    IceColdRum Cacti & Herb Mad

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    So I understand the basics (although a run through would be good) but how do I work out how much concrete I need? I'd prefer to use premixed bags purely for ease...

    it's an 8x6ft greenhouse
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I think we need more info, like how thick you intend, or if you will be completely covering the area or just making a base for it to stand on.
    My greenhouses are on a raised 4 in wide concrete surround.
    The actual area of the greenhouse is slabs and shingle laid on a membrane.
     
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    • IceColdRum

      IceColdRum Cacti & Herb Mad

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      I intend to completely cover the entire area and thickness is really whatever it needs to be...
       
    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      There are calculators for doing just that on the Net.:coffee::snork:
       
    • alexmac

      alexmac Gardener

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      I would think twice about complete coverage as this once laid instantly sets/reduces growing height and growing options. A lot of people complain about the restrictions of a complete base.
      regards Alex
       
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      • IceColdRum

        IceColdRum Cacti & Herb Mad

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        I will have a complete monoculture of cacti so this won't be an issue, but thanks anyway.

        Sent on the go from my telephone
         
      • Bumbalina

        Bumbalina My name is Bumbalina and I am a garden-a-holic

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        Hi Icecoldrum. Ive just completely redone my garden including doing my own giant concrete floor in the shape of a flower. I really couldn't say how much stuff you need (I got tonne bags in and cant remember how my I got in the end) but I would suggest that unless money isn't an issue then you take the extra time to mix your own, premixis going to be a huge cost compared to getting the cement, sand and ballast separate. And remember to put a layer of stones down for your concrete to go onto. Good luck with it. Its hard work, but so worth it.
         
      • hans

        hans Gardener

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        16 cubic feet = 4ins deep
         
      • IceColdRum

        IceColdRum Cacti & Herb Mad

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        Okay so Bumballina is on the money premix is way too expensive! so please bear with me DIY is really not my strong point!

        I found this video which looks pretty straight forward



        I've looked at calculators online and they are very confusing... what sort of mix should I be using for a slab? I've found that B&Q sell bags of ballast for £1.50ish if you buy 10+ (ballast is a mix of gravel and sand?) and then I can just add cement and water? I can rent a cement mixer for just £20 a week locally so that makes it a bit easier on my back.

        and I see they also sell timber which I could use to make up a frame

        http://www.diy.com/departments/softwood-sawn-timber-t47mm-w100mm-l2400mm/555343_BQ.prd

        so that would make the base just shy of 4"

        so based on say my current greenhouse which is 8x6ft (exact base dimensions are 1920mm x 2542mm) how much extra either side should I leave?
         
      • IceColdRum

        IceColdRum Cacti & Herb Mad

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        I think I'm just going to do concrete footings and then add a single row of concrete blocks on there side for height... that's something I feel might be able to achieve...
         
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        • hans

          hans Gardener

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          I would go for the footing way and solid concrete blocks. You could put some 300 x 300 slabs for a path and grow into the soil or in containers on top. More alternatives this way concrete is very permanent.
           
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