Concrete bases form the foundation of countless garden and landscaping projects — from sheds and summerhouses to patios and extensions. In this post, we take you behind the scenes at Plex to show how our teams prepare, pour, and finish professional concrete bases across Worcestershire. You’ll learn what really goes into the groundwork, why precision is essential, and how a well-built base ensures long-term stability for any outdoor structure.
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Concrete bases are the unsung heroes of landscaping. They provide the structural integrity for everything from greenhouses and pergolas to workshops and garden rooms. In Worcestershire, where ground conditions range from clay-heavy soil in Droitwich to sandy loam in Evesham, a uniform approach doesn’t work — every site needs its own preparation strategy.
A DIY concrete base might seem simple, but without correct sub-base compaction, formwork, or curing, cracks can appear within months. A professionally installed base ensures uniform strength, proper drainage, and a level surface that lasts decades without movement.
Our process begins with a detailed site assessment. We check for slopes, drainage patterns, and ground stability. In Worcester, for example, many gardens naturally slope away from the property, requiring ground levelling or minor excavation.
We then mark out the area precisely using string lines and stakes, ensuring the base aligns perfectly with the intended structure. The next step is excavation — typically 150–250mm deep, depending on the project’s load requirements. Soft spots are removed, and the surface is levelled to create a stable foundation.
The sub-base is the layer that absorbs weight and prevents the concrete from cracking or sinking. We use MOT Type 1 crushed stone, compacted in layers using a vibrating plate compactor. This step is critical — the sub-base must be firm enough that no footprints are left when walked on.
In wetter Worcestershire areas such as Pershore or Malvern, we sometimes incorporate a layer of free-draining hardcore beneath the sub-base to improve water management and prevent frost-related movement.
Once the sub-base is ready, we install formwork — strong timber or steel boards that outline the base’s shape and height. This ensures the concrete holds its shape during pouring and curing.
We use laser levels and spirit levels to set the top edge of the formwork to the exact finished height, guaranteeing the surface will be perfectly flat or sloped as required for drainage.
For large projects like garage bases or garden rooms, expansion joints are planned to allow controlled movement as the concrete cures.
Reinforcement is essential for concrete bases supporting heavy loads or structures. Depending on the project, we use steel mesh (A142 or A193) or rebar grids placed on small spacers to sit within the middle of the concrete layer.
This reinforcement prevents cracking and helps distribute weight evenly across the slab. In areas like Kidderminster, where ground moisture fluctuates seasonally, reinforced concrete provides long-term durability.
We typically use C25 to C35 grade concrete, depending on project demands. This mix ensures optimal strength for domestic and light commercial applications. Concrete can be mixed on-site for smaller projects or delivered ready-mixed for larger installations.
During the pour, the concrete is spread evenly across the formwork and vibrated or tamped to remove air pockets. This process, known as compaction, is key to eliminating weak points. Our teams then screed the surface to create a perfectly smooth and level finish.
After levelling, the surface is finished to suit its purpose — from a smooth trowelled finish for patios to a textured or brushed finish for non-slip workshop floors.
The curing process begins immediately. We protect the slab from direct sun, frost, or heavy rain using curing blankets or plastic sheeting. Concrete continues to strengthen over several days — reaching around 70% of its full strength within the first week.
For precision work, Plex often revisits the site after curing to check for settlement, ensuring the surface remains completely level and ready for installation of garden buildings or paving.
Drainage around the base is just as important as the slab itself. We create slight perimeter falls or install soakaways where required to prevent water collecting around the edges. This protects the concrete from erosion and frost damage over time.
Perimeter edging or brick courses are also added at this stage if the structure design calls for raised foundations or decorative borders.
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Building on Worcestershire soil requires a deep understanding of how moisture and temperature affect stability. In clay-heavy areas, a concrete base must be thicker and better drained to prevent expansion cracking. In sandy soils, proper compaction and reinforcement are vital.
Because Plex works across Worcester, Pershore, and Malvern, we know how to adapt to local conditions — ensuring every base we install stands the test of time.
Every Plex project complies with British Standards for concrete works (BS EN 206). From PPE and equipment safety to mix ratios and curing times, our teams follow precise procedures.
According to Concrete Centre UK, achieving long-term durability depends on correct curing and reinforcement — factors that can’t be left to chance. That’s why professional installation is the only way to guarantee performance.
1. Strong foundations mean lasting results.
A properly built concrete base ensures stability and prevents cracking or sinking, even after years of use.
2. Sub-base compaction is essential.
Without a solid, compacted foundation layer, concrete can settle unevenly or fail under weight.
3. Reinforcement prevents cracking.
Steel mesh or rebar adds crucial tensile strength, especially for heavy structures like workshops or garages.
4. Local conditions affect performance.
Clay and sandy soils require different construction methods — local expertise ensures long-term durability.
5. Professional curing makes all the difference.
Concrete must be protected as it hardens; rushing this step leads to weak, brittle slabs.
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Concrete bases are not one-size-fits-all — the right specification depends on the structure they’ll support.
For garden sheds and greenhouses, a 100mm reinforced slab is typically sufficient. These bases prioritise smoothness and level accuracy to ensure doors align correctly and structures sit flush.
Workshops and garages, on the other hand, require thicker bases — often 150–200mm — reinforced with heavy-duty rebar to handle vehicle or machinery loads. Drainage channels are sometimes added to manage water run-off from equipment cleaning or rain.
For patio or pergola bases, the focus is on aesthetics and water flow. Here, the concrete may be part of a layered system — forming the hidden strength beneath decorative paving or stonework.
Some homeowners in Worcestershire also request floating concrete bases for garden rooms, designed to support insulated timber structures while reducing ground moisture transfer.
Each type demands a slightly different technique, but all rely on the same principles: level preparation, proper reinforcement, and slow, consistent curing. Whether you’re building a summerhouse in Malvern or a new storage unit in Worcester, the success of your project begins — and ends — with the base.
Building a concrete base is far more than just pouring and smoothing. It’s an exacting process that demands precision, local knowledge, and experience. At Plex, every base we install represents structural reliability, whether for a garden building, extension, or outdoor living area. From soil preparation to reinforcement and finishing, we take pride in doing the unseen work that guarantees visible results. Because when the groundwork is right, everything built above it stands strong — season after season, year after year.
Retaining walls are more than just garden features — they’re structural systems that hold back soil, prevent erosion, and shape multi-level outdoor spaces. In this post, we take you behind the scenes at Plex to show how our team designs and builds retaining walls that stand strong through Worcestershire’s changing seasons. Learn what materials, drainage systems, and engineering techniques ensure every wall looks beautiful and lasts for decades.
Concrete bases form the foundation of countless garden and landscaping projects — from sheds and summerhouses to patios and extensions. In this post, we take you behind the scenes at Plex to show how our teams prepare, pour, and finish professional concrete bases across Worcestershire. You’ll learn what really goes into the groundwork, why precision is essential, and how a well-built base ensures long-term stability for any outdoor structure.
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Ever wondered what really goes into preparing a professional patio or garden path? In this post, we take you behind the scenes at Plex to show the full process — from excavation to sub-base compaction — that ensures every surface stays level, strong, and long-lasting. Learn the science, precision, and materials that make the difference between a short-lived patio and one that lasts decades.
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I would highly recommend Luke and Patrick and their team. They are all extremely polite and hard-working. They put up a new pergola in our back garden and tidied up the edges of the garden. An excellent job.
I can highly recommend Luke and his team. My garden had got a little overrun due to all the rain and needed some serious attention. They were on time and left my garden looking fantastic. I am so pleased that i will now be using them to maintain my garden permanently.
I had an overgrown garden and after placing an advertisement for someone to clear my garden they were the quickest to reply and offer their services. The work carried out was very good they were very efficient and I’m very pleased with the outcome.
Luke and Patrick have completed two projects for us now. They are the most polite and professional people with a hardworking team of individuals. Nothing is too much trouble for them.
Luke and his team were incredibly professional, polite and hard working. They did an amazing job cutting back my huge holly hedge and reducing four other large trees and bushes in the space of one day - it would have taken me weeks. Fast, efficient and very reasonably price.
Luke and his team are really lovely and professional. Cannot recommend him enough.
All the team are very personable, efficient, hard working, flexible and reliable they keep the customer in touch with any change of plans and timings. i can thoroughly recommend them.
Luke and the team are absolutely brilliant. A passion for what they do and personal but professional, so pleased to have found them!
We had some overgrown garden shrubs cut down to size. The service was professional and thorough from the initial visit, where Luke discussed various options regarding shaping and pruning, to the actual trimming.
Luke and his team offer a well run and professional service and are always willing to ensure the job is completed to customer satisfaction.
A relative's garden had become very overgrown. Luke and team come once a fortnight and have been slowly restoring it. It's already looking loads better. What's more, they take away all the garden waste and check in regularly to make sure they are meeting your requirements.
I can highly recommend Luke and his team, very professional from the quote to the finished job they went above and beyond replacing and installing a new fence for me. They did a fantastic job, will not hesitate to use them again. Great job guys. Thank you.
Our garden fence was damaged in a storm in December and a poor attempt to repair it by another company had left it sagging. The guys from Plex Procurement Group quickly worked out what needed to be done to fix and stabilise it and we are very pleased with the result.
Really pleased with the gardening the team are doing. They've helped get on top of the garden and are now maintaining it with regular visits. Very dependable and good quality work. Thanks Luke!
Patrick and his team came out to level our lawn out in harsh weather. Moving all the soil/mud by wheelbarrow to the front driveway. It was completed efficiently and at low cost. I would recommend Plex to my friends and family. We have them coming along to do some more work soon.
Really pleased with the concrete base for my carport that was completed by the team , worked really hard in poor weather conditions . Great job would definitely recommend the team .
We're really pleased with the changes you've made to our front garden and would have no hesitation recommending you and your team. I really appreciate you coming to water the garden once the job was finished and the after sales service was superb.
Completely satisfied with work carried out and very impressed with work ethic of the whole team. Their level of commitment is exemplary. Our garden will now be much easier to manage with the raised borders. Have already booked for further work in the spring.
Our garden has never looked better - hard-working, thorough, and also great at getting in touch if there's a change to the schedule, etc. They have nursed our box hedging back to health. Before and and after photos are a bonus!
The guys worked tirelessly for 10 days on my 100m hedge. This was a mammoth task, and they turned up on time every day with smiles on their faces. Polite, helpful, courteous and hard working. Price was also very reasonable. Would certainly recommend
Competitive price wise even though the work carried out was to a very high standard. I was very pleased with the end result and impressed with the tidiness they left the garden after all the work was carried out. A very happy customer!
Luke & the team are extremely efficient and professional. Our lawns look very neat and tidy. Thank you.
I can easily rate Garden Guys as 5 star. The are good listeners, respectful and will always go that extra mile to make sure you’re left smiling. ? After a couple of really bad years have left me incapacitated to do the smallest of jobs, I have really needed their support.
Very obliging and efficient we have worked out a schedule that suits us both.
Hard working young team. Plenty of effective machinery and responded to special requests. Will be using them this summer and confident the relationship should develop.
Excellent service and great communication. Would highly recommend.
The boys were charming, came on a Sunday worked very hard all day, and did a fantastic job of literally halving the height of my very out-of-control hedge. Highly recommend.
They are really hard working efficient and tidy so the garden always looks better for the visit. They add more each time an have the sense to check stuff if they are less sure about odd plants or problems. Highly recommended.
Excellent job. Very nice lads. Our timings were out due to weather and for me going into hospital. They took the job on and completed it perfectly without me. Very trustworthy and no hesitation in recommending this business. Thank you, Jan
Extremely polite and did their best in the pouring rain!
Fantastic friendly team, hard working, have done many varieties of jobs for myself, and really great rates to boot!
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