Greenhouse base laying in Newton Abbot
Looking for professional greenhouse base laying help in Newton Abbot? Hembury Contracting provides reliable special occasions services across Newton Abbot and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£260-£410+
Typical Duration
Full day+
Location
Newton Abbot
Greenhouse base laid level and solid. Properly prepared ground, paving slabs or timber frame, ready for your greenhouse to sit square and stable.
### Your Greenhouse Needs a Proper Foundation
You've bought a greenhouse. It's arriving next week. The instructions say "must be installed on a level base" and you're looking at a sloping, lumpy bit of lawn.
A greenhouse on an uneven base won't go together properly. Doors stick, glass cracks, the whole frame twists. You need it dead level, properly supported, and built to last.
We lay greenhouse bases - paving slabs, timber frames, or concrete - that are level, stable, and ready for your greenhouse to sit perfectly.
| ✅ Proper Base | ❌ Wonky Ground | |----------------|-----------------| | Perfectly level | Greenhouse won't assemble | | Stable foundation | Frame twists and binds | | Good drainage | Puddles and rot | | Looks professional | Bodge job appearance | | Lasts for years | Settles and shifts |
**Base types we install:** Paving slab bases, timber frame bases, gravel bases, concrete slab bases.
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### Investment Required
Varies hugely depending on size and base type:
| Greenhouse Size | Typical Time | Estimated Cost | |----------------|--------------|----------------| | Small (6x4 or 6x6) | 5-6 hrs | **£260-£310** | | Medium (8x6 or 8x8) | 6-7 hrs | **£310-£360** | | Large (10x8 or bigger) | Full day+ | **£410+** |
*Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials (slabs, hardcore, timber, fixings) extra, typically £100-300 depending on size and type.*
> 💡 **Pro tip:** Order your greenhouse first, check the exact base dimensions needed, then book us. Greenhouse manufacturers specify base sizes - we need those measurements to get it right.
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### Base Options
🏗️ **Paving Slab Base (Most Popular)** - Ground leveled and compacted - Hardcore or sand base laid - Paving slabs laid level - Perfect for most greenhouses - Good drainage, solid, affordable
🪵 **Timber Frame Base** - Pressure-treated timber frame - Set level on compacted ground - Filled with gravel or left hollow - Lighter, easier for assembly - Good for smaller greenhouses
🪨 **Gravel Base** - Ground leveled - Weed membrane laid - Gravel filled and compacted - Simple, cheap, drains well - Best for lightweight greenhouses
🧱 **Concrete Slab** - Full concrete pour - Reinforced if needed - Permanent, ultra-stable - Best for large/heavy greenhouses - More expensive but lasts forever
Why Choose Us for Greenhouse base laying in Newton Abbot?
Perfectly level base
Long-lasting foundation
Greenhouse sits properly
Expert groundwork
What to Expect
### Step 1: Site Assessment & Quote We measure the greenhouse footprint, check ground levels and access, discuss your greenhouse type and weight, advise on best base option, and provide a detailed quote including materials. ### Step 2: Base Construction We mark out the area accurately, excavate if needed (usually 4-6 inches deep), lay and compact hardcore or sand, install timber frame OR lay slabs level, and check levels obsessively throughout. ### Step 3: Ready for Greenhouse We do final level checks, clear the site of spoil and rubbish, show you the finished base, confirm it's ready for greenhouse assembly, and provide any care instructions (e.g., concrete curing time).
Our Newton Abbot Service Coverage
We cover Newton Abbot and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Newton Abbot or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
**Ground Conditions:** Devon soil varies - clay in some areas, stones in others. We adapt our approach. Clay areas need better drainage, stony areas need more excavation. **Existing Lawns:** We remove turf and topsoil before building the base. If you want the turf saved for elsewhere in the garden, let us know. **Planning Permission:** Small domestic greenhouses don't usually need permission, nor do their bases. But if you're near boundaries or in a conservation area, worth checking. **Combo Service:** We do base laying AND greenhouse assembly as a complete job. Book both and we give you a better rate for the full installation. **Timing:** Spring is busiest for greenhouse bases (everyone's planting season). Book early to avoid waiting. Autumn is quieter and a good time for base work. **Allotments:** We lay greenhouse bases at allotment sites too. Access can be tricky, but we manage. Just mention it's an allotment when booking. **Long-Term:** A properly laid base will last 20+ years. The greenhouse might need replacing eventually, but the base will still be there, level and solid. **Exeter Gardens:** Lots of local gardens slope or have uneven ground. We're experienced at creating level bases on sloping Devon gardens - cutting and filling to get that perfect level surface.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greenhouse base laying in Newton Abbot
What type of base is best for a greenhouse?
Depends on greenhouse size and budget. Paving slabs on compacted hardcore are popular - level, stable, affordable. Timber frame bases work well for lighter greenhouses. Concrete is best for large/permanent structures. We advise based on your specific greenhouse.
Does the base need to be bigger than the greenhouse?
Ideally yes, by about 100mm (4 inches) on each side. Gives you working room during assembly, better water drainage, and looks neater. We measure and plan it properly.
How level does a greenhouse base need to be?
Very level. If it's off, the greenhouse frame won't sit right, doors won't close, and glass can crack. We use a spirit level and get it spot-on - makes all the difference to the final build.
Can you build the base and then assemble the greenhouse?
Absolutely. We often do both jobs together. Build the base one day, let it settle if needed, then assemble the greenhouse on top. Whole job done properly from ground up.
How long before I can build on the base?
Paving slab bases are ready immediately. Timber bases are ready same day. Concrete needs 3-7 days to cure properly before you build on it. We advise based on your timeline.
Get a Free Quote in Newton Abbot
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your greenhouse base laying job in Newton Abbot.
01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Newton Abbot
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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