timsk

Hi Kelvasco, I agree with Temp; using Type1 hard core is an unnecessary expense and not usually used to create a garden lawn. Additionally, as others have said, if you're wanting to make the most of the space, then a retaining wall is likely to be needed. Declan52's solution is the one I'd opt for, but would add that drainage behind it may be necessary - especially if you're using softwood sleepers - as opposed to oak. There's a good YouTube channel called 'The Restoration Couple' in which Tim (not me) covers pretty much all you'll need to know about building walls with sleepers. The title of this one speaks for itself: OAK vs SOFTWOOD for Garden Projects Additionally, there are lots of videos on installation. If you're not wanting to bother with a retaining wall, then another option might be to level off the ground and have a bank at one end. Visually, this can be quite pleasing, but it's pain to mow! The pic' below is of my last house where I did exactly this: I levelled the ground and banked up the spoil to the left of the steps at the end of the path and then laid turf. Tim.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and to Russell especially for the heads up about TBC; it's always good to know who the big cheese is and who one should be deferential towards! ? Peter, some pic's for you - nothing very interesting I'm afraid. Currently, the whole structure is wrapped in a breathable membrane (a cheap version of Tyvek) and looks dreadful. The chap one can just see in the corner of the final image (pic #4) is our local village chippy who helped with the main construction of walls and roof. A great bloke, a good carpenter and super quick. From the base frame, (pic #3) to the main structure being completed - including two windows - took just eight days. It would have taken nearer eight months if I'd been working alone! Tim. #1. Studio Site Diseased apple tree and Leylandii hedging subsequently removed. Just behind the figure (my wife, Pam) you can just make out the corner of the summer house which you can see in pic #2, below. #2. Concrete Piers 24 concrete blocks used in total - much cheaper than using bespoke products. #3. Base Frame This is secured to the concrete blocks with steel angle brackets and 80mm long 10M concrete screws. The 200mm long battens at the bottom of the 5" x 2" joists are for the 100mm insulation to sit on to ensure it doesn't fall out. #4. OSB Sheathing Going Up The large aperture on the end elevation is where the entrance door will go (currently the entrance to our bungalow which is due to be replaced). The openings in the right elevation are for two windows bought from a supplier of misfits for £190 including the glazing and VAT! So, that is in fact the total cost of windows and doors - which is often a big chunk of the budget for a project like this.

Hi folks, I'm Tim and I've just joined the forum having been sent a link to this thread by my wife Pam who stumbled across it by chance after surfing the interweb for solutions to window reveals when installing Hardie Plank cladding - or 'siding' as our friends across the pond call it. We're in the process of building a 5 x 3 metre garden room to use as a mosaic studio as Pam and I are both - wait for it - mosaicists! I would have entitled the thread Garden Studio rather than Garden Room, but Pam thinks that sounds pretentious and, instead, prefers to tell everyone we're building a shed - albeit quite a posh one. I have no specialist skills or, indeed, any particular aptitude for this sort of thing and my age (60 later this year) doesn't help much either. That said, I confess to having worked for three years as a landscape gardener (about 15 years ago) during which time I helped to build a number of patios and decks etc. Also, our property is a 60's bungalow which we moved into two years ago which I've been 'doing up' bit by bit - so I've learnt a lot throughout that (at times tortuous) journey! I describe myself as a reluctant - but moderately experienced - DIYer. The studio - sorry, I mean shed - is up and just about water tight and ready for the electricians to come in and do a first fix. I don't touch any of the specialist trades and hire in professionals as and when required. I'll post questions about things I've yet to do and am happy to answer questions about what I've done and, where I can, help members embarking on similar projects. Tim.