I am building a SIPS garden office on ground screws. The lowest timber will probably be 100mm above ground level. I'm debating whether I should lay weedproof membrane and/or gravel under the building, or just leave it as bare soil.

 

I've see gravel/membrane recommended in some places, but I'm not sure I can really see the point - I'm fairly sure it will be too dark and dry for weeds to grow under the structure, and I don't really see the point in gravel. I may well use gravel or paving slabs around the perimeter to avoid splashback, but shouldn't be an issue once properly under the floor. The area is free draining - never any standing water.

 

Does the above sound like a good justification for bare soil?

6 minutes ago, tomdc said:

I am building a SIPS garden office on ground screws. The lowest timber will probably be 100mm above ground level. I'm debating whether I should lay weedproof membrane and/or gravel under the building, or just leave it as bare soil.

 

I've see gravel/membrane recommended in some places, but I'm not sure I can really see the point - I'm fairly sure it will be too dark and dry for weeds to grow under the structure, and I don't really see the point in gravel. I may well use gravel or paving slabs around the perimeter to avoid splashback, but shouldn't be an issue once properly under the floor. The area is free draining - never any standing water.

 

Does the above sound like a good justification for bare soil?

Mine is exactly the same, and only has weed / growth issues around the perimeter tbh. Gravel, for my instance, would probably make things harder to maintain.

The thing I have noticed with gravel beds on membrane is that it does not guarantee weed free. "stuff" accumulates in the gravel and it doesnt take much for weeds to start growing in the gravel. You cant win 

Gutters too. That hedgehog gutter brush is excellent for growing weeds🤥

Look under just about any deck area and you won’t see weeds or grasses growing, only where there is plenty of light. As your shed will be close to the ground you will only get stuff around the edges where it’s easy to spray or pull out