Shed Installation
Your building, professionally installed.
Local delivery and installation is included with every Dodds garden building. We arrange the details with you in advance, then our experienced team installs your timber building with the care it deserves.
From order to fitted building
We coordinate delivery and installation with you. Your part is making sure the base and access route are ready before the agreed day.
Choose your building
Select from the Dodds shed and summerhouse range, with made-to-order options available.
Prepare the site
Complete a solid, level base and check the route from our vehicle to the installation area.
Delivery and fitting
We confirm arrangements in advance and install the building at the prepared location.
Everything we need for a smooth installation
A little preparation protects your new building and helps our installation team complete the work safely and on schedule.
Before installation
- A firm, level base is required. It must be concrete, paving or another solid construction at least the same size as the building footprint.
- A good base provides proper support and helps extend the life of the building.
- For smaller buildings, pressure-treated timber floor bearers (75 × 38mm) at approximately 18–24 inch centres on a solid, level surface may be suitable.
- If you are unsure about your base, please contact us before ordering and we will be happy to advise.
Access requirements
- The installation location must have clear and safe access.
- Garden building sections are large and typically require around 8ft of height clearance for safe handling.
- The route from the delivery vehicle must be clear of low roofs, carports, branches, fences, plants and other garden structures.
- It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure suitable access is available for delivery and installation.
If installation cannot be completed
- The required base and access must be ready before the scheduled installation date.
- If the base is unsuitable or access is unavailable when our team arrives, the building may be left with the customer for self-assembly.
- A return visit can usually be arranged once the issue is resolved; an additional installation charge may apply.
Payments
- Payments for garden buildings should be made directly to Dodds.
- This ensures your order, guarantee and installation arrangements remain valid.
- If anyone requests payment for the building itself, please contact Dodds before making payment.
Ready before delivery day
Need a base or old building removed?
We can help arrange an approved base installer and clearance team before your new Dodds building is installed. Ask about base installation & removal →
Essential delivery & fitting requirements
- Sizing: Dimensions shown are floor sizes. Please allow an extra 6 inches for roof overhang.
- Base: A completely flat, solid and level base must be ready before installation.
- Access: Larger buildings require at least 96 inches (8ft) height clearance and a wide route from the vehicle to your garden.
- Obstructions: Please call before ordering if access includes tight passages, low gates, pergolas, overhanging trees or walls.
Shed bases, access and installation: common questions
Clear answers to help you prepare for delivery and installation.
What base does a Dodds shed need?
Your shed or summerhouse must have a completely flat, solid and level base ready before installation. The base must be at least the same size as the building’s floor footprint.
Suitable bases include concrete, paving or another solid construction. For some smaller buildings, pressure-treated timber floor bearers measuring 75 × 38mm at approximately 18–24 inch centres may be suitable when placed on a solid, level surface. Please ask Dodds before ordering if you are unsure.
Can Dodds arrange a shed base?
Dodds can introduce customers to an independent approved shed-base installer. This service is available only when you are buying a new shed or summerhouse from Dodds.
The base installer quotes for and carries out the groundwork independently. All base work must be finished before the scheduled Dodds delivery and installation date.
Can a shed be installed on concrete or paving slabs?
Yes. Dodds accepts a firm, completely level concrete or paved base, provided it is solid, suitable for the building and at least the same size as its floor footprint.
Can Dodds install on an existing base?
An existing base may be used if it is solid, stable, square, completely level and correctly sized for the new building. Contact Dodds before ordering if its condition or dimensions are uncertain.
How much access is required?
There must be a clear, safe and sufficiently wide route from the delivery vehicle to the installation area.
Shed sections are large and cannot be carried through unsuitable spaces or passed over fences, walls or similar obstructions. Tell Dodds before ordering about narrow passages, low gates, carports, pergolas, walls, slopes or restricted parking.
How much height clearance is needed?
Larger garden buildings require at least 96 inches—8 feet—of height clearance along the delivery route. This route must be clear of low roofs, branches and other overhead obstructions.
What must be cleared before delivery?
Before the team arrives, clear the access route and installation area of anything that could prevent sections being carried safely. This includes low or narrow gates, branches, plants, garden furniture and other obstructions.
Contact Dodds before ordering if the route includes fences, walls, pergolas, overhanging trees or another potential restriction.
Can an old shed be removed?
Dodds can help arrange an independent approved clearance team to dismantle and remove an existing shed. Clearance assistance is available only to customers purchasing a new Dodds shed or summerhouse.
The old building must be removed before the new building’s delivery and installation date.
When should the base be completed?
- Confirm the new building’s floor size, roof overhang and position.
- Arrange an approved base installer if required.
- Complete the base before the scheduled delivery date.
- Clear the installation area and access route.
- Keep the agreed Dodds delivery and installation appointment.
Published building dimensions are floor sizes. Allow approximately six inches around the building for its roof overhang.
What happens if the base or access is not ready?
If the base is unsuitable or safe access is unavailable when the Dodds team arrives, installation may be unable to proceed. The building may be left for the customer to assemble later.
A return installation visit can usually be arranged after the problem is resolved, but additional installation, return or redelivery charges may apply.
If you have any doubts about the base or access, contact Dodds before ordering on 01642 674827. You can also read the full delivery requirements and terms and conditions.
Not sure whether your garden is ready?
Send us the details before ordering and our team will help you check.
