The Ecodeck
Pre-formed Grid Base System
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Where to find your Ecodeck
(click on the shop name to see the deal)
Shop | *Price |
---|---|
Amazon | £41.99 |
eBay | varies |
Ecodeck | £51.51 |
*quoted price is indicative for a 6’x4′ base (or next size up if 6’x4′ is unavailable) – click on the seller’s name to price your required size
please note that sellers do occasionally change their prices without notice – please visit the seller to confirm the current price – delivery charges may also vary from area to area – be sure to check the seller’s delivery charge to your address
The Ecodeck Pre-formed
Grid Base System
Style and Design
A great alternative to old style concrete slabs as a base for your corner summerhouse, the Ecodeck system is available in grids which help to spread the load of the building, aid ventilation and provide a strong and durable foundation. The grids come with a 25 year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Materials/Construction
The eco-friendly system is formed in black, UV resistant recycled plastic grids which lock together using a unique clip lock. The material is UV and freeze resistant and has a stability temperature range of -50 to 90C. A weed suppressing membrane for use below the Ecodeck is supplied. The system can be filled with gravel to increase stability, improve drainage and for visual effect, particularly if the base extends beyond the area of the building.
Dimensions
The individual grids measure 850 x 615 x 35 mm, 34” x 24”, roughly the same as a 3′ x 2′ paving slab. The system is available in packs to suit the size of your building and the units can be cut to size and shape quickly and easily using a hand saw.
Availability/Price
See the details of sellers and prices given above.
Our Verdict
Composed of slightly larger grids than other pre-formed systems, you’ll need less units of Ecodeck to form a base for your corner summerhouse – but at a depth of 35mm, the system won’t give you quite as much ground clearance, drainage or ventilation as some alternatives of 40, 45 or even 50mm. That said, the Ecodeck is still a very strong system with a high tonnage support capacity and UV and freeze resistant materials.
We don’t really think you’ll find much difficulty installing the Ecodeck, particularly when compared against a paving slab or solid concrete alternative. The grid dimensions of approximately 3′ x 2′ correspond more or less to a standard paving slab – but that’s where the comparison ends. There’s simply no correlation between the Ecodeck’s lightweight construction and the weight of a concrete equivalent which can be up to 70kg! You’re likely to find that even smaller paving slabs of sufficient strength to support a summerhouse weigh up to 20kg.
So, the Ecodeck is good for your back – what else? Well, it’s durability is likely to outlast a standard pre-formed wooden base which is liable to deterioration from its permanent contact with ground moisture even if it’s pressure treated. And its support capacity should be sufficient for the majority of summerhouses – though we’d strongly recommend you fill the grids with pea gravel. Not only does this aid the strength and stability of the system, it increases the drainage qualities and reduces splashback where the base extends beyond the area of the building. We’d suggest when installing the base that you design it to extend approximately 300mm beyond the edge of your summerhouse. That way it will give you a neat finish to the border and reduce rainwater splashing back from the ground onto the woodwork.
You won’t need that many tools to install the Ecodeck. There’s a video available here (opens in a new tab) which lets you see what’s involved and and just what you’ll need. If your buildings not rectangular in shape – and let’s face it, most corner summerhouses aren’t – you should add a handsaw to the list. In common with other pre-formed plastic systems the Ecodeck can be cut to your precise requirements of size and shape. One point coming out of customer reviews is that the clip system isn’t particularly robust and it might be worth considering reinforcement of the joins between the grids with plastic ties – not significant extra work it must be said. Other than this customer satisfaction looks good. You can find plenty of reviews on Amazon which give you a good idea of what customers think.
In conclusion, we think that in common with other plastic systems the Ecodeck has major advantages over a paved, concrete or wooden base – and you’ll probably find it’s cheaper than many of its competitors. There’s certainly no reason why we wouldn’t recommend it for you corner summerhouse – although if you have a particularly large or heavy building or one that is sited in a wetter area a deeper base system might be preferable. Taking everything into account – including the fact that it’s 5, 10 or 15mm shallower that some other systems and the reported issues with the clip together system – we’ve awarded the Ecodeck 3.5 stars. Maybe not the highest spec but economical and still a decent buy for a smaller building where economy matters.
Pros
• easy to install
• durable
• economical
Cons
• joins may need reinforcement
• a little lightweight for heavier buildings
Our Star Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
review by the Corner Summerhouse Guide
(updated 22 June 2023)
Customer Reviews
You can find customer reviews of the Ecodeck grid base system at:
Submit your own review
If you’ve used the Ecodeck system we’d be delighted if you’d submit a review to help other prospective customers. You can do this on our Corner Summerhouse Review Form – we look forward to hearing from you.
Other Similar Base Systems
Please note that the information given above is taken from sellers and provided in good faith by the Corner Summerhouse Guide. We can’t however guarantee the accuracy of the facts stated. Specifications may also change after the date of review.