This post contains all the information you need for how to build a conservatory base for all shapes and sizes of conservatories.
For this article, we have chosen to use the ConservaBase Steel Conservatory Base and Modular Wall System. Due to the simplicity and speed of its installation, this is the preferred choice for modern diy conservatory base construction.
The system can be installed in one day by following the step by step instructions below.
Preparing the Site
The modular base can be installed on an existing patio or concrete area providing the foundations are adequate. If the foundations are not adequate or the base is to be installed on bare ground, then a concrete pad is required under each adjustable leg, except on the rear cill section, which are non-load bearing.
Each pad should measure 450mm square by 450mm deep on firm subsoil’s. On clay, sand or peaty subsoil’s there should be an additional layer of well compacted hard-core to a depth of 200mm below the concrete. Although the surface of each pad must be level, any one pad does not have to be level with the others. The purpose of the adjustable legs is to enable the base to be levelled on uneven or sloping ground.
Leave the pads to harden for two days. In winter months they must be protected from frost, by covering with polythene or sacking. A strong weed killer should be applied to the area covered by the base if it is being installed on bare ground. It is also advisable to lay a strong polythene sheet on the ground beneath the base.
- Attach adjustable feet to all base sections
- Each base section is numbered. Position each section in the sequence according to the layout plan
- Bolt each section tightly together (nuts and bolts supplied)
- Ensure all sections are level by adjusting feet
- Secure tightly to house wall (fixings supplied)
- Cut the polystyrene sheets to size to fill the gaps between the floor joists. The polystyrene material should be cut to size using a long bladed Stanley knife or similar
- Lay out damp proof membrane (supplied) around perimeter of base
- Start laying the floorboards, flush with the outer edge of the base outerframe (see Assembly Diagram) from the left-hand side of the conservatory, looking towards the house. Use the off-cut from the last run to start the next. Always trim to ensue the joins fall on a joist. Joints should be glued with waterproof adhesive. Secure to the floor joists using the 38mm self drilling screws (supplied) at 600mm centres
Full Height Conservatories Only (No Walls)
- Fix conservatory cills to timber floor by using the 60mm self drilling screws supplied
- Seal the underside of the conservatory cill where it joins the steel base with silicone sealant
- Assemble conservatory as per manufacturer instructions
- Finish base by cutting fascia to length (or if brick skirt is specified, see Brick Skirt Assembly below) and fixing up under the conservatory cill with 38mm self drilling screws (supplied). Straight and corner joint trims are supplied as required. It is advisable to fit an air vent in the fascia on both ends of the base to ensure adequate ventilation under to floor
Assembly Diagram for Full Height Conservatories with Fascia
Assembly Diagram for Full Height Conservatories with Brick Skirt
Modular Wall Assembly Instructions for Dwarf Wall Conservatories
The modular wall is to be fitted directly onto the chipboard floor
- Ensure that the base is level
- Lay out wall sections in the order they are to be fitted. The panels are numbered to correspond with the layout plan
- Place a bead of silicone sealant vertically down the inner and outer edges of the panel ends approximately 15mm back from the edge
- On the first wall panel from the house wall, silicone seal the end that goes against the house wall before placing in position. Offer panel up to the house wall but do not fix in position. The outer edge of the bricks should overlap the steel beam by 25mm. Seal with silicone sealant where the panels join the outer cill section of the base
- Following the layout plan, place the next wall panel so that it continues on from the first, with the beads of silicone sealant to seal the joint. Insert the four bolts supplied to bolt the two panels together. Do not fasten to the house at this stage, or fasten down to the base, this can be done once all the panels are in place and correctly aligned. Do not tightly fasten the panel ends until all are correctly in place
- Once all the panels are correctly sited, you can secure the panel to the house wall by drilling from inside the panel through the holes provided. Secure to house wall with fixings (supplied)
- Fix the wall sections to base using screws (supplied)
- Once fully constructed, seal the joins in the brick backer panels with the adhesive supplied. Use the same adhesive to stick the spare brick tiles in place. Press bricks firmly into place and leave for approximately 2 hours before pointing
- To point the joins, mix the mortar supplied to a smooth paste.(Be careful not to add too much water). Fill the joints around the bricks allowing the mortar to overflow the joints. Remove surplus mortar with a flat trowel before initial curing takes place. Allow the mortar to set until firm. It should have a dull finish, be moist but not wet and somewhat gritty. Use a curved pointing tool to finish off the joint and remove any remaining mortar with a soft brush.
Caution: Do not tool the joint too soon. Tooling early will create a creamy surface on the mortar
The wall is now ready for fitting the Conservatory.
Place the conservatory cill on top of the wall as detailed in your conservatory installation instructions and screw down using the 14 x 60mm self drilling screws (supplied)
Plumbing, pipes & cables etc. can be inserted inside the wall cavity using the utility ports provided in the panel ends prior to fixing your choice of internal cladding.
Your modular wall needs no special maintenance although you may wish to seal the face of the bricks with a clear brick sealer.
Brick Skirt Assembly Instructions
Fit conservatory to base before fitting skirt
- Lay out skirt sections in the order they are to be fitted. The panels are numbered to correspond with the layout plan
- Apply a continuous bead of silicone sealant along the exposed edge of chipboard floor
- Fit panel up under the modular wall (or conservatory cill if full height conservatory). Make sure that the overlap on the corners is correct to accommodate the corner bridging tiles still to be fitted. When you are happy that everything is correctly positioned, fix in place with self-drilling screws (supplied)
- Fix where corner slips are still to be fitted and through perp. mortar joints if extra fixing are required
- Use the adhesive supplied to stick the spare brick tiles in place. Prop gaps with 10mm spacers to hold bricks in place until set. Press bricks firmly into place and leave for approximately 2 hours before pointing
- To point the joins, mix the mortar supplied to a smooth paste. (Be careful not to add too much water). Fill the joints around the bricks allowing the mortar to overflow the joints. Remove surplus mortar with a flat trowel before initial curing takes place. Allow mortar to until firm. It should have a dull finish, be moist but not wet and somewhat gritty, use a curved pointing tool to finish off the joint and remove any remaining mortar with a soft brush
Caution: Do not tool the joint too soon. Tooling early will create a creamy surface on the mortar
Your brick skirt needs no special maintenance although you may wish to seal the face of the bricks with a clear brick sealer.
Comments on this entry are closed.