There are several methods to construct a foundation for your log cabin. However, you must know how to do it correctly. Something that’s: solid, robust, and level is required. If your log cabin base isn’t built correctly, it might put too much strain on it or even cause it to crack and collapse. So we’ll show you how to create each sort of log cabin base in this article.
Choosing the Right Location
These are key points to remember when you’re picking the land for your log cabin:
- Keep in mind that roof overhangs may vary from house to house (for example, pent, apex, and reverse apex roofs). You don’t want to discover you’ve constructed it too near a tree or a property line and are unable to fit the structure inside.
- Take a look at the treatment. Is it feasible to transport around the log cabin once it’s been constructed in order to apply the therapy? Or would you rather build a pressure-treated log house right away?
- Water damage and rot are a log cabin owners worst nightmare. To prevent this (or at least to minimize the effects), treat your logs as soon after they’re cut as possible.
- Avoid placing your log cabin beneath trees since the roof may become covered with leaves, which might block guttering. It’s also a good idea to keep your log cabin at least 10 feet away from other structures.
If you want to avoid the hassle of obtaining planning permission, site your log cabin at least 2 metres from your property boundaries.
Make Sure the Base Is Level
Before beginning to build your log cabin, you need to ascertain that the ground and base are level. A sloped or uneven foundation can create problems such as moisture damage from rising damp or heat loss due to warmth being drawn away by the ground. For these reasons, use a spirit level on both the ground and your proposed base until you’re satisfied that everything is flat.
You want your garden building’s base to be level, firm, and uniform. Examples of the perfect bases are a concrete foundation, concrete slab, an eco-base or decking. But maybe youre unsure of what kind of base is best for you and your needs?
1. Concrete Base
If you want to put down a concrete base, another pair of hands will be required. To accomplish this, you’ll have to define and level your space before constructing boxing to keep the concrete contained as you pour it. A concrete foundation is ideal for larger, heavier, or more permanent structures. It’ll be level and lift your log cabin out of the ground if done correctly. Concrete bases are perfect for larger log cabins, or if you are laying a decking kit.
If you’re pouring a concrete slab for a huge log home, consider embedding some mesh bars in the mix.
- Step 1: Create a trench measuring approximately 150-200mm deep.
- Step 2: Once you’ve leveled the ground, cover it with compacted hardcore that is 150mm thick.
- Step 3: To make your base’s boxing, use 100 x 25mm timber. Arrange the wood on the ground to achieve the height you desire for your concrete. On the outside of the timbers, knock in some ground stakes and drill them in.
- Step 4: Once you’ve made sure the formwork is level, lay polythene plastic in the bottom of your trench to create a moisture-resistant membrane.
- Step 5: When the concrete mixture has been added, level it using a piece of timber, concrete rake, or screed.
- Finally, use a hand trowel to smooth the concrete surface and then let it dry. Once it is dry, you can wash away any excess materials.
2. Paving Slabs or Patio
Paving or patio slabs are a wonderful substitute for a concrete foundation. If you have any lying around or can get some from a garden center, it will be less expensive than a concrete slab. Paving slabs also provide a more modern appearance and come in many different colors and sizes.
Digging will still be an important part of this process so make sure you’ve got your shovel handy!
- Step 1: Dig out the area you’ll be using to a depth of about 150mm.
- Step 2: Fill in the area with 50mm scalping and use a plate or roller to compact it.
- Step 3: Pave your desired surface with a 4:1 mixture of grit sand and cement, levelling it as you pour the paving stones.
- Tips: Use flat paving stones rather than textured ones as this will ensure the base is flat for the log cabin to be positioned on. Also, if an electric supply is required, add the mains supply at this stage.
3. An eco-base
Another alternative is to utilize an eco-base. Recycled plastic is often used in the making of an eco-base. When filled with gravel or pea shingle, it forms a sturdy base for your structure. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to create an environmentally friendly base without having to make any substantial modifications to your garden.
Even though it will need a level ground to sit on, this type of log cabin base provides a solid foundation for your building. Furthermore, you won’t have to dig after the site is levelled.
- Step 1: Begin by delineating the area; make sure to remove the turf so that only the soil underneath is exposed.
- Step 2: Make sure the ground is level; if it isn’t, you may fill the uneven sections with dirt to ensure the overall stability of both the base and log cabin.
- Step 3: Position the membrane provided so that it’s flat and within the area you’ve delineated. Your grids will sit on top of this membrane.
- Step 4: The grids must all point in the same direction and simply snap together using the locks on the sides of them.
- Step 5: When you’ve chosen where you want your log cabin to be, you may start constructing it on top.
- The eco-base may be enhanced with pebbles or pea gravel to make it appear even better.
