Log Cabin Base Requirements

Log Cabin Sale

So you’ve decided to add a touch of class to your outdoor space, with a log cabin from Log Cabin Specialists. Great choice.

Whatever the reasons for your choice, the chances are you’ve already found the ideal space to create the sort of relaxing and tranquil (or vibrant and busy!) cabin space you’re looking for.

Our log cabins are strong, dependable and sturdy. Nevertheless, a cabin is only as firm as the base upon which it’s stood. A faulty, poorly-thought-out or unsuitable base can quickly undermine both the soundness of the building, but also your enjoyment of it, too. By contrast, a solid base helps ensure windows and doors remain square, well-fitting and secure, can help maintain good drainage and, ultimately, prolongs the lifespan of your cabin.

Here, we run through the base options to help you make a decision on the right choice for your space.

Ensuring you have a solid foundation for your log cabin.

All our Log Cabins are calculated for each log to sit directly on top of one another and are interlocked in the corners via corner connection and the tongue and groove connection against each other. They are designed to withstand strong forces, but are only as strong on which the base they stand on.

Some builders provide base/ foundations that are made with a slight incline of 2 degrees to help with drainage. This will put slight strains on your log cabin. This can in effect increase the chance of bulking, warping and split/strain on the logs . It is best to make sure the base is completely level.

The stronger the foundation the less chance of negative outcomes so please ensure your foundation is suitable, strong and straight to prevent this.

If the foundation or base is not correct, you will incur the following:

The logs will not sit properly in their groves.
The windows or doors will become slanted and will not be supported
The apex will not sit flush with the upper wall leaving gaps
The roof boards will not go on straight and will not connect correctly

Please ensure the following meets the base criteria before installing your log cabin for the best results.

Please check the weight of the cabin in accordance with the base to make sure they can withstand the pressure.
The base should be checked from all angels that it is level.

Concrete Base.

Typically, a concrete base is laid via a simple process of constructing a ‘shuttered’ space before filling the inside space with your concrete, and allowing it to set. Steelwork, or reinforced bars, may be included to help provide further solidity and strength. A key consideration with this method is ensuring the mixture is correct and will ‘go off’ properly - consult professionals on the suitable and appropriate mix. As the finished base will form a complete footing for your log cabin, guaranteeing it is level is of paramount importance. Permanent in its nature, it is vital to get the base right first time, including the level and an even finish, to avoid costly removal and reworking.

We would advise getting a local. builder to complete the concrete base as this needs to be completely level.

Timber Frame Base.

Temporary in nature and easy to construct, a timber base will typically sit freely on stone or other solid footings, lifting the cabin and permitting air to circulate beneath it. This helps with cabin longevity and lifespan.

In addition, adjustments to the cabin can be made with relative ease - where the setting is on uneven ground, you can jack up the structure to tweak it’s setup if slight subsidence occurs, or overcome any slopes or camber that might be prevalent in your space. In comparison to concrete, it is very easy to lay a timber frame base with minimal machinery or plant equipment needed. Furthermore, as a natural material, timber has a far-reduced impact on the environment and is renewable in nature.

Pillar Base.

Ideal for sloping sites where it is difficult to establish a uniform or level base for the log cabin, pillar bases comprise a series of concrete pad foundations, with brick or blockwork on top that help to achieve the specific desired height at each corner or point of the cabin.

Pillars can often be cheaper than a solid concrete base - using considerably less material to construct - and, like the timber frame option, allow access underneath the structure, as well as enabling better air circulation. There is, however, an implication for the load-bearing requirements of the cabin, as the weight is spread across numerous set points, meaning care must be taken to ensure suitable distribution.

Screw Pile Base.

Working in a similar way to concrete blockwork or pillars, the helical ‘screw’ fastens deeply into the ground, providing a steady and solid base for the cabin to sit atop. Capable of withstanding more than enough weight to effectively position your cabin, the screw pile is cheaper, cost-effective and, potentially crucially, quicker to install than concrete footings or blockwork, with none of the wait times typically experienced while waiting for the concrete to set. Adaptable and easy to install, able to be fitted in any ground type, the screws can help overcome uneven surfaces.

Log Cabin Base