Log Cabin Base Types

A Log Cabin Base must be laid down first before building a cabin. The most popular base types are Concrete, Paving Slabs and Timber Frames.

The main thing to remember with the base is that this should be 100% flat and level. There should not be even the slightest of slopes on the base, as you will find this will effect the cabin at a later date and when installing.

Unfortunately, we do not offer a base laying service. But if you went for our installation service, then we can quote and build a timber frame as part of this. Or, we can do concrete or timber frames as part of our turnkey packages:

• https://www.tuin.co.uk/blog/turnkey-log-cabins-range/ 

Unlike sheds, the weight of the cabin will all be resting on the walls. This is why we provide the cabin with a standard foundation beam. This is pressure treated timbers that your first log will rest on to raise this off of your base, protecting the log from any damp and water.

• https://www.tuin.co.uk/blog/tips-installation/foundation-beams/

It is highly recommended that a base has a DPM (Damp proof membrane) within it or on top. This is not something that we supply but you should be able to source this from a local DIY store. Or if you opt for our insulation kit this will come with a DPM included. Normally, if you are insulating the cabins floor, the DPM will be done on top of the base, dished up inside the foundation beams.

It is also a good idea, to use a DPC (damp proof course) under the foundation beam for the cabin. This is more recommended for concrete or paving slab bases, where there might be slight bobbles, as these are not always a polished finish. So, the DPC will help to create a nice tight seal between the base and the foundation beam.

With the size of the base, this is normally done to the overall size of the cabin, or can be made larger depending on what you might be doing around the cabin.

If you did want to be more accurate with the size of the base, this can be done to the footprint size of the cabin. This is the overall size minus the interlocking corners of the cabin, these are usually 100mm at both ends of the log. But the footprint size of the cabin will always show on the webpage for the cabin you are interested in.

If the base is made to the footprint size, the logs would sit flush with the interlocking corners overhanging the base. This is a popular way to do the base, as the logs will be sitting so there should not be anywhere for the water to rest on the base. 

The footprint size will need to be made slightly larger if you are using the profiled foundation beams, due to their profile shape, this will stick out further than what the standard beams will.

Please see this page for lots more advise on bases for log cabins.