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Your garden room needs more than just a patch of grass to sit on. This list of the best bases for log cabins gives you a few options to find which one works for your space. Have a look before installation day rolls around!
Concrete Base for Log Cabins
Concrete is the most solid option you’ll get for the base of a log cabin. It sets into a fixed, level surface that can take the full weight of a log cabin. No shifting or sinking, even on softer or sloped ground.
A concrete base does take more work, though. The area needs to be dug out, framed, a damp-proof membrane set down, and poured with the proper prep. You’ll also need to wait a few days for it to set before installing anything on top. The process takes time, but it’s worth the effort for a base that will last for years.
Suitable for larger rooms, like a log cabin summer house, though still a good choice for smaller ones.
Wooden Base
A wooden base is quicker and easier to build, especially if your ground is already level. Most use pressure-treated timber, arranged as a frame with joists to support the floor.
Some wooden bases come with spikes designed to be driven straight into soft ground, whereas others require you to provide some ‘feet’ for the base to sit on. Whichever way it installs, it is essential to ensure it is slightly raised off the ground and level before adding a log cabin on top.
This might be for you if you’re into DIY and want to keep costs and labour down. Just keep in mind that wood doesn’t have the same lifespan as concrete. Hence, pressure-treated is the way to go to save it from rotting, warping, or sagging over time.
It’s practical if you have a smaller log cabin kit or a non-permanent setup. This makes sense if you plan to move or replace it later on.
Plastic Base
A plastic base is often made from interlocking recycled plastic grids. It’s lightweight and can be installed without specialised tools. One fitting example is the Ecobase Fastfit Foundation Base. It uses built-in connectors for quick assembly and can be reused, provided it’s kept in good shape.
You can either set this directly onto the ground (as pictured above) or conceal it by digging out a space for the base to sit (must come up to at least ground level). The weight limit is up to 300 tonnes per square metre.
These bases are filled with compacted gravel to give support and allow drainage. No concrete means less mess and no waiting for it to dry; the grids then lock to create a flat, stable base. Not only that, but the gap between the cabin and the ground also helps water drain away.
Concrete or Timber Base for a Log Cabin?
Not going with a plastic base? Then it’s between concrete and timber. The choice depends on how permanent you want the cabin to be and how much work you’re willing to put into it.
Concrete gives you long-term stability with little upkeep once it’s in place. Timber takes less effort up front, but it’ll need more care over time.
So, which one lines up with what you need?
Read this guide next if you need a new one: How to Choose a Log Cabin – The Complete Buying Guide & FAQ
FAQ
What is the best base for a log cabin?
Concrete is the strongest and most stable base option. It creates a level surface that won’t shift or sink, even on soft or sloped ground.
What is the cheapest foundation for a log cabin?
Timber. You won’t need concrete or heavy equipment, and if you build it yourself, you can keep costs down.
