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MrDoug
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2025 04:47pm
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I was advised to start a new thread, so replies to my questions do not get mixed up and lost, so here we are. I am still in the " thinking about it " stage. I have narrowed my site selection to two. I want a 12x16 one room cabin with a 4 ft porch. Total footprint is 16 square. Expected load inside is an air mattress, tent sized wood stove ( about 20 lbs), card table, plastic chairs. MAYBE a bookshelf. Planning on 1/2" plywood floor. I'm almost 60, so cost is much more important than longevity. What do yall recommend as far as floor joists (spacing, size, etc)? Joists will be supported by 4x4 posts set in concrete 6-8" below frost line.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2025 07:13pm - Edited by: gcrank1
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Fwiw, I have a 10x16 prebuilt gambrel roof shed as my toolshed/workshop. It is built in typical prebuilt shed fashion on 2 full length runners beneath.
I have those sitting on prepped/leveled ground with 4 solid cement silo slaves per side; this is what is called a 'floating foundation'. Ime plenty good for that class building and easy to check and shim for level in the future IF needed.
I suggest keeping in mind that what one puts in just keeps getting heavier over time and a bouncy floor isn't good. A little overkill on the bottom of the build wont be regretted later.
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Fanman
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2025 08:54pm
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Quoting: gcrank1 I suggest keeping in mind that what one outs in just keeps getting heavier over time and a bouncy floor sink good. A little overkill on the bottom of the build wont be regretted later.
^^^ This. ^^^
The span tables say 2x8 joists on 16" centers or 2x10 on 24" centers if they're going the short (12') way. Even if you're not required to follow any code, in this case it makes sense.
Similarly, I'd go with 3/4" plywood for the floor.
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DRP
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2025 09:38pm - Edited by: DRP
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#2 for ^^^This^^^
Here, code ain't the man, its physics.
We'll get to that foundation  .
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MrDoug
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2025 10:20pm
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I'm not planning to span 12 or 16 feet. I'm thinking more along the lines of two 8x16 rectangles bolted together, with 2x6s spanning 8 feet. And again, I'm not planning on parking a truck inside. Just an air mattress, card table and plastic chairs. I would actually be the heaviest thing in there.
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