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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Re-thinking foundation options
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stitch
Member
# Posted: 24 May 2012 00:00
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Well I posted a while ago about wanting to build a 16x24 on skids. After some more home work and reading the replays from here we are re-thinking the build. We went up north about a month ago to try drilling some holes. Didn't go good, a lot of rocks. So we thought lets just build it on skids and make it a little smaller to start with. With some very negative support from the better half's, not wanting anything to be built (They don't like the adventure of getting to the land like my buddy and I do.) We have scaled down the plan and thinking of going with a 16x16 shed/shack we can go under the radar this way and once its built its easier to ask for forgiveness then permission. We will be going with a skid foundation plan working with a 4x6 or 6x6 skids. What's the best way to get the skids off the ground or build the cabin 12-24inches off the ground? Would be nice to have some open air move under the shack. Thanks for the help

jgiffi
Member
# Posted: 24 May 2012 00:21
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stitch, not sure where your located but I know that there are plenty of guys near me that would bring in there mini-excavators and dig them for 1000-1500 for all the holes. I tried to use a two man post hole digger and I got no where in a couple of hours or screwing around. You can rent them too and they are about $200/day plus delivery and fuel. I think that you are asking for trouble to put the skids on blocks or anything to get them off the ground because you would need to have support under the entire skid to retain strength.

Bridge Boy
Member
# Posted: 24 May 2012 01:02
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Hi jgriffi,

Do you know of rental places that would rent mini-excavators up near Redfield area? Most places I have seen are from Syracuse area.

Thanks


Bridge Boy

stitch
Member
# Posted: 24 May 2012 01:27
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The land is north of St. Paul about 1hr or so. This time of year it's a struggle just getting to the building site with atv's, let alone a bobcat/tractor. The reason for the skids is all the rocks and it will be cheaper which keeps it out of the the radar with the better half's! Just wanna figure out a way to place the skids on stones or a way to get the shed off the ground 18-24"

VTweekender
Member
# Posted: 24 May 2012 04:09 - Edited by: VTweekender
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I might use patio Pylex , the 32" product 10560......put em in 16" and leave 16" up.....( http://www.pylex.com/en/index_en.html ) ...I am sure they would ship to you.....I think about $20- $25 each....They will hold your 4x6 skids.....put a couple on each skid or maybe a few...get them in where I could....then gather plenty of flat rocks and make a nice looking rock wall/foundation underneath the skids around the parameter of the cabin, also would stone/flat rock block under the center skids in places too for center stability .....they are adjustable 3" for leveling as well.

jgiffi
Member
# Posted: 24 May 2012 12:44
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You could try and build a few piers with cinder blocks to get yourself off the ground and maybe put some crush and run under the cinder blocks and pack it really well to try to prevent settling. This way if you did experience any settling you could always jack one side up and shim it if need be.

Bridgeboy, I'm in camden and I have a Cat 305CR(11k lbs) and I would be willing to help out for $200 a day + fuel and a few bucks to cover travel to you but I would run the machinery. No offense or anything but they are expensive to repair and if not operated properly can put excessive wear and tear on the machine. I could swing by sometime and let you know if I think I could help or not. Let me know and I can send you my number and we can talk.

fpw
Member
# Posted: 24 May 2012 13:56
Reply 


Anchor some screwjacks to to the stones. You can drill a hole in skids, beams, or posts to account for the Jack. This will give you a foot or so of adjustment to account for frost heave.

You could also dig some holes and fill them with sack-crete. However, I too, have to get to my cabin via ATV, so that changes things a great deal. Instead of a hole below the frost line, you could with 12" x 12" x 12" hole filled with rock and concrete with screw jack for adjustment.

Here is a source for screw jacks:
http://www.loghelp.com/c-40-log-home-screw-jacks.aspx

Or, if you have a welder, you can make some up.
Jack.jpg
Jack.jpg
DSC01895.JPG
DSC01895.JPG


bobbotron
Member
# Posted: 24 May 2012 14:44
Reply 


I'd say go for skids. This is a 10x8 shed we have that's on two 4x6 skids. I don't think it's going anywhere. Each skid is supported on the two ends by cinder blocks the land's previous owner was kind enough to leave behind. In your case, maybe use three 6x6 skids, each supported in three or four spots? I think it'd be good.


The Low shack by bobbotron1, on Flickr

tex
# Posted: 31 May 2012 09:56
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Quick question on foundation design for a 12' x 16' one level, slopped roof, basic cabin/shed.

We have started the foundation.

See pictures. Below....

We decided to not to drill/sono/rebar footings.

We instead dug 20" x 20" x 4'-10" deep holes, filled and pounded gravel in, levellled and added 18" x 18" patio stone for level footings.

Then stack (level) 2 x 12" x12" flat pavers, and added the concrete deck block on top, will mortar and adhesive them together, and concrete over gravel footing.

We have 9 (nine) footings.

We are planning (3) - 2"x 8" x 16' support beams, and using 3" x 5" fir cross supports to tie the floor supports together, cover with ply.

We will also brace some corners with 45 degree angle 2" x 8", and add corner metal brackets.

Questions:

Do you think this is a decent enough foundation, and support beams for this size of cabin?

Do youthink we need 2" x10" beams?

Foundation columns? Do you think this will both support and not be to affected by frost, heeving etc.

There will be 3-4 windows, and door.

The ground is rock with sandy soil. The cabin will be sheltered, and will have a small deck (eventually) attached out front. Cabin looks north west.

Let us know asap, we continue this weekend...

tex
Member
# Posted: 31 May 2012 10:42
Reply 


See foundation pictures, 12 ' x 16' cabin, one storey, sloped roof, small wood stove - supported under floor.
foundation - cabin
foundation - cabin


tex
Member
# Posted: 31 May 2012 10:50
Reply 


See foundation con't:

Note: 3" x 5" Fir cross beams, (we have 16 pieces), on 24" centres...

(yes - these are large recycled beams...)
cross beams - for foundation
cross beams - for foundation


tex
Member
# Posted: 3 Jun 2012 18:46 - Edited by: tex
Reply 


Here are some washed out weekend snaps for your comments.

"Blanche", the wife.. set up a kitchen and cover for today and project.

Well used today!

Called German...father in law for mortar tips, need to mortar and parge the supports to level this week.

Next to square and add 2"x 8" cross members and include 45 degree braces on four outside corners.

Next weekend to insulation of floor, 2" will due, add tar paper cover then T & G ply. 3/4" ? Hmmmmmmm?

Looked at the rain today, (lots) it seems we have sandy soil, very important to know now were water goes and what drainage will be needed. Especially with "floating" supports".

Buying (used) windows from local recycle yard next weekend and get T & G ply misc.

Will stay over and "Blanche" and I will try to finish up the platform, store and think about wndow design locations for light and views. We have a window we took out of our home kitchen, that has a built in retractable cover, European homes have these to keep out, in, heat. That one will go on the south side! Gives security and good protection from storms too.

Need to consider wood stove location for both floor support and safety.

Considering front left location for prevailing north winter winds. And tree forest hazards.

Roof will be 8' height sloping to 7' to back of cabin. This is not a house a basic cabin and porch. We do not want or need a large empty space.

See snaps of washout weekend!

Please comment.......
Cabin_foundation_2_0.jpg
Cabin_foundation_2_0.jpg
Cabin_foundation_2_0.jpg
Cabin_foundation_2_0.jpg
Cabin_foundation_2_0.jpg
Cabin_foundation_2_0.jpg


Bevis
Member
# Posted: 4 Jun 2012 22:26
Reply 


if the water is flowing under your cabin, then I'd dig a few swells to redirect the water to flow elsewhere. Now would be the time to do it too.

Dillio187
Member
# Posted: 5 Jun 2012 09:34
Reply 


stitch, your land sounds a lot like mine, coincidentally it's a little over an hour north of St. Paul in Pine County....you can't dig more than what seems like 6 inches without hitting a rock. All of the local farm fields have mesh bins stuffed full of rocks that they excavate out when tilling.

my 12x16 is built on deck blocks. It seems plenty stable, and avoids having to homestead the property, install a septic system, well, and pay much more in taxes.
shedtrucksm.jpg
shedtrucksm.jpg


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