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Groundwork & Foundations
ProBASE plastic shed base - sub base
Anonymous user 23 February 2024 - 3.47 PM
Hi,
I am trying to build a base for my 4m x 3m log cabin (45mm walls). The probase system looks like a good way to go, I was just looking for some advise from people who have used it. The log cabin will be going on clay soil and will contain a desk, computer, fridge freezer and tumble dryer and some shelving with various misc items.
The manufacturer has suggested that I only need to lay 50mm of 10mm gravel and then the base on top again filled with 10mm pea gravel. My worry is will this be strong enough to prevent the shed from sinking? The shed is at the bottom of my garden which would be the natural drainage point.
If it is not enough, could I use MOT1, my worry with that is whether it will drain effectively.
Many thanks for any advice,
Alex
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hi Alex. These type of bases are mostly for uninsulated garden sheds. I assume if you are going to be using the log cabin as an office, you will need it insulated on the floor as well as roof and walls. This plastic grid system will settle on pea gravel and cause bounce to your timber floor. I would suggest mounting your timber floor off the ground by concreting concrete blocks laid flat on your garden, making sure they are level, approx 1m apart (depending on your floor joist timber sizes). Your log cabin will then have ventilation underneath and you can insulate your floor between the floor joists to help prevent heat loss and condensation. Hope this helps.
Hi Alex,
I agree with the above; I am not sure that probase is the way to go.
Having erected Dunster cabins and similarly prepped for Lugarde, it is worth checking out what they recommend. Lugarde, for example, were particularly fussy and insisted on a steel-reinforced concrete slab. You don't want to void the warranty of your cabin at the first hurdle. At the same time, they are much easier/simpler to erect with a decent foundation.
Hope this helps
Dan
