Regarding Timber cabins and our other large timber garden structures: 

Most of the work in building a timber cabin is in preparing for and installing a base that will support the cabin and also help prevent moisture rising from the soil subsurface.  Without a proper base a timber cabin will not last long, where the floor and timbers above the treated bearer and floor would soon show signs of mould and timber rot.  All cabins we supply include the provision of a solid reinforced concrete base. We would not wish to supply you a cabin without a secure and effective base for it would not last the years ahead for you to enjoy.  If supply and full assembly is also required then we'll know the cabin will last for many years if treated every two years which is the expected preservation treatment for any timber structure.

Although there are companies that will supply cabins without base installation the customer is left with the significant labour demand and expense after the purchase.  There are cheaper and easier base options but we want our cabins to stand the test of time as a further testament to the enduring qualityof our cabins coupled with our professional installation services.

How we prepare and install a typical reinforced concrete cabin base

Excavation of the area to a depth of 250 mm.  On top of 100mm compacted MOT Type 1 hardcore 

sub-base shuttering added. 50mm sharp sand is laid on top of the hardcore material to help prevent puncturing of the Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) which is then added plus steel reinforcing 

(Rebar mesh ) on spacers. Finally a 150 mm of concrete is added. 

It's important to wait a minimum of 7 days before assembling the timber cabin on the new concrete base.   Waiting 14 to 28 days is ideal if you have a very large or heavy cabin.

Concrete Curing Stages 

After 24 to 48 hours: The concrete is safe to walk on and it's safe to remove the wooden shuttering frames.

After 7 days: The concrete reaches roughly 70% of its final strength, making it strong enough to support the weight of a standard timber cabin assembly.

After 28 days: The concrete reaches 100% full structural strength and has released most of its internal moisture.

Why it Shouldn't be Rushed

Moisture damage: Fresh concrete releases massive amounts of water vapor as it cures. Building too early traps this moisture directly under your timber floor, risking immediate warp or mould.

Structural damage: Dropping heavy timber packs or drilling fixings into concrete that is less than a week old can cause the edges to crack, chip, or crumble.

Other specifications

Dimensions and types of timbers are specified both in our cabins online store and also within our quotations for bespoke projects including timber cabins, garages, carports, gazebos and other timber structures we build.

Construction Phases

1. Reinforced Concrete Base

Includes excavation, hardcore sub-base, timber formwork, steel mesh reinforcement, and poured concrete.

2. Timber Cabin Supply 

Standard 28mm to 70mm interlocking log cabin members with double-glazed doors and windows.

3. Professional Installation Labour

Over 2–4 days to assemble the shell and roof.

Optional extras like internal electrics and insulation are available.

Core Cost Factors

• Ground Conditions: Sloping gardens or poor soil require extra excavation and deep sub-base preparation, which quickly inflates the concrete groundwork labour fees.
• Wall Thickness & Insulation: Thinner 28mm–34mm walls are cheaper but only suited for summer. Upgrading to 44mm–70mm walls with full floor and roof insulation transforms it into a year-round office.
• Access to Garden: If ready-mix concrete trucks or heavy timber pallets cannot get close to your garden, manual transport or hiring a concrete pump if needed is included in our online prices

Essential Extras to Budget For

• Electrics: Armoured cable running from your main house consumer unit, internal sockets, and lighting.
• Premium Roofing: Upgrading standard felt to highly durable EPDM rubber or bitumen shingles significantly increases the cabin's lifespan. 
• Painting and Treatment: Timber cabins must be treated with high-quality preservative or UV-resistant paint immediately after installation to prevent wood rot.