Foundation Systems - Concrete or RapidGrid as a base

A strong foundation is important when siting a garden building.

 

Dunster House would recommend either a flat, level concrete base or the extremely easy-to-install RapidGrid system. If you are unsure about building your concrete base we would recommend that you consult an experienced tradesman. Please note that the base needs to be level with no runoff since the building will provide this. 

 

If you prefer not to construct a concrete base, we have designed an excellent foundation system that works well with our garden buildings: the Premium RapidGrid foundation System. 

 

Easy to Install RapidGrid Foundation System

 

The RapidGrid Foundation System is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to concrete foundations. Generally costing much less than a concrete base would, the Rapid Foundations do not ruin the surrounding soil and need very little soil to be removed compared to if you were laying a concrete base.

 

rapid grid foundation systems

 

The Premium RapidGrid Foundation System is made up of weed control membrane and high quality, heavy-duty plastic grids. These grids interlock into one another for ease of placement and to help with the rigidity, creating strong support that will help spread the weight of the building. 

 

How to Install a RapidGrid Log Cabin Base

 

With this system, it is better to have reasonably level ground to start off with as you will then need to move less soil in order to level the ground under the grids. Please note that you will need to fill the grids with pea shingle stones, or similar, that you will need to buy from your local builder’s merchant. 

 

The RapidGrid Foundation is also time-efficient. You can get your base into place relatively quickly and with little fuss compared to a concrete base. Simply digging down 30-40mm in medium-firm ground conditions is perfectly sufficient to hold the building stable. There's no waiting for the base to set and dry, once they're in you're ready to start building.

 

rapid grid foundation systems installation

The RapidGrid Foundations are designed to work in medium-firm ground conditions and are suitable for the majority of gardens. Please be aware that they are not suitable for areas prone to waterlogged conditions, marsh, peat or recently disturbed ground. If you are unsure if your ground is suitable for foundations which will exert approx. 17Kpa of pressure, please talk to a local geotechnical engineer prior to purchasing.

(You can level the ground under the grids by moving earth.)
 

See How Easy it is to Install RapidGrids

Our short video highlights just how easy it is to lay RapidGrids for any Garden OfficesLog Cabins etc 
 

How to Install a Concrete Log Cabin Base

If your ground conditions are not suitable for the Premium RapidGrid Foundation due to steep slopes or unstable ground then you may find reinforced concrete a better option, as all garden buildings need to be constructed on a flat, level surface.

 

When laying a concrete foundation for your garden building we suggest you add 100mm all the way around the sizes given for the building you have purchased. This will help spread the weight of the building and help ensure that if the base is slightly out of square that the building will still fit on the base. For example:

 

foundation systems Rhine layout