How to Build The Perfect Off-Grid Cabin Foundation

HINT: It’s NOT like this!

If you’re dreaming of living off the grid, you might be wondering how to build a foundation for your cabin that is eco-friendly, sustainable, and durable. A foundation is the base of your cabin, and it affects the comfort, safety, and efficiency of your off-grid living.

But not all foundations are created equal. Some foundations are more suitable for off-grid cabins than others, depending on the location, climate, and budget of your project. Some foundations are also more eco-friendly and sustainable than others, depending on the materials, methods, and maintenance involved.

In this blog post, we’ll help you choose and build the best eco-friendly off-grid foundation for your cabin. We’ll compare and contrast the four main types of foundations for off-grid cabins: concrete, pier and beam, skid, and screw pile. We’ll also give you some tips and tricks on how to prepare your site, insulate your foundation, and maintain your foundation.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll be able to build an eco-friendly off-grid foundation for your cabin that will last for years, and that will enhance your off-grid living experience.

Table of Contents

• Concrete Foundation
  • Pros and cons of a concrete foundation
  • How to build a concrete foundation
• Pier and Beam Foundation
  • Pros and cons of a pier and beam foundation
  • How to build a pier and beam foundation
• Skid Foundation
  • Pros and cons of a skid foundation
  • How to build a skid foundation
• Screw Pile Foundation
  • Pros and cons of a screw pile foundation
  • How to build a screw pile foundation
• Our Cabin Foundation
  • How we build our foundation
• FAQs
  • 5 questions often asked about cabin foundations
• Conclusion
  • How to choose the best type of foundation for your cabin
  • How to build a good foundation for your cabin
  • How to enjoy your off-grid living

We’ve broken this cabin foundation article into two parts.

Part One: Let’s discuss the different types of foundations you may want to consider for your cabin, cottage, or tiny home. We’ll quickly summarize the pros and cons of a particular foundation and then a brief over view of how that type of foundation is built

Part Two: We’ll walk you step by step of how we build the foundation for ouir off grid cabin.

Let’s dive in!

A concrete foundation is the most common and traditional type of foundation for a cabin. It involves pouring concrete into a wooden frame, creating a slab or a crawl space under your cabin.

A concrete foundation has some benefits for off-grid cabins, such as:

• It provides a strong and stable base for your cabin, preventing it from shifting or sinking.
• It protects your cabin from moisture, frost, and pests, as it creates a barrier between the ground and the cabin floor.
• It allows you to install plumbing, electrical, and heating systems under your cabin, making it more comfortable and convenient.

However, a concrete foundation also has some drawbacks for off-grid cabins, such as:

• It requires a lot of materials, tools, and labor, making it expensive and time-consuming to build.
• It needs a level and well-drained site, which might not be available or accessible in remote or rugged locations.
• It might not be suitable for areas with high seismic activity, as it can crack or crumble under pressure.
• It might not be very eco-friendly or sustainable, as it uses a lot of cement, which has a high carbon footprint and environmental impact.

If you want to build a concrete foundation for your off-grid cabin, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Clear and level the site where you want to build your cabin. Remove any rocks, roots, or debris that might interfere with the foundation.
2. Dig a trench around the perimeter of the site, about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. This will create a footing for the foundation, which will support the weight of the cabin.
3. Build a wooden frame or formwork around the trench, using 2×4 or 2×6 boards. This will create the shape and size of the foundation, and it will hold the concrete in place.
4. Pour concrete into the trench, filling it up to the top of the formwork. Use a shovel or a trowel to spread and level the concrete, and a tamper or a vibrator to compact and remove any air bubbles.
5. Let the concrete cure for at least 24 hours, or until it’s hard and dry. Then, remove the formwork and smooth the edges of the foundation with a trowel or a grinder.
6. Build another wooden frame on top of the foundation, using 2×4 or 2×6 boards. This will create the floor joists, which will support the cabin floor.
7. Attach plywood or OSB sheets to the floor joists, using nails or screws. This will create the subfloor, which will be the base of your cabin floor.

To make your concrete foundation more eco-friendly and sustainable, you can use some of these tips:

• Use recycled or natural materials, such as crushed glass, gravel, or sand, instead of cement, to reduce the environmental impact and cost of your foundation.
• Add insulation, such as foam boards, straw bales, or wool, under and around your foundation, to improve the thermal efficiency and comfort of your cabin.
• Apply a waterproof sealant, such as epoxy, polyurethane, or rubber, over your foundation, to prevent moisture and mold problems, and to extend the lifespan of your foundation.

A pier and beam foundation is a popular and versatile type of foundation for a cabin. There are two type of pier and beam foundations. One is utilizing a cement pad on top of the soil acting as the base and either a cinder block or pressure treated wood on top acting as the pier.

The second type involves installing vertical posts or piers into the ground, and connecting them with horizontal beams or girders. The beams support the floor joists, which support the cabin floor.

A pier and beam foundation has some benefits for off-grid cabins, such as:

• It’s easy and cheap to build, as it requires fewer materials, tools, and labor than a concrete foundation.
• It’s adaptable and flexible, as it can be built on uneven or sloped terrain, and it can be adjusted or modified as needed.
• It allows air circulation and ventilation under your cabin, preventing moisture and mold problems.
• It creates a crawl space under your cabin, which can be used for storage or access to plumbing, electrical, and heating systems.

However, a pier and beam foundation also has some drawbacks for off-grid cabins, such as:

• It’s less stable and durable than a concrete foundation, as it can shift or settle over time, causing cracks or gaps in the cabin floor.
• It’s more vulnerable to frost, pests, and animals, as it exposes the cabin floor to the ground and the elements.
• It requires regular maintenance and inspection, as it can deteriorate or decay due to weather or wear and tear.
• It might not comply with local building codes or regulations, depending on the type and size of the cabin and the location.

If you want to build a pier and beam foundation for your off-grid cabin, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Clear and level the site where you want to build your cabin. Remove any rocks, roots, or debris that might interfere with the foundation.
2. Mark the locations of the piers, using stakes or spray paint. The piers should be spaced evenly and symmetrically, about 6 to 8 feet apart, depending on the size and weight of the cabin.
3. Dig holes for the piers, about 3 to 4 feet deep and 12 to 18 inches wide, depending on the soil type and frost depth. The holes should be deeper and wider than the piers, to allow for drainage and stability.
4. Install the piers, using concrete blocks, bricks, stones, or metal posts. The piers should be level and aligned, and they should extend above the ground level by at least 12 inches.
5. Connect the piers with beams, using 4×4 or 4×6 boards. The beams should be attached to the piers with metal brackets, bolts, or nails, and they should be level and parallel.
6. Attach the floor joists to the beams, using 2×4 or 2×6 boards. The floor joists should be spaced 16 to 24 inches apart, and they should be perpendicular to the beams.
7. Attach plywood or OSB sheets to the floor joists, using nails or screws. This will create the subfloor, which will be the base of your cabin floor.

To make your pier and beam foundation more eco-friendly and sustainable, you can use some of these tips:

• Use recycled or natural materials, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, or metal, instead of new or treated lumber, to reduce the environmental impact and cost of your foundation.
• Add insulation, such as foam boards, straw bales, or wool, under and around your foundation, to improve the thermal efficiency and comfort of your cabin.
• Apply a waterproof sealant, such as epoxy, polyurethane, or rubber, over your foundation, to prevent moisture and mold problems, and to extend the lifespan of your foundation.

A skid foundation is a simple and quick type of foundation for a cabin. It involves laying wooden skids or beams on the ground, and placing the cabin floor on top of them.

A skid foundation has some benefits for off-grid cabins, such as:

• It’s the easiest and cheapest type of foundation to build, as it requires minimal materials, tools, and labor.
• It’s portable and movable, as it can be dragged or lifted to a different location, if needed or desired.
• It doesn’t require any digging or excavation, which might damage the natural environment or disturb the wildlife.
• It doesn’t need any permits or approvals, as it’s considered a temporary or non-permanent structure.

However, a skid foundation also has some drawbacks for off-grid cabins, such as:

• It’s not very stable or secure, as it can slide or tip over due to wind, rain, or snow.
• It’s not very durable or long-lasting, as it can rot or decay due to moisture, insects, or fungi.
• It’s not very insulated or comfortable, as it exposes the cabin floor to the ground and the temperature fluctuations.
• It might not be legal or allowed, depending on the local zoning or land use laws.

If you want to build a skid foundation for your off-grid cabin, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Clear and level the site where you want to build your cabin. Remove any rocks, roots, or debris that might interfere with the foundation.
2. Lay the skids on the ground, parallel and evenly spaced, about 4 to 6 feet apart, depending on the size and weight of the cabin. The skids can be made of treated lumber, logs, or metal beams.
3. Attach the floor joists to the skids, using nails or screws. The floor joists should be spaced 16 to 24 inches apart, and they should be perpendicular to the skids.
4. Attach plywood or OSB sheets to the floor joists, using nails or screws. This will create the subfloor, which will be the base of your cabin floor.

To make your skid foundation more eco-friendly and sustainable, you can use some of these tips:

• Use recycled or natural materials, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, or metal, instead of new or treated lumber, to reduce the environmental impact and cost of your foundation.
• Add insulation, such as foam boards, straw bales, or wool, under and around your foundation, to improve the thermal efficiency and comfort of your cabin.
• Apply a waterproof sealant, such as epoxy, polyurethane, or rubber, over your foundation, to prevent moisture and mold problems, and to extend the lifespan of your foundation.

A screw pile foundation is a modern and innovative type of foundation for a cabin. It consists of installing metal posts or piles with helical blades into the ground, and attaching them to a metal frame or platform. The platform supports the cabin floor.

A screw pile foundation has many advantages, such as:

• It’s fast and easy to install, as it requires a specialized machine or tool to screw the piles into the ground, without any digging or excavation.
• It’s stable and strong, as it can withstand high loads and pressures, and it can resist frost, wind, and earthquakes.
• It’s adjustable and reversible, as it can be raised or lowered, and it can be removed or relocated, if needed or desired.
• It’s eco-friendly and sustainable, as it uses recycled materials, and it minimizes the environmental impact and disturbance.

However, a screw pile foundation also has some drawbacks, such as:

• It’s expensive and specialized, as it requires a professional contractor or service to install and maintain the foundation.
• It’s not widely available or accessible, as it might not be offered or supported in some areas or regions.
• It’s not very aesthetic or natural, as it creates a visible and metallic structure under the cabin, which might clash with the surroundings or the cabin design.
• It might not comply with local building codes or regulations, depending on the type and size of the cabin and the location.

To build a screw pile foundation, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Clear and level the site where you want to build your cabin. Remove any rocks, roots, or debris that might interfere with the foundation.
2. Mark the locations of the piles, using stakes or spray paint. The piles should be spaced evenly and symmetrically, about 6 to 8 feet apart, depending on the size and weight of the cabin.
3. Install the piles, using a screw pile driver or a hydraulic auger. The piles should be screwed into the ground, until they reach a stable and solid layer, usually about 3 to 6 feet deep.
4. Attach the platform to the piles, using metal brackets, bolts, or welds. The platform should be level and aligned, and it should extend above the ground level by at least 12 inches.
5. Attach the floor joists to the platform, using nails or screws. The floor joists should be spaced 16 to 24 inches apart, and they should be perpendicular to the platform.
6. Attach plywood or OSB sheets to the floor joists, using nails or screws. This will create the subfloor, which will be the base of your cabin floor.

We choose our specific type of cabin foundation which is a pier and beam type foundation based on a few simple factors.

1. Overall cost of the build ($20K)
2. Limited time to build the cabin (we had 15 days total)
3. Ease of build for just two people
4. Limited access to the remote build site. (we only had an excavator for one day)

Our foundation design is both incredibly economical and effective at providing a solid building platform. It’s also specifically adapted to soil type based on our geographic location. 

TIP: It isn’t always easy to build in an off grid location or with a limited crew so always factor in your location and accessibility when choosing your foundation type.  

The design considerations for our cabin foundation were…

• Inexpensive design
• Can be built in a singe day with just two people
• Requires no heavy equipment
• No digging post holes
• No pouring cement
• Only requires a level and some basic hand-tools
• Provides the ability to level the cabin easily during the build and in the future
• Affords an excellent thermal break for colder climates like ours

Our off grid cabin was built with with just myself and my father within a two week period.

Inside those two weeks we managed to complete to following…

• clearing the land
• carrying all the building materials to the build site by hand
• building the foundation
• framing the cabin and the roof
• installing all the doors and windows
• putting up all the exterior/roof sheathing

The entire solar install was done in only 2 days. We have a complete beginners guide to off grid solar systems.

Heavy machinery is expensive to bring in and the soil type may not always conducive to you building a fully dug out basement.

A poured foundation, or even a cement pad, can cost thousands and take weeks to build.

Again, a cement truck may not even be able to access your build site. They certainly couldn’t on ours. 

Our foundation was simple to design and quick to build.

TIP: Our floor design might seem unique but it is a proven building technique for cold environment s like ours. 

We will sandwich 1″ think rigid formula extruded polystyrene insulation between 3/4″ OSB.

This provides an excellent thermal break from the cold harsh winters of Nova Scotia and creates a strong and rigid building platform.

When built properly, your cabins foundation should easily last the life of the cabin and most importantly provide a plumb, level and solid building foundation. 

Yesterday we began to lay out the footings to prepare for todays work. 

Be sure to check out our #1 Secret For The Perfect Foundation post which covers how we cleared the land and prepped the build site for the foundation.

Today we’ll finish installing the footings, build the main support beams, and begin framing the floor joists.

This will give us a good idea of the cabin dimensions and allow us to imagine the walls, placement of the utilities, and consider any changes that we may need to make. 

We leveled out the 12 locations, on undisturbed soil, where we’ll be placing the above ground footings.

We did this using 2 bags of Quikrete All-Purpose-Sand for each of the locations where we’ll be placing the 8 24″ X 24″ patio slab paver pads and 3 precast 4-way concrete post footings for the 3 deck posts.

Leveling the ground with All-Purpose-Sand (AKA Crusher Dust)

Getting the ground perfectly level is critical in ensuring the remainder of the structure is level, won’t shift, and allows for every beam, board and joist to line up perfectly.

Below my wife is leveling out the ground.

It’s great when the whole family comes out to lend a hand.

Laying out some lumber scabs to ensure the pads are all the same height.

Below we initially used 4 cinder blocks on each pad (2 on top of 2) but we found that was a little too high to our liking.

TIP: You can fill the cinder block with expanding foam to help keep water/snow from filling them up and freezing in the winter.

Here’s a panoramic view of our build site.

These are the Shaw Brick 24″ x 24″ patio slab pavers we used.

We used 16ft long 2×8’s to make up the three main beams that will support the floor joist.

To fashion the 20′ beams we over staggered and overlapped the 2×8’s making sure to use construction adhesive and nails the full length of the beam.

TIP: We used DAP Subfloor Construction Adhesive whenever we needed to build our beams or put down subfloor.One can of this expanding foam is equal to 8 tubes of regular construction adhesive!

These are the 9 footings that will support the three main support beams.

TIP: Never allow lumber that is not pressure treated to come into contact with concrete or cement blocks/pads. The moisture from the concrete can be drawn up into the wood, and after a period of time the wood will rot. You can maintain separation using pressure-treated spacers like we did or use an appropriate gasket made from plastic or foam.

Each of the three main support beams are free floating on their respective cement block without anchoring them down.

This allows for the footing to shift (with the change in seasonal temps) “if” that happens at all.

If the beam was anchored to the footing and one footing was to shift, it could cause a shearing force through the cabin and possibly crack a window, put the cabin out of plumb or split the finished drywall.

By allowing the beam to ride on-top of the cement footing the entire building can slightly shift on the foundation which helps prevent any unwanted forces on the cabin.

Now to be 100% clear when I say “shift” or “slide” I’m talking millimeters here.

Please do not misread that and think your home will be sliding around like skates on ice!

Without a doubt the best single purchase we had before tackling this build was this Dewalt Cordless Framing Nailer.

You’ll hear me go on and on about this one tool throughout the build but I honestly cannot give it enough praise. You may wonder why we would spend the money on something like this when we could have just swung a good old hammer around?

It was a massive time saver! This one tool easily shaving days off the overall build, allowed us to nail in places where we just could not swing a hammer and best of all it’s cordless (no air hose). I highly recommend getting one for your build and you can always sell it afterwards if you’ll not need it again. That was my initial plan but I’ve found I’m always building something at the cabin and this has made those projects so much easier and faster.

We used 3 Shaw Brick 6″ x 6″ Deck Blocks from Home Depot to support the 3 – 6″ x 6″ PT Posts for the front deck.

We used 2×8’s placed at 16″ on center for the floor joist and plan on topping the floor joists with 3/4″ OSB.

The completed floor joist.

NOTE: We will be laying down 3/4″ OSB subfloor and then a layer of 1″ thick rigid pink foam (FOAMULAR C-200 Extruded Polystyrene Rigid Insulation – 24-inch x 96-inch x 1/2-inch butt edge) from Home Depot to act as a thermal break between the inside and outside of the cabin floor.

The pink foam will have another layer of 3/4″ OSB subfloor on top and then a 6mm poly (Everbilt 10 ft. x 100 ft. CGSB Approved Wall & Ceiling Vapour Barrier)

Lastly we’ll be putting in a water resistant laminate flooring that has a pre-attached foam backer for additional insulation and noise reducing properties.

The pressure treated beams gives us a sneak peek at the rough size of the front deck.

The front deck dimensions are 20′ x 8′

We’ll be using three 6″ x 6″ posts to support the front edge of the covered deck’s steel roof.

Today we finished up the footings, the three main support beams, and began to frame the floor joist.

We now have a good idea of the interior floor space the main living areas, kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom dimensions.

In our opinion, this is by far the best method for building a small cabin foundation with our soil type, climate and proximity to the lake.

Every off grid build has unique foundation requirements.

Remember to consider the following when choosing the type of foundation you’ll be constructing…

• Ground type (gravel, soil, rocky, slab, tree roots)
• Ease of clearing the land
• Overall footprint
• Settling
• Slope
• Time
• Cost

Next time we’ll finish up the floor joist, put in those three 6″ x 6″ pressure treated front deck posts, and make sure the entire foundation is level, plumb and square before we put down the sub-floor.

1. How long does it take to build an off-grid cabin foundation?

•    Building times vary but generally range from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on factors like weather and complexity.

2. Do I need professional help to build my off-grid cabin foundation?

•    While some tasks can be DIY, consulting with professionals, especially for complex structures, is advisable for safety and compliance.

3. Can I build an off-grid cabin foundation on sloped terrain?

•    Yes, but additional considerations and engineering may be required to ensure stability on sloped ground.

4. What is the cost range for building an off-grid cabin foundation?

•    Costs vary based on factors like foundation type, materials, and location. It’s advisable to create a detailed budget beforehand.

5. Are there government incentives for sustainable off-grid construction?

•    In some regions, there are incentives or tax benefits for using sustainable materials and practices. Check with local authorities for applicable programs.

Building an off-grid cabin is a great way to enjoy the beauty and freedom of nature, without compromising on comfort and convenience. But before you can enjoy your cabin, you need to build a foundation for it.

A foundation is the base of your cabin, and it affects the safety, efficiency, and durability of your off-grid living. Therefore, you need to choose and build a foundation that is suitable for your cabin, your site, and your budget.

In this blog post, we’ve shown you the four main types of foundations for off-grid cabins: concrete, pier and beam, skid, and screw pile. We’ve also given you some tips and tricks on how to make your foundation more eco-friendly and sustainable, by using recycled or natural materials, adding insulation, and applying sealant.

We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to build an eco-friendly off-grid foundation for your cabin. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading, and happy building!