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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Building on skids
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oire
Member
# Posted: 8 Mar 2018 09:05am
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As soon as the snow goes away😂, I will be starting on a cabin in northern NH (along the Canadian border). I would like to build on skids.
I would like to go 16x22, using pt laminated 2x8s. From what I have gathered here in my lurking, it seems I should only build two skids. Am I on the right track?

Just
Member
# Posted: 8 Mar 2018 09:41am
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Yes ,Interior supports are difficult to adjust but the maximum width is 16 ft.and with the length of your build you may need some interior.supports for your roof .

oire
Member
# Posted: 8 Mar 2018 11:44am
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When you say interior supports do you mean vertical posts from floor to ceiling?

Just
Member
# Posted: 8 Mar 2018 12:30pm
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yes,what style of roof are you planing?

oire
Member
# Posted: 8 Mar 2018 12:53pm
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I am intending on a gable roof.

Just
Member
# Posted: 8 Mar 2018 03:16pm
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Well if it is truss roof maybe no supports needed but if it’s a beam’ supported roof with a 22 ft. Beam then at least 1interor support should be there .. do you have any plans ?

cman47c
Member
# Posted: 9 Mar 2018 08:13am
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I have a 14 X 24 cabin built on 6X6 treated skids, but I used 3 instead of 2. The frost heaving is an issue but in 10 years has always returned to "normal" in spring. All doors open well after 10 years.

oire
Member
# Posted: 9 Mar 2018 05:06pm
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Cman47c,
Would you share pictures of your cabin?

socceronly
Member
# Posted: 24 Mar 2018 09:05pm
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Do recommend laminating 2x or buying 6x6 for skids?

Is there any advantage of one over the other?

Given how crappy the lumber is at Homedepot I can't imagine finding 4 2x that would go together flat.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 25 Mar 2018 08:56pm
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I would set on a nice thick bed of crushed rock, a good 8" thick or more and packed down. This will keep water away, use 6X6 or 8X8 skids, I would use 3 of them. Set floor joist right on top, you can splice over the center (side by side with a foot overlap each way (2 feet total) in the middle and blocking between) and I would use treated lumber. I suspect with the center beam, a 2X8 at 16" would be enough with a center beam.

Once all flooring is in, this is a good time to install critter mesh, a vapor barrier and then insulation.

ChuckDynasty
Member
# Posted: 26 Mar 2018 07:56pm
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Here's an old post by Owen who used to post here a lot.

"OwenChristensen
Member # Posted: 28 Jun 2012 07:43
Reply Quote

I build on skids every week. I've seen few problems in thirty five years and two hundred cabins. 16' and 20' wide is ok, but near the limit. Do not use a middle skid in frost country. You can set the cabin on two skids one on each side a foot in from the edge. I would use four layers of treated 2x8's on each one. Block them level with cement block, do not use block with holes sideways, they will break. In soft soil a larger pad or more pads are required, maybe a sidewalk section. If you can grade the ground level and set the skid on the ground that's good. Otherwise double wide 4'' block with second layer the opposite direction, with a spacing of 6' to 8' appart. If only one layer, have them perpendicular to the skids."

cman47c
Member
# Posted: 27 Mar 2018 08:12am
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Cabin picture attached
alaska_015.jpg
alaska_015.jpg


socceronly
Member
# Posted: 2 Apr 2018 05:40pm
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Would 6x6 be good enough for a 9x12 bunkie?

If the bunkie were a little higher than normal, say 18', would it warrant something bigger? Shed roof with a loft inside for a bed.

The skids would run the 9' We are on small slope and would like the 12' facing the water.

Sitting a rock base.

If you use PT, should you treat it additionally in any way?

Just
Member
# Posted: 2 Apr 2018 08:13pm
Reply 


The pic is of our 9 x 12 . Sits on 2 laminated 6x6 pt skids they sit on 6 16 x 16 concrete shed pads . Been there for 5 years doors and windows still work well . Laminated is supposed to be a bit stronger .
9x12
9x12


socceronly
Member
# Posted: 3 Apr 2018 08:42am
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Thanks Just!

9x12...... you in Ontario then?

Just
Member
# Posted: 3 Apr 2018 09:00am - Edited by: Just
Reply 


yes as they say 10 sq. m.

xtolekbananx
Member
# Posted: 3 Apr 2018 09:13am
Reply 


When you build on skids I would recommend a good gravel base, at least a few inches of crushed compacted stone so you will have a good drainage. I have a small 10x20 prefab shed that is converted into a cabin and have 4 total 4x6 skids. None in the middle, 2 on each side close to the edge. Afrer 2 years no problem with windows and doors. You really dont need a middle skid as there is minimum weigh load, most load is at the walls. Good floor joist should take care of that. If you put your cabin on just blocks you might have a problem with heaving as some blocks might heave more than others where as to a compacted stone pad it works almost as one but than again that's only from my experience.

socceronly
Member
# Posted: 4 Apr 2018 12:18pm
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Did you guys attach the floor joists to the skids? Using something like Simpson hurricane ties?

xtolekbananx
Member
# Posted: 4 Apr 2018 01:26pm
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My skids are groved so floor joists sit in the skids about an inch and then floor joist are nailed in but that's how The build the cabin (I bought it pre built). But if I was doing is myself I would use hurricane ties so skids and floor is one and can be moved easily in the future if needed to be.

Just
Member
# Posted: 4 Apr 2018 05:23pm
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I build the floor upsidown . I put together the joists and rim joists first then I nail on 1/2 in pt plywood , then I flip it over on the skids and nail it down . Then I fill it with insulation and nail on the subfloor . Makes for a perfectly sealed bottom impevious to verman . Chekeout “7day build “ In the cabin construction section .i have built a few bunkys .It takes two hardy soles to flip it 3or4 is better.After the framing I attach the cabin frame to the ground with metal strapping and ground anchors .

oire
Member
# Posted: 4 Apr 2018 08:55pm
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Just,
Can you provide a link to “7 day build”? It is not readily or easy to search.

oire
Member
# Posted: 4 Apr 2018 09:04pm
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I finally figured out the search feature.

Just
Member
# Posted: 4 Apr 2018 09:54pm
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sorry i cant do links im still longing for a pencil.

oire
Member
# Posted: 5 Apr 2018 02:42am
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Here is thev7 day build link

http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/2_7611_0.html#msg111063

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