How to install your log cabin or summerhouse floor from start to finish

Why the floor of your log cabin or summerhouse is important

Unlike a shed, the floor of a log cabin or summerhouse is not load bearing. The interlocking walls hold the weight of the structure to ensure its stability, but it does help with insulation, air circulation and, most importantly, provides you with a space you can enjoy throughout the year. No matter whether you choose to use your building as an entertaining space, an office, an extra bedroom or a hobby space, the flooring provides a usable space. 

A well installed floor helps to: 

• Support furniture and daily use 

• Distribute weight evenly throughout the cabin 

• Improve insulation and heat retention 

• Improve airflow underneath the building to prevent damp and moisture

Installing your log cabin or summerhouse floor

Here’s our step-by-step guide to installing the flooring in your log cabin or summerhouse.

Step 1: Fitting the floor joists

After you have laid the damp proof course for your log cabin or summerhouse, and the edge joists are installed, it’s time to position the rest of the floor joists. 

To position the floor joists correctly, we recommend using some of the floorboards to help align them and position them in the right place. 

The positioning will vary depending on the building you’re installing but, as a general rule, there should be a joist under every single joint on the floorboards. There shouldn’t be a gap over 400mm between the floor joists.

In some cases, the joists might appear to be too close together but, as long as the gaps aren’t too far apart, this won’t be a problem. 

Watch our video for more guidance on fitting the floor joists:

Step 2: Laying the floor insulation

Once you’re happy with the position of the floor joists, measure the gaps in between so the floor insulation can be cut to size and slotted in between.

Measure and cut the insulation board to the right size by drawing a line down it and cutting it with a handsaw. This piece can then be slotted in between the floor joists. 

Repeat this step until every single joist has insulation between it.

For a complete guide to installing floor insulation, watch our video:

Step 3: Laying the floorboards

When you have all the insulation in place, the floorboards can be laid on top. Start from the back of the building and lay the floorboards until the entire surface is finished. 

Use two nails at every junction to secure the floorboards in place and leave a 10mm expansion gap around all four sides of the floor. Timber is a natural material that expands and contracts depending on the environment around it so leaving this space allows for movement of the wood. If the floor is too tightly fitted, this movement can cause warping, cracking or splitting which can affect the overall performance of your garden building.

Watch our video for a full guide on fitting the floorboards in your log cabin or summerhouse:

Step 4: Fitting the skirting boards

With the floor insulation and floorboards in place, the skirting boards add the finishing touches to the inside of your log cabin or summerhouse. This will be fitted around all four sides of the floor and will cover the expansion gaps you’ve left. 

You might have to make adjustments or cuts when you reach a window or door. All you need to do is mark the skirting board, cut it and then lay it back in the right place.

For a full step-by-step guide to fitting the skirting boards, watch our video:

Completing your log cabin or summerhouse installation

The floor of your log cabin or summerhouse plays a huge part in the comfort and performance of your building over time. The joists, insulation and floorboards create a stable, supportive foundation so you can create a comfortable space you can enjoy for years to come. In addition, when insulated and installed properly, the floor helps with heat retention and airflow. 

No matter how you intend to use your log cabin or summerhouse, installing the floor properly provides you with a garden building that you can enjoy throughout the year. 

For additional advice or guidance, please contact our expert customer service team. 

Learn about the next steps for installing your log cabin or summerhouse in our complete installation guides:

• Why ventilation in log cabins and summerhouses matters: Everything you need to know

• Do log cabins or summerhouses need storm kits? Protecting your log cabin from high winds

• How to finish your log cabin or summerhouse installation