Do you want to learn how to build an ICF foundation for a tiny cabin? This is part three of our waterfront cabin build, where I am going to explain how we built our own concrete footings and Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) foundation. When we built the cabin in our backyard, we put it on blocks rather than a foundation. One of the biggest upgrades we did for the waterfront cabin was to put in a real foundation.
When we moved the cabin, we wanted to be able to use it year round. This meant finding a way to keep it insulated and warm. So we decided to do an ICF foundation for our tiny cabin.
Driveway
But before we would be able to get the construction trucks onto the property, we had to extend the road and put in a driveway.
Foundation Excavation
Once the driveway was installed, we rented a mini-excavator and Tony dug the hole for the foundation. Since this is waterfront, we decided not to dig down too far, but rather to build the soil up around the foundation. Tony dug down about 2-3 feet.
Concrete Footings
Then in August 2023 we framed out the footings. This was a very small cabin, 16’ by 20’, so the framing of the footings didn’t take very long at all.
We piled up dirt around the outside to make sure the concrete didn’t spill out the bottom of the forms. After we got it inspected by the township, we got a concrete truck to fill the footings.
The final step for the concrete footings was putting in the vertical rebar which connects the ICF foundation to the footings. Once the concrete footings were dry, we removed the forms and then put in the tile drainage on the inside and outside of the footings.
ICF Foundation for a tiny cabin
After the footings were complete, we covered the tile drainage with gravel. Then we got started putting together the insulated concrete form (ICF) walls. This is the second time Tony and I have done an ICF foundation, the first time was for our house that we built. We love ICF because it is relatively easy to install, and it ensures the basement is strong, warm, dry, and energy efficient. If you want to learn more about the benefits of ICF foundations, i recommend you read these: 7 Benefits of ICF Construction For Your Project | Fox Blocks, ICF Foundations: A Modern Solution for Long-Lasting, Energy-Efficient Basements | Alleguard, An Introduction to Insulated Concrete Forms – Fine Homebuilding
This is a small cabin and we only did the basement 4.5 feet high, which was four rounds of ICF, so it only took us one evening to lay all the ICF blocks. The next day we finished putting in all the rebar and bracing the walls to get the ready to hold the concrete, and filled all the cracks with spray foam to make sure the concrete wouldn’t seep out.
Concrete Pour
Once again, we got a truck to deliver the concrete. It took four of us a half day to finish with the concrete in the walls and the sonotubes for the deck..
Waterproofing the cabin foundation
The last step for the ICF foundation for our tiny cabin was to use a foundation wrap. The purpose of the wrap is to make sure no water gets into the basement. And that’s how we built our ICF foundation, ensuring a solid and warm base for our tiny waterfront cabin!
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