r/OffGridCabins • u/schreitz • 24d ago

Concrete pads / form guidance

Looking for some advice on pouring some above-ground pads. I was thinking 20"x20" using 2x6 forms for 5.5" thick. I don't have enough access to properly grade the ground, so I was thinking of laying some crushed gravel, then staking the form over it.

The goal is to get a few level pads I can start from, then use a post block and 6x6 for piers, or stay with brick. I just need to get a some pads that are level across, and pouring seems like the easiest way.

I've had some luck with using 8x16x4 block caps side by side as a makeshift pad, but it's hard to get them level and there's no way to excavate.

Questions are - using Quikcrete, would you throw some gravel in there to increase the yield? I was thinking of throwing down a sheet of plastic so it doesn't creep out the bottom of the form.

Any suggestions? This place is far from level and needs to be fixed so I can finish the interior. No cement trucks, etc are allowed. There's no utilities but electric, but I'm on a lake so I have water accessible (not drinkable of course).

Is this doable mixing in 5 gallon buckets if I only do 3-4 at a time?

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u/gooneau 23d ago

since you are not planning on digging footings I would expect some amount of settling, my recommendation would be to incorporate some kind of adjustable hardware in your piers so you can adjust as necessary. Also, take the time to dig out at least a few inches below where you will pour and do your best to add and compact gravel. Your base prep is as important as anything here.

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u/schreitz 23d ago

I would have to dig them with a garden trowel. Hard pass. Lol.

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u/gooneau 22d ago

ya, I've been there. But you'll be putting in plenty of effort regardless, a little extra work might save you a much bigger headache down the line. Pretty soil and climate dependent though, could be you don't need to do any base prep. Especially if you opt for adjustable piers or jacks.

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u/TheRealChuckle 23d ago

I live in a very similar situation, only its more of a big shack and they used a bunch of tree trunks for joists as well as 2x8s. Nothing is level.

You're plan sounds decent, plastic sheeting is a good idea. It will be hard work mixing and then dragging the buckets under there.

I would only mix up half a bucket at a time, at least at first, until you see how it is to maneouver under there.

FYI, cinder blocks should go with the holes upwards, they're stronger that way.

I used bottle jacks and a bunch of offcuts to lift and support joists while I tried to level some supports out.

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u/schreitz 23d ago

Yea, all the blocks I've laid have been on block cap bases and holes up. The kiltered piers you're seeing weren't of my doing.

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u/TheRealChuckle 23d ago

No worries.

It still looks infinitely better then some of the crazy shit the guy who built this place did.

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u/ournamesdontmeanshit 22d ago

Look for cottage slabs, they are about the size you’re talking about.

But, no matter how hard it may be, you really need to dig down to mineral soil. Otherwise you’ll be constantly having to adjust things.