What Is a Garden Room Foundation Frame And Why Do You Need One?

When you’re building a garden room, getting things right from the start is key to building a structure that lasts. It can be tempting to try and skip a step, but this can quickly lead to issues that result in structural problems. This, in turn, means unnecessary headaches with additional costs and time spent on repairs.

A very important part of the build is the garden room foundation frame. This is the structural support that sits between the walls and the foundation, ensuring your garden room is stable, level, and built to last.

Our short and clear guide will explain what a garden room frame is and why it’s needed in the first place. You’ll also find a handy DIY guide on how to build your own frame, should you need to.

What is a garden room frame and why do you need it?

The garden room frame is the structural base that is placed directly on top of the foundation. It supports the entire garden room structure and makes sure it’s level and stable. What would happen if you put your garden room directly on the foundation? You’d likely have to deal with uneven weight distribution, sagging floors, and long-term structural issues.

If you’re located in an area with more rainfall, you should be concerned with moisture. The foundation frame raises the structure off the ground, improving airflow and reducing moisture buildup. A proper frame also makes assembly much easier, providing a sturdy and level surface to build on.

Garden room frames are typically made from pressure-treated wood that can withstand moisture, rot, and insect damage. The wood is treated with preservatives in a special pressurized environment, allowing for deeper penetration of the preservative. This makes it extremely durable compared to untreated wood, for example.

Choosing a pressure-treated frame is extremely important because the foundation frame is closest to the ground. This means it is the part of the structure that is most exposed to moisture.

It’s not hard to see why choosing a good quality frame is an important step. Yet, not all garden rooms come with one. Many providers do not include a frame with their garden rooms, so it’s always a good idea to double-check what’s included before finalizing your purchase.

All CasetasdeJardin24 garden rooms and other wooden structures, such as saunas and garages, come with a pressure-treated Nordic Spruce frame. The frame is already included in the price, so you don’t need to worry about buying or building one on your own.

Garden room frame vs foundation: What’s the difference?

Sometimes people confuse garden room frames with the foundation itself. This is an easy mistake to make, however, these two structures have very different purposes.

The foundation

The foundation is there to provide ground support. It’s the base that is designed to support the entire structure that will sit on top of it. The foundation can be made from concrete, pile screws, paving slabs, or breeze blocks, for example.

The frame

The frame is placed directly on top of the foundation. Its job is to act as a stable, level platform for the garden room to be built on. The frame is sandwiched between the foundation and the garden room.

Do I need both a foundation and a frame?

Yes, you must always have both a foundation and a frame. The foundation will keep your structure from sinking or shifting and the frame keeps your building level and stable.

How to build a garden room frame (DIY guide)

Are you planning to build your own garden room frame? Then it’s important that you get the steps right. A quick search online will give you many DIY videos to help you out, but here is a short summary of the basic steps you need to go through:

1. Choose the correct wood: As mentioned earlier, the best option is pressure-treated timber, which resists moisture, rot, and insect damage. Always avoid untreated wood, as it is not intended to be used in damp conditions.
2. Measure and cut the pieces: Measure the dimensions of your garden room base and continue to cut the pieces to size. Screw the outer frame pieces together and square the frame by measuring the diagonals.
3. Secure the joists: Place support joists inside the frame. The spacing depends on the size of your garden room; 400-600mm apart is a common distance guideline. Secure the joists with screws. You can also add brackets for extra strength.
4. Attach the frame to the foundation: The exact method will be decided by the type of foundation you’re using, but this step will ensure that the frame stays in place and doesn’t shift over time.
5. Check the frame is level: Use a spirit level to ensure the frame is perfectly flat and adjust where necessary. This is an extremely important step that ensures the stability of the whole building.
6. Use moisture protection: Even if you’re using pressure-treated wood, applying sealant or wood preservative adds extra protection. Consider using a damp-proof membrane under the frame for extra moisture resistance.
7. Final check: Before moving on with your garden room build, double-check that the frame is securely attached to the foundation and that the surface is level.

DIY isn’t for everyone

You don’t need to build a garden room frame yourself. Despite the simplicity, it’s very important to have the right skills and tools. It also takes time and effort to self-build, which is why many people opt for pre-made garden room frames.

Choosing a garden room with a frame means you’ll have one less thing to worry about when it comes to setting up your little garden oasis. This is why CasetasdeJardin24 garden rooms and other garden buildings all come with a foundation frame – so you can have a hassle-free installation experience.

Conclusion

When you’re building a garden room, it’s important to focus on the structure itself – its size, design and different features. But it’s always equally important to focus on what the garden room stands on. A garden room with a strong foundation and frame are sturdy enough to bring joy for many years to come.

If you have any questions about garden room frames that come with our structures, don’t hesitate to reach out to the CasetasdeJardin24 team.