Whilst the photographs show a wooden bothy or folly, one of several in a large garden in the South of England, the method of laying a wooden log floor is the same for any garden shed or indoor/outdoor area. Only the choice of timber will decide the longevity of the feature.
The floor shown is made up of a number of log roundels, in this case, pine, which is suitable for an indoor room/shed or sheltered open fronted gazebo. Each log is carefully sawn to a suitable length, usually 125mm or five inches. Each log should be ‘straight’ to enable neighbour against neighbour laying, with the minimum of space between each unit.
The logs are laid over a compacted base, which should be free draining. Sharp sand/block laying sand is used to a depth of approximately 50mm, to ‘bed’ the logs firmly into position.
Once the area is complete, a mixture of sharp sand or a course grained sand (the definition of which will depend on your locality) is simply brushed into the gaps, and the whole area vibrated using a piece of 25mm plywood, 45cm x 45cm, and a rubber or nylon maul to ensure that the intercises are filled – much as a whacker plate over block paving, without the heavy pressure implied by a machine. Simply repeat the tamping until the gaps are filled. The sizes of the timber logs can vary in diameter, as long as they are touching each other, and of the same length.
I have used a variety of different timbers, ranging from beech, oak and acacia for open air ‘patios’ to pine, cedar and sycamore for dry, indoor areas. The photographs show an open fronted gazebo, the floor of which was laid approximately ten years ago (but it is little used). You can, of course, apply a suitable preservative or seal to add years to the life of the project.
This method is quick and easy to lay, but allow time to produce sufficient numbers of logs, as this can be the costliest part of the job. Material costs will obviously vary from timber to timber, but may of course, be free, if they are to be found on site, or available during other works. Ensure that each log is kept upright during operations, and not allowed to lean in any direction, otherwise the work will become loosened by use.
(This particular floor is due to be replaced during the winter – when we get a few wet days!)
