Building a foundation using stone is an affordable method that doesn't require significant financial investment. This type of base, made from compacted stone, is known as a "stone trench." This method has been used for centuries, and indeed, stone is one of the most durable materials. If you don't have stones on your property, you can order a truckload of gravel, which will cost around 6000–13,000 rubles — that’s also a great option.
Part 1
Step 1. Dig a trench around the perimeter of the building.
Start by digging a trench along the boundaries of your future home. The width should be about 45 cm, and the depth must exceed the frost line. Use a pickaxe or hoe to break up the soil, and then a shovel to remove it. The excavated soil can be used to fill the foundation or to create a slope around the house. Once the trench is ready, use a square shovel to level and compact the bottom.
Step 2. Lay large stones first.
Begin by placing the largest stones at the bottom of the trench. If you have boulders or remnants of old concrete structures, position them as follows:
- Continue laying down large stones that you can lift and that are suitable in size. Gradually, the stones should decrease in size towards the top of the trench.
Step 3. Compact the stones.
Tightly compact the stones. They should fit together like a puzzle — if necessary, use a hammer to drive them in. You can also use asphalt scraps or old concrete blocks, which should be broken into flat pieces.
Step 4. Fill with gravel and compact.
After that, fill the entire structure with gravel and compact it thoroughly. Use your hands to ensure that the gravel fills all the gaps.
Step 5. Lay pipes and wires, then cover with stones.
Install all necessary pipes and wires, surrounding them with stones on all sides. It’s also advisable to lay an additional pipe that is 5–8 cm wide for drainage and 10 cm for sewage if future connections are required.
Step 6. Create a T-shaped foundation.
Assemble a T-shaped foundation that will elevate your building above ground level. If you want to stick to a budget-friendly and eco-friendly approach, consider creating walls from bags filled with earth and sand. This consists of rows of plastic bags filled with clay or stones, with barbed wire running between them for strength. In standard T-shaped foundations, the lower layers consist of compacted fill (sand, gravel, stones, etc.), while the upper rows are filled with an improved soil mix — soil mixed with cement or lime that hardens. Once completed, the walls are covered with wire mesh and plastered for added strength and protection of the bags.
