How to build simple cubby house base?

catbly

I’ve recently bought this Kidzshack cubby house (https://kidzshack.com.au/products/happy-shack-pre-order-2025) - it’s the ground level version not the elevated one and is 1300 wide x 1100 deep. The cubby has a floor but my question is more about the base or foundation on which to sit the cubby on to ensure it’s protected from moisture and sits level and is stable. The company was not particularly helpful with specific advice other than to say put to pavers underneath.

I’d like to put the cubby in the back corner here where the white rectangular planter currently is. This area is about 1560 deep. There is just bare soil here and I don’t think it’s very even.

My question is can I simply place the pavers on top of the soil? I’ve gone down a bit of a rabbit hole of looking at the how to lay pavers guide but I think this might be beyond my DIY skills. I need a simple but effective way to create a base for the cubby.

Based on other posts I’ve read, one approach I was thinking about was using a tamper to compact and try to level the soil, then placing pavers on top. Will this be too unstable? Would adding some sand underneath help? Would the sand also need compacting and would it require a frame?

I’ve also been looking at this product (jack matrix fast floor) and wonder if placing this on top of the pavers would give an extra layer of protection from moisture?

Are there any other simple options you would recommend?

Thanks for helping this DIY novice mum out!

EricL

Hello @catbly

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about what base to use for your cubby house.

Installing pavers as a base for your cubby house is a simple direct process and does not require you to build a timber frame or make a concrete base. Please note that your cubby house might have instructions about ground installation, it's important to follow the directions provided with your cubby house, as different models have different requirements. Some are designed to be pinned or anchored down, while others are freestanding and simply need a stable, level base, particularly larger cubby houses that aren't easily tipped over.

I propose measuring how big a base you wish to build for the cubby house. Please remember to keep the size of your pavers in mind in relation to the size of the base. In this manner you can get the correct number of pavers without having to cut them. Putting in a sand base is a good idea you can use your tamper to level the surface. Please use a spirit level if you wish to check how level the area is. You can build a timber frame if you wish but because it is in a corner the sand will not travel very far.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Lay Pavers - Bunnings Warehouse (some of the steps are applicable to your project)

It is not necessary to cement the pavers in place as the cubbyhouse is only a temporary feature. If you are worried about moisture, I suggest putting builder's plastic on top of the pavers and then placing the cubbyhouse on top. The plastic will prevent moisture from rising up into the cubby house.

In regards to the Jack Matrix Fast Floor, it is possible to install it over the pavers, but I think it will need to be anchored to the cubbyhouse to prevent the cubby house from sliding on its surface.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations.

Here are some discussions regarding what base to use for a cubby house:

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Morning @catbly

Love cubby houses as a kid, they were what led me towards building stuff later on for sure!

I have laid backyard pavers directly on compacted soil, well scalped soil. I remove the top 50mm of soil and then tamped the ground using a Trojan 205mm Tamper if needed (I have a lot of clay so it was a solid surface around that point)

I didnt use sand (mainly because I didnt have any and it was just a garden path between veggie gardens) The path held up nicely and didnt really have any weeds growing between the pavers which were square fitting (no gaps) With your ground level cubby house no sunlight will get to the soil so no weeds.

The only thing I would suggest is to make sure teh pavers are at least level with your existing ones if not a little above them so water doesnt pool. If you think back in your yard is there any pooling around where you are going to place the cubby house? if not then I wouldnt worry too much.

Cubby house under a tree = perfect

Dave

catbly

Thank you both so much! Feeling a lot more confident with this plan now and excited to get started.