I am looking at building a 2,000 SF single story log home using 8" white cedar logs in Guernesey County Ohio, about an hour N/E of Columbus. I want a full basement, 9-10 foot and am confused, bewildered/ unsure of what process is best to use in our situation. It will be a walk out basement, clay soil & pretty solid ground. I am getting the same BS from about all I have spoken with, block, ICF, and Superior Walls.

Any tips, web sites, or advice is greatly appreciated. I'd rather get kicked around now and learn something than pay later for my ignorance. Thanks,

There are no "bests". A well-built block foundation will be better than a poorly built concrete foundation. All need to be properly designed and reinforced for the wall height and the soil surcharge if any. You would also do well to heed the recommendations of LicensedWaterproofR for the construction, dampproofing, waterproofing and backfill of your foundation. The words "clay soils" should be a warning bell..you don't want clays right against your walls.

Many builders I work with prefer block walls to concrete, because concrete forms shift when heavy wet concrete is poured into them, and you're kind of stuck with what you get, but if a block wall begins to drift out of line, the masons can bring it back in the last few courses, and they end up with a nice square foundation. Block foundations, when properly parged, look much better, in my opinion, also.

I am not a great fan of depending on caulked joints permanently below grade, but I must say I have no direct experience with precast foundation walls.

One reason to choose one method over the others is which methods are in general use in your immediate area. If you don't see many concrete foundations, and most seem to be of block, maybe that's the way to go, because you will be sure to be able to get a few good bidders for your project. If you see almost all concrete foundations, then the local people will be less familiar with block work.

I practice in Rockland County, New York, where almost all foundations are block, and most contractors prefer them. If you travel less than 50 miles to Long Island, New York, you won't see anything but concrete, and that's what almost all the local builders prefer. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

Thanks much for the help, amish builder here says the same thing & he's a good and honest builder, I just want to make sure and then triple check it all. Mostley block work here, with a few ICF jobs recently around here.Superior Walls here say they will give you the world, but no warranty. ICF company sells the products to build and takes no blame. it's all on the little guy who puts it up. When asked why they don't have their own crews, they just say it isn't profitable. Waterproofing guy has my attention. Plus has decent taste in music so he can't be all bad !! Thanks again

I would still check into the Superior Walls.