It seems unbelievable that there could be one temporary structure that could tick every box. An office, a toilet block, and a classroom seem to have nothing in common. Fortunately, however, there is an easy answer. This jack-of-all-trades building is known as a jackleg cabin, a structure which is manufactured offsite, and transported easily to its destination.

After reading this article, you will know more about what jackleg cabins are, their history and their benefits. We have further given some reasons why jackleg cabins are perfect for site accommodation needs. We’ll also explain how Relocatable Building Systems can help you achieve your portable cabin requirements.

What is a jackleg cabin?

When you visit a construction zone, you routinely see structures built around the site. These are used for employee needs, such as site accommodation. Although there are many types of buildings, the jackleg cabin is one of the most commonly used.

Jackleg cabins are temporary buildings, which are stackable and versatile. They rest on flexible legs, which are fantastic for uneven surfaces, such as grass or cobblestones. They commonly come in rectangular shapes, with windows on the sides of the structures, giving a bright and airy feel to the smallest of jackleg cabins. Stairs and ramps can also be attached to help get into the building with ease. They are often referred to by different names, which is important to know when attempting to obtain the right structure for your needs.

The Names

Jackleg cabins are named after the steel supports that hold them up. Jacklegs are adjustable, which means any cabin held by them can change in height easily. However, these cabins are not always called the name of their feet. When opting for a temporary cabin, the variety of names can result in confusion over which structure is the one you want. To make things easier, we have listed below a few other names which jackleg cabins go by.

You may have read about plastisol cabins, which are actually a type of jackleg cabin. Plastisol is a type of PVC coating which can be applied to different materials. It comes as a liquid, which when cured becomes incredibly durable. It’s great for temporary buildings as a high-impact material, therefore plastisol cabins are fantastic for construction site accommodation.

Jackleg cabins are sometimes simply referred to simply as portacabins. The prefix refers to their portable nature, as they can be moved and installed easily in different locations. Although it is best to have a cabin transported by a professional, the set-up of a cabin should not take long.

The History of Jackleg Cabins

When discussing the context of modern jackleg cabins, it’s important to acknowledge movable shelters have existed for centuries. Tents were and still are famously easy to move, benefitting hunters and explorers alike. In the 18th century, there were trials and successes in creating movable buildings, particularly hospitals, which could be used in war, and were more secure than simple tents. No portable building reached commercial success, however, until cabins.

Portable cabins, as we know them, do not have an extensive history. These cabins were first invented in the mid-20th century in York. Since that time, various improvements have been made to adapt them to modern construction sites. Jacklegs and plastisol were added, making them more versatile and resilient and wider range of adjustments can now be made to each temporary cabin.

What are jackleg cabins used for?

Jackleg cabins are arguably the most commonly used structures on construction sites. The product can be great for meeting the site requirements, however, it’s definitely not their only use. Learn some examples of jackleg cabin uses below.

Classrooms

As the amount of students in a school increases, so does the space required. Often, construction cannot happen as quickly as it may be needed, so a great temporary solution is to have a jackleg cabin erected. As these buildings can be both set up and disassembled speedily, they make fantastic emergency fixes until more capacity can be built permanently.

Jackleg cabins can be used over long periods when needed too, so construction does not need to be rushed. As they are multi-use, even when abandoned as a classroom, they can be used in the event of emergencies for other purposes. Many schools convert them into spare classrooms when issues happen in the main building, or adapt them for operational support purposes.

Offices

When a construction site requires an area for business, jackleg offices can be fantastic solutions. Their legs are great even on uneven surfaces, due to the built-in adjustable features. Whether construction is taking place in rural or urban areas, jackleg offices can slot into any site.

These cabins can also be outfitted with several technical features, such as private toilets and sinks. Kitchen units to make tea are great in an office building, which adds a level of comfort to the space. Tables and chairs are easy to fit in too, so a boardroom-style meeting space can be created simply. The features are fantastic for ensuring business can take place on the building site.

Other Uses

Besides professional settings, portable plastisol cabins can be used for large events. Festivals, for example, are often held in fields and other large-scale inconvenient areas. A jackleg cabin can be used at a festival as a first-aid building, used to support attendees easily and securely.

Another use for jackleg cabins is as a utility unit, such as a bathroom space or a kitchen. Temporary buildings are fantastic for bathroom spaces, as they are much more comfortable and spacious than individual portaloos. Kitchen units, on the other hand, are great for work breaks for employees to relax while on construction sites. They can use appliances in the kitchen area to store and make food.

What are the benefits of jackleg cabins?

When considering a jackleg cabin for sale, there are some advantages you can keep in mind. We have listed a few of them below to help you decide whether a portable cabin is right for your needs.

Temporary

The main selling point of a jackleg cabin is that they are temporary. Jackleg cabins can be easily assembled, for use on various locations and construction sites. Temporary doesn’t mean single use, however, as jackleg cabins can be used multiple times in a variety of settings. Adjustments can be made to the existing temporary structures to make them suitable for new spaces.

Portable

Just as jackleg cabins are temporary, they are also portable. Depending on your cabin type, portable cabins are generally transported whole, although some dismantling may need to take place. These sections will then be lifted by crane into a vehicle such as a lorry, to be moved to its next location. Once there, it can be connected to the relevant systems, making it fully functional once again.

Cost Effective

As jackleg cabins are built off-site and transported to where they are required, they’re cost-effective. Where building a structure specifically for use on a worksite can be costly and time-consuming, installing a portacabin will save you from unnecessary expenses. To save costs even further, many businesses will offer rental jackleg cabins, which is great if they are only needed on a single occasion.

Versatile

As mentioned, jackleg cabins are great for many purposes. The features and extras that can be incorporated for preparing your structure for different uses. Regardless of the extent of your needs, in all likelihood, a jackleg cabin can be adjusted to meet any requirements. They can even be decorated for a more homely feel, should you wish to do so.

Easy to Obtain

Due to their versatility and usefulness, jackleg cabins have become very popular and therefore accessible. Many construction companies offer them, which means they are usually never far out of reach. It should be noted that all these structures are not all built the same, and some are of much higher quality than others. Opt for a reputable organisation when selecting a jackleg cabin for sale. You can confirm the trustworthiness of a company through reviews and awards.

What We Do

At Relocatable Building Systems, we are experts in portable structures, from jackleg cabins to flat-packed modular buildings. We provide a wide range of options tailored to different needs, allowing us to help you achieve the perfect cabin. Design is equally important to us, as we have a variety of materials and paints that can be used to make your jackleg cabin stand out. Whatever you choose, Relocatable Building Systems can help!

Visit our website to see examples of our work and to learn about us. Alternatively, contact us directly for more information about how we can help with your portable structure needs.