Workshop & Storage Advice

ocmanus

ocmanus

ocmanus

Associate
Joined
15 Oct 2013
Posts
345
Location
Surrey, UK
Hello OCUK,

I want to build a combined workshop and storage building at the back of the garden. I've got an area of 3.6x7.8m to play with and I've already got a sub-base that's been machine whacked hardcore and sand (150mm).

As I did this before the cold set in last year I missed the boat of the pour of the concrete slab so I've been second guessing how/what materials I'm going to use to build the structure with. I had originally intended to pour a 100mm reinforced slab and build a timber structure.

My question: Has anyone used a 150mm slab (or less) to build a masonry structure on and what was their experience? Or should I stick to 100mm and timber?

Thanks!
 
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Can't advise on base with bricks but I did build a garage in wood. - Had two asbestos garages end to end so dug trench all round - put 2" concrete in with threaded bars along center line of bricks - A mate put three lines of bricks in on concrete with threaded rods sticking out the top - I then put 4x3 wall plate on bricks then put uprights on with truss hangers - made 5 trusses with 3x2- just triangular with vertical in middle and held together with those galvanised plates you nail though -- when frame was up, wrapped it horizontally with roofing felt then finished it off with tongue and groove boards. - Ply roof and felt - now I would use that sheet roofing rather than felt - Mate made the doors and used Red Deal - doesn't rot like ordinary deal.

When wall plates were down I bolted them to bricks with the threaded rod. I can't for life of me find pictures of the build but this is finished and it was a cracking garage and work shop - 11ft x 27 ft if I remember correct. This was over 28 yrs ago and cost 600 quid

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Went past not long ago and it is still standing and looks just as good - new owners had it painted - I used oil and creosote - I wish I could do that sort of job now but body says not a chance.
 
Think you've just confirmed that timber is the way to go for me too (reckon it'll be more fun to put together too). Thanks!
 
ocmanus said:
A couple more questions; Did you frame the walls in 4x2 or 3x2 (on top of the wall plates)?
Click to expand...

All uprights were 3x2 as well as any diagonals and window openings - I had access to 3x2 6mm toughened sheets of glass so my windows were made for glass to fit.

The only mistake I made was not having it high enough - didn't want it higher than hedge - That meant anyone over 5ft 9in had to duck under truss horizontal - I was ok at 5ft 6" - I also concreted in some 3x2 x1/4" angle iron around double doors for rigidity and half way down did same - don't forget this was 27ft long.

I also put damp proof membrane under wall plate - when frame was up I turned overlap on outside up and stapled it to wall plate - then the felt round outside was fitted over the damp membrane so no water got to the wood - The shiplap started an inch below the wall plate -

This is it's little brother - Brother lives on a boat and he can have a 8x6 shed - Same construction as my garage but on smaller scale. - Just shout if you need any more info

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How nice does it need to look? You could stick a 20ft shipping container on there and pretty it up on the outside with some wood cladding or something and and insulate it either externally / internally if you needed to. Sturdy and relatively simple.

My garage / workshop is made of stone, I imagine it'll stand a lot longer than timber will :)
 
DXP55 said:
The only mistake I made was not having it high enough
Click to expand...
I'm looking to put a pent roof on it to try and maximise internal height for that reason whilst avoiding planning (have to keep it below 2.5m overall as it's going to be about a foot away from the boundaries).
 
Pho said:
How nice does it need to look? You could stick a 20ft shipping container on there and pretty it up on the outside with some wood cladding or something and and insulate it either externally / internally if you needed to. Sturdy and relatively simple.

My garage / workshop is made of stone, I imagine it'll stand a lot longer than timber will :)
Click to expand...
I did look at this after I saw one on George Clarkes 1st season of "Amazing Spaces". I'd have similar problems with access, but I don't have metal working skills to cut it up and re-weld (or the cash for craning it in)! If I went down that route, I wouldn't clad it (I like the industrial look).

Totally agree that a masonry build would be the most robust and lower maintenance solution. Annecdotal evidence from others suggests that a 150mm reinforced slab on to of the hardcore would support a building of that size (especially as I'd go for lightweight blocks).

But, there are a few things leading me to a timber building:
  1. Easier to move and work with materials.
  2. More enjoyable as I get to use more of my tools and gadgets.
  3. Optimised internal space; As I want to insulate it, block/brick means that I lose space as I'd have to insulate either on the inside or outside on top of the walls. I can insulate in between the studs with a timber structure.
 
Remember that the Americans are still big on timber framed houses and can expect them to last 100 years or more.

I'm sure if you take care with construction a timber workshop will be plenty durable.

There's plenty of information out there as I'm sure you've found, but this is a recent series I've been watching, which has some useful info.

 
I've not seen that one, but did come across this a while back

It did make me think about using piers from blocks with a framed base, but I'd be worried about the the space underneath from foxes, weeds(even with matting), etc.
 
I wouldn't imagine weeds would be much of a problem with a decent control mat, maybe doubled up, and the shade from the building itself.

Foxes and other critters might be a different story :D Ideas could be wire mesh hidden with shrubs or other plants, maybe some treated cladding or gravel boards down to ground level, screwed in place so they could be replaced if or when they rot. Or even a small brick or block wall, with air brick to ventilate the space underneath the floor.
 
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