Workshop & Storage Advice

ocmanus · 26 Feb 2018 at 11:48

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!

ocmanus · 28 Feb 2018 at 17:12

Very impressive! Did you do it all yourself (apart from the brick wall)?

ocmanus · 28 Feb 2018 at 19:31

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 · 28 Feb 2018 at 23:06

Maccapacca said:
Try dunster house. I priced up traditional build and their system and it was cheaper buying theirs.

Haven't heard of them before, but will take a look.

ocmanus · 28 Feb 2018 at 23:15

DXP55 said:
I then put 4x3 wall plate on bricks then put uprights on with truss hangers - made 5 trusses with 3x2...

A couple more questions; Did you frame the walls in 4x2 or 3x2 (on top of the wall plates)?

ocmanus · 1 Mar 2018 at 10:07

jonzun said:
Don't know if this is any help https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/build-a-shed-mike-s-way-t39389.html

Definitely! Thanks jonzun.

ocmanus · 1 Mar 2018 at 15:32

DXP55 said:
All uprights were 3x2 as well as any diagonals and window openings...

Thanks. Will definitely have some more Qs soon.

ocmanus · 1 Mar 2018 at 23:43

DXP55 said:
The only mistake I made was not having it high enough

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).

ocmanus · 2 Mar 2018 at 12:17

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

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:

Easier to move and work with materials.
More enjoyable as I get to use more of my tools and gadgets.
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.

ocmanus · 2 Mar 2018 at 19:31

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.

ocmanus · 18 Apr 2018 at 15:41

Decided to pour a concrete slab. 150mm thick with a252 mesh. Total was about £800 inc pump.