Opinions on ideal heights.

[Radix2]

I am planning a two section garage/shop (the shop area will be two stories, so no need for anything above the garage area). Garage is for vehicle storage and repair/work with hoist.

From reading here, I am thinking that the garage should be 14 foot sidewall (40x50) - the main reason seems to be to allow storage of one of those big motor homes - which I do not have or ever plan to get.

Outside of the Motorhome use - does anyone have any opinions on an optimal height for a 40x50 ? Since there is no upper floor needs, a peaked ceiling can be used - any advice choosing between say a 12 foot side wall and a cathedral ceiling up to say 20 feet vs. a flat ceiling at 14 feet ?

what are the trade-offs lighting, heating, cost, openess ?

My current thinking is 9 foot ceilings in the shop portion to have some better clearance for materials and 8 foot clearance under a beam. Any strong opinions on shop heights ? - (flat ceiling, subdivided 35x40 room)

 

[readhead]

What type of construction? Do you need any specific clearances?

 

[Radix2]

What type of construction? Do you need any specific clearances?

Stick built, about the only clearance I specifically need is to comfortably install a lift.

 

[soapii]

Stick built, about the only clearance I specifically need is to comfortably install a lift.

Then you want at least 12'-0".....preferably 12'-6". Some lift manufacturers go just over 12' overall height.

I did stick built with 12' height, but after floor slope and drywall I was under so I had to notch my trusses for the extra clearance requirements.

--Joe

 

[readhead]

Agreed. 12' minimum, more if you can.

 

[astroracer]

You could split it. Do half at 14' and the rest at 10'. That would give you plenty of height on the hoist side and keep things easier to heat on the shop side.
Mark

 

[Radix2]

I would like to be able to access part of the upper floor of the adjacent shop as storage for the garage - so my thought is to have the cathedral ceiling allow a loft type opening. This should give plenty of space for a lift away from the sidewall - unless there are reasons to prefer a flat ceiling. So maybe the question is more about sidewall height - 10,12,14 feet assuming there will be additional clearance going in - with a 8/12 pitch and 40 foot span I need to see what a practical truss allows for a vault height.

 

[DMaxRocks]

I'm planning something similar to what you're talking about. My 32x45 shop (stick construction) will have 12' walls with scissor trusses. The interior slope of the truss will be 4/12, leaving a 20' center height. I'm planning on having my garage door tracks follow the ceiling so I can raise the lift even with the door open.

Hope this helps.

-Mark

 

[Cjk]

I went 16' to allow a mezzanine above some areas.

 

[Wizzard]

I would do at least 12'6"...that way you can put bigger vehicles on the lift without much worry. 14' would be ideal imo.

 

[Radix2]

You could split it. Do half at 14' and the rest at 10'. That would give you plenty of height on the hoist side and keep things easier to heat on the shop side.
Mark

Will having floor heat still cause the preference for lower ceilings? I don't have any experience with floor heat in this type of building.

If desired I could keep it lower and raise it on the storage loft side for access.

 

[rburke65]

Some lifts require a 12' 2" ceiling. Just buy the 14' 2" x 6"s and be happy.

 

[DangerousDan55]

I went with 14' walls & 12' doors, so I can store my camper on one side & I have my lift on the other side. Roof is a 3/12 pitch so the leaves would not build up. Also No gutters due to the trees & I didn't want to keep climbing 14' to clean gutters. Laid a rock bed in the drip line to keep dirt from splashing on the wall.
All of my friends wish they hadn't installed gutters.

 

[brownbagg]

my toyota on the lift, is at 12'4,( cab height) that high enough for me to walk under