24x40 or 26x34?

[W2Synth]

Hello.

I am in the process of planning a new pole barn build. When I bought my current house it had a 24x20 garage on it (I use the term garage loosely, it is more like a glorified shed that can hold cars if needed). We are currently in the process of tearing it down and have been getting quotes on a new shop in the meantime (I had a rough idea of what it would cost and the quotes are pretty much in line -- I have the bulk of the cost on hand in cash and will use my home equity line to pay for the rest). The concrete slab under the current garage isn't in horrible shape (it was a few small cracks and one part at the back of the garage that shifts a little bit when you stand on one side or the other, but anyone I've talked to said it can be repaired). My question is as follows;

I had planned to have a 26x34 shop built, but one of the people who did a site visit for a builder raised the idea of doing a 24x40 (24 wide is apparently a size that yields a lower price) and using the current 24x20 slab as the front half of the floor. Then pouring an additional slab of the same size which would drastically cut down on the cost of the slab.

The issue is I believe the current slab is 3", and the builder wants to pour a 4". Would this be a big issue? Also, are there any other potential pit falls I am not thinking of? I am learning this kind of stuff day by day but I've never dealt with anything like this so am mostly oblivious.

 

[bdbecker]

If you only intend to use the old slab as a shop floor, I think that repairing it would probably be okay. If you intend to park cars on it, you might want to consider replacing it, especially if its not reinforced. I can't imagine the thickness difference between new and old would be an issue at all since they are technically two separate slabs.

 

[W2Synth]

If you only intend to use the old slab as a shop floor, I think that repairing it would probably be okay. If you intend to park cars on it, you might want to consider replacing it, especially if its not reinforced. I can't imagine the thickness difference between new and old would be an issue at all since they are technically two separate slabs.

I would have dirt track racecar(s) parked on it mostly. I have one now that has been on it (usually up on jackstands) without issue. The cracked part is probably 2x1 at the very back of the garage (right around where I keep my toolbox, but the toolbox is wider than the section that shifts so it is on solid ground with the shifty part underneath in between the casters).

Again being completely ignorant to this another question is it possible to put in a 4" floor but have them appear as the same height? I assume since some people get 6" floors etc the difference is just how far down you dig to put the forms, etc. The reason I don't really care about the appearance is because I would like to get Racedeck or similar to put in for the floor so I just want to make sure they could possibly be level with each other. I know these are questions I can easily ask the concrete people but I don't want to be completely ignorant going into that discussion.

Thanks,
Jeff.

 

[shortykorte]

Modular units based on 4' usually will be cheaper and provide less waste. For a budget build, using what you have is a benefit.

The only issue with the 3" is if you plan on parking heavy vehicles, installing a lift or have heavy equipment. I have 3" concrete in a commercial warehouse, yes it has some cracks throughout but is pretty solid now. I did have to make new piers for lift.

Good luck on your build.

 

[sld961]

Again being completely ignorant to this another question is it possible to put in a 4" floor but have them appear as the same height? I assume since some people get 6" floors etc the difference is just how far down you dig to put the forms, etc.
Thanks,
Jeff.

No problem having slabs with different thickness. The thicker slab will just be deeper, same top elevation.

 

[Firebrick43]

Friend and I were talking the other day about size.

Personally I would not go less than than 30' foot wide. It is the smallest that is comfortable with benches/toolboxes and be still able to work around two vehicles. 32 or 34 is more comfortable if you have trucks or a lift. Any wider can cause unused space until you get to a widths you can work on three cars.

I would personally spend the money to have a shallower shed but wider with a new slab. Also the new slab will be sufficient for a lift as the old one is two thin

 

[sleek98]

what are your plans for the garage? just park cars, cars and working area?

If it was me I would do the 24 x 40, you can still fit a fullsize truck in there (granted no work space in front of it) but you have the option of a 4th car if you had to squeeze it in for storage.

 

[pmiranda]

26x40 of course!
But seriously... if you can leave the existing thin slab in place, and build a pole building around it, then pour a thicker slab to finish things off, you'll maximize reuse and still have a new section of slab you can trust if you ever want a 2-post lift or need to locate heavy equipment.

 

[W2Synth]

Thanks for the replies all.

The garage would mostly be used for storing race cars. Both my brother and I race. Cars weigh roughly 2400 lbs race ready, usually up on jack stands. My plan would be to use the front area (where the current slab is) for keeping the cars and install a lift in the center of the back 20 ft of the shop taking advantage of the peak in order to allow the car to go all the way up if needed. Of course the occasional work on one of my cars or truck but it wouldn't be a regular basis and would never be for parking personal vehicles.

I can't do 40 wide and 24 deep just because I don't comfortably have the space to do it in that area. I can build back without taking away too much of my lawn space but just not side to side.

 

[btdobie]

Should be cheaper in increments of 4 feet. If you haven't already and have enough space, get a quote for 28x34. It may not cost much more than a 26 x 34. You could still utilize the existing slab by excavating on 2 sides and pouring an L shape around it.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

My shop is 24 deep by 50 wide. I find it an excellent size with a great deal of flexibility. I can get my extended cab pickup in for an oil change, but it is tight to work on (would be better if I did not have 18" deep cabinets on the wall in front of the truck when I pull it in). Considering the cost savings for you, I would definitely do the 24 by 40.