Finally finishing out the shop

[Mortimer452]

Built my 30x50 workshop a few years ago, basically followed the advice here and put 100% of my budget into building the biggest structure I could afford with no wiring, insulation or any other interior amenities, figured I could work on those as time and money allowed later.

Pic tax:
https://i.imgur.com/1De7z8U.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/GdDr4xz.jpg

Later has finally arrived. Adding insulation, finishing up electrical & lighting, HVAC, and replacing my 4-post lift with a 2-post. Building is 2x6 framed construction, 12'4" ceilings, gambrel style room-in-attic trusses for a full 2nd floor. I have a few questions and I'd love to get some input. Downstairs is primarily for automotive work with maybe a small workout room and wifey stuff upstairs.

- Regarding insulation, R-value is R-value right? Is there any benefit to going with the more expensive pink stuff from HD versus the Guardian brand at Menards at almost half the price? Planning on R19 batts in the walls, probably blow in the ceiling. Roof is ridge-vented.

- For wall coverings I'm pretty well decided on 7/16 OSB but I'm interested in hearing opinions on that versus drywall or plywood. Upstairs will definitely be finished in drywall.

- For HVAC I am doing Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat mini-splits, 4ton downstairs (1500sqft w/ 12ft ceilings) and 1.5ton upstairs (800sqft w/ 8ft ceilings)

- 2-Post lifts? I have a 4-post now (unknown Chinese brand), it beats laying on my back but not exactly the best for working on cars, and it takes up a ton of room. Local place that it came from said they would take it as partial trade, I can get a 2-post Forward lift installed for $2k + old 4-post. I'm debating on this, versus Greg Smith Atlas series, which I could probably get for $2k and install myself, and either sell or maybe keep the old 4-post for a future outbuilding.

 

[Toomanytools?]

I don't know the diff on insulation from HD or Menards, I think wall code is still R13, so R19 is good.
OSB is a pretty common choice for a garage/shop, it's running about $9/sheet and 1/2" drywall about $12, 1/2" plywood around $17. Prices will vary on location. I don't really like the look of OSB too busy but once primed and painted looks fine. Drywall finishes nice but usually won't hold up well in a shop. You could do the lower 4' with OSB and upper wall in drywall.
Mini split is a good choice in my opinion.

 

[ynned]

As far as insulation, I won't buy the cheap stuff any more, it's way worse for shedding tiny bits which get into one's skin and lungs. The Panther's was way easier to work with.

 

[bad_idea]

I am in process of building a 30x40 myself. I plan to go with drywall. For the longest time I planned on doing OSB. Have changed my mind and decided to go with drywall. Mine is a working shop first and foremost. I have no interest in finishing the sheetrock and do not care about the appearance. I do a lot of welding/fabrication in my shop and want the fire resistance drywall offers. OSB burns, drywall prevents the spread of fire.

 

[jscoggin]

I looked into fiberglass batting but found that I could get open cell foam installed for not much more than it would cost me to fiberglass myself. Win/win in my book, better product, less work for me.

I'm doing OSB walls, I've read all of the threads on the pros and cons and just think that OSB is the right choice for me. It helps that even though I'm OCD, I'm not one of those that thinks OSB is ugly. If I ever do get to that point, I'll just prime and paint it. The fact that it's cheaper, stronger, more durable and can easily be taken down and put back up is easily worth sacrificing a tiny bit of pretty. People argue about fire rating but please, houses that are drywalled burn down every day, I just don't think that is a significant benefit or at least a big enough one to sway me.

For HVAC, I'd look into a standard unit that is zoned. Mini splits are great but buying two can get expensive. I have the same type of shop as you and I'm going with a 4 ton standard unit. Of course my decision is easy as I know a guy that will provide a new unit and install it for under $4,000. Two mini splits would be more expensive.

 

[OptionalStop]

Keep in mind prices will probably skyrocket for OSB come spring, I remember last year when I re-roofed my house I was paying 16/sheet for 7/16", and just last week I bought 34 sheets for my upcoming pole barn build and it was 9/sheet.

 

[Mortimer452]

Keep in mind prices will probably skyrocket for OSB come spring, I remember last year when I re-roofed my house I was paying 16/sheet for 7/16", and just last week I bought 34 sheets for my upcoming pole barn build and it was 9/sheet.

Definitely. I was thinking the last sheets I bought were around $14 each, I see now they are $7.35 at my local Menards, I didn't realize the price dropped so much during the construction off-season.

 

[kbs2244]

I am on the pro OSB anti drywall side for all the stated reasons.

Just either paint it white before you install it or right after installation.
My guys did 2 spray coats of white latex the day after hanging it and let it dry over the W E.
The white makes a huge difference in room lighting.

 

[protegeV]

Good luck to you. I kind of did the same thing. I have a 2 post and a bunch of 120 outlets. and about half as much lighting as I'd like. No HVAC, insulation, or fancy floor finishes. Still a work in progress.