garage height ?

[beersed]

I had a 28x32 pole barn with 9 foot ceilings & my stepson burned it down, so I am starting over. My question is would 8 foot interior height be worth while? Seems like it would be cheaper to build & cheaper to finish, by not wasting interior material. I don't intend on putting in a lift & don't think I would need all that space over 8foot.
Give me some thoughts on this
Thanks

 

[Falcon67]

8' or 9' is a so-what for framing. But when you start to cover it with sheathing, insulation and interior finish the price goes up. Home builders like 8' and 10', so those are most common. But they still increase the material costs. I haven't found 8' to be any particular limitation.

 

[upndown]

don't forget what you need for garage door height!! 8' ceilings will limit you to a 7' high door. some trucks or trailers may not clear.

 

[Zelatore]

I have to think 8' wouldn't be worth it. Yes, easy on materials when you finish it out, but so low...even if you don't have a large vehicle now what might you get in the future? What about resale? Or if you're going to stay here the rest of your life, what about your kids/grandkids who might inherit the place?

Probably also feel a little claustrophobic in a big space w/minimal overhead.

 

[TreePointer]

don't forget what you need for garage door height!! 8' ceilings will limit you to a 7' high door. some trucks or trailers may not clear.

Great point.

For me, I need to make sure it's high enough to clear the ROPS (roll bar) on any tractor I wish to store there. If I want to install an overhead door, it needs to be even higher.

 

[darkk]

If you can afford it, I'd do 12' minimum height. Never know when a lift may present itself for cheap.

 

[icecactus]

I wouldnt even consider an 8'. I would bang the ceiling all the time with wood boards. I would do 10 or preferably 12. I have 16'.

 

[alfazer]

I have 8ft and it's a pain.
Can't move wood sheet or stand them end-on.
Keep hitting my fluorescent lights with stuff.
Can't put big motorcycles full height on my bike lift.
Can't get a van or a boat in there.
Even 9ft would make a big difference to me.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

don't forget what you need for garage door height!! 8' ceilings will limit you to a 7' high door. some trucks or trailers may not clear.

Exactly what I was thinking.


I have 8' ceilings and a 7' door. My truck doesn't fit into "standard" garages I can't work on it. I can't open the hood in it. I can't park in it. And IF I could get it in, I don't know if I could get it off the ground.

Make it worth your while if you are starting over from scratch.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd do a minimum of 10' ceilings.

1st, it allows for an 8 foot door. What are you going to pull into the garage ? What about future vehicles?

2nd, I believe if you use fluorescent lighting it light better with a slighter taller ceiling.

3rd, if you live somewhere where it is hot, the slight extra bit of ceiling height will give the warmer air a place to rise too. Even better if you create a proper ceiling/attic area.

4th, the future, what does it hold for you,your son or possibly the next owner?

5th, ceiling fans. 8' ceilings and vehicles will get close. If you're working with wood whether 8' 2xs or hardwoods, you may be banging them off the 8' height.

A few hundred dollars in extra material cost will be an investment in the future.



EDIT: While I was typing a few others have expressed the same concern with the 8'wood products.

 

[SCWOOD]

I did 2' block then 8' frame for a total 10' ceiling worked out great! Standard 8' studs 8' osb.

 

[Doctor_Ink]

Can't believe someone hasn't asked about how he burnt it down?!

 

[6768rogues]

If all you do is park a car in it, height doesn't matter. If you do hobby stuff like wood or metal working, you will find that a low ceiling is constantly being bumped by long pieces of material.

 

[Dark Horse]

If all you do is park a car in it, height doesn't matter. If you do hobby stuff like wood or metal working, you will find that a low ceiling is constantly being bumped by long pieces of material.

My ceiling is 8'. Handling sheet stock is a big issue for me. Its enough of a PITA that I've seriously looked into Raising the height. Its almost cheaper to completely knock it down and start over.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Look to the future. While you think you don't need it now, the first time you cannot flip a board over without breaking the flo lights, you'll think twice. When you go to sell, the prospective buyers will come and look because the real estate agent advertised it with a large detached garage/workshop...... till they see it isn't high enough to do anything with, then they turn and leave...........

Personally, building a detached garage, workshop, I simply cannot imagine doing anything less than 10 ft, and realistically 12 ft would be much better. You may not want a lift now, but a couple of years down the road might be another story.

Much cheaper to do it now than raise the roof later.

Charles

 

[upndown]

I'm kinda in the same boat, just bought a 24x20 metal garage with a 16x7 garage door off CL. no ceiling to deal with, my plan is to make it a 24x30-36, pour a 4'' slab, my buddy is building me a 2' block wall. that raises my walls giving me a 16x9 door..Problem solved.

 

[beersed]

ok I get the idea & 10' sounds better.
My step son who is Autistic found a lighter & lit a piece of paper & thought it was out, but tossed it in a garbage can next to a old recliner. 10 minutes later garage fully engulfed, then house 12' away caught fire & before fire dept could put it out did a lot of damage & along with water damage it also was a total loss.
No one got hurt thank God, but Insurance co.
Wife & baby, 2 dogs & 5 cats got out without a scratch.
I will be doing the 10' ceilings as you guys have a lot of good reasons not to go lower.
Thanks

 

[38Chevy454]

Have to agree at least 10 ft, 12 is even better. Not just for a lift or 8 ft length lumber or sheets, but it also gives you more wall space to put shelves or other storage.

 

[Scott65]

I have 9' ceilings and it has been good. I was able to find 9' OSB for the interior walls enabling me to finish it without extra seams. It is nice as I can stand up 8' material and I also have a little extra clearance for the ceiling fans. Don't short it, there is a minimal price increase for going a little taller.