gravel floor in post frame building

[55chevrolet]

hi there is a good gravel floor in newer post frame builing .cement isnt in cards right now .still would like to use shop though,body work on an old car.I can get a plate tamper tighten gravel more and put down heavy rubber mats .Any other ideas to make useable floor untill I can get concrete in thanks daryl

 

[rodnok1]

Put some sand clay on top and compact, half of mine is like that and it's like concrete(just dusty) in most areas. I jack on it and use stands without any major issues.I have about 3 inches of sand down(compacted).

 

[55chevrolet]

thanks did you put any soil cement or anything on top?

 

[Ray-CA]

If you can get it, use decomposed granite (commonly called "dg".) Spread it on top, wet it and it will mix down into the gravel and make a hard, tight surface.

Ray

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

not sure where youre at, but Ive used what they call here "screenings", which is really fine pieces of limestone. Its cheap, packs nice, doesnt get caught up in tires, drains fine, isnt too dusty, fork lift runs over it just fine. Ive got 2 buildings without "floors".

 

[haugy]

Go to your gravel supplier. Ask for gravel with "fines". This is the powder and small pieces that come from breaking up the gravel. It will mix in well and when compacted is hard as all get out. Lightly wet it, compact it, and you'll be amazed.

It's no more expensive than regular gravel.

 

[55chevrolet]

hi ,live in western canada Meadow lake ;200 miles north of saskatoon saskatchewan ,where another member of your forum is from.I think e-tek is from saskatoon.Would you guys put down plastic before large rubber mats to keep moisture down?Thanks for all your ideas.
Daryl

 

[55chevrolet]

Have any of you put done racedeck or other flooring over hard packed gravel;without cement ? Would flooring manufactures recommend this ?thanks for your help

 

[popcorn-guy]

If you can get it, use decomposed granite (commonly called "dg".) Spread it on top, wet it and it will mix down into the gravel and make a hard, tight surface.

Ray

Ray and I are from the same basic backyard (CA). While working for the State of CA we used "dg" for pathways, roadways, parking areas, turn arounds, etc. We did not mix it with anything else, but did use vibratory plates to pack it and as Ray said, wet it down with each lift of approx. 2". It was the only way to get across muddy areas while building a facility. It works great. I had considered using it prior to building my new shop and placing a fabric structure over it as a temp. bldg. I never experienced any dust with this product during the hot season of summer in the "valley zone". One would on occasion pick up some of it in the popular "traction soles" of today, but other than that it packed really hard and always percolated so well there was never any puddling of water. I believe I still have a coffee can full of it as a sample and if you would like me to send you a small amount so that you can evaluate it, either PM or Email me. You more than likely can find a good substitute in your locale. At least you will have an idea what to look for.

I will be using crushed 1/4" blue shale, using the same basic procedure as above, to surround my shop and the driveway leading to the rear of my property where the shop is. It is readily available in my locale and has the same performance characteristics as the "dg". If you happen to decide to use pavers for a shop floor, then this type of material used as a "base" and with sand next and then the pavers on top works wonderfully. Rock solid. Hope this helps.

 

[55chevrolet]

ok thanks can i give you my address any postage I will glady return to you . Daryl