Is a 12' ceiling height enough???

[thammel]

Hi,

I'm in the planning stages for a 28 x 32 garage addition. I was thinking a 12' ceiling height would be enough. So I'm researching the decent lifts, e.g., bend-pak, greg smith, america's pride and I see that most of the assymetric two post lifts with about 9000 to 10000 pounds capacity require a 145" ceiling height or 12' and 1 inch. This seems wierd. I thought for sure that 12' would be enough! So what models lifts are you guys going for? There always seems to be a snag!!
Thanks,
Tom

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Make sure to cut your studs at 12'. Add in 1.5 for the base plate 1.5 for the top plate and you have 12'3" of ceiling height. minus 1/2" for the drywall of course. If you add in a extra treated 2x4 on the base as some codes require you will be close to 12'4" for ceiling height. Problem solved.
________
Jaguar E-Type

 

[Notch1988]

I think most hoists include headroom for hydraulic lines. I know mine has a hydraulic line that loops over the top of the hoist. I've got 12' ceilings so I just ran the hose up through the trusses. If you figure that most trucks are less than 6' high, that leaves you an easy 5-6' of head room... and that's walking under the tires, even more room under the body, and cars will have tons of room.

And you should have double top plates...

 

[porschedude996TT]

Stem wall???

 

[IDASHO]

Yeah, just put your 12' wall on top of a small stemwall. Mine is on one row of blocks, so I have a 12' 8" interior height (before drywall)

 

[Mr_fixit]

I'd suggest building it 12'6 if you can...

 

[5wndwcpe]

I had the same question way back when so I made mine 13'-1".

 

[Ironcrow]

Agree with other posters. Lots of lifts are at 12 foot plus a few inches. Go for 12.5 foot or 13 foot ceiling height in the garage.

 

[Flat_Head_Rat_Rod]

Most lifts I've seen and used at school need at least 12 1/2 to 13 feet ceiling . But i know of a shop with 8 foot walls with the ceiling cut open to accomidate a lift.

 

[Burl]

I would think that what types of vehicles you will be putting on the lift would also matter. Lifted 4-wheel drives would require more space than lowered Camaros, etc.