Its about time. Been procrastinating too long.

[Xray Dave]

Time to get serious. I've a 45' trailer loaded up with woodworking stuff that has been sitting way too long. Need to get my "sawdust therapy".
Looking at metal buildings and "Tuff Shed". Would love a big shop but have budget restraints. So something in the 30'x40' range is my current thinking. Of course there is always the future to consider. Capability of adding on later.

So what are my options? Steel building. The "accordion fold" metal building. Tuff Shed custom design. Keeping in mind I will finish off interior and other "accessories" myself. Ease of outfitting inside. Good in the climate/environment here in California foothills. Tuolumne County area. Durability. Aesthetically appealing.

Any input from the crowd here is appreciated. From your personal experiences or those of close acquaintances. Yeah, I know. This is kind of a broad area I'm asking about. Call it a shotgun approach.

Had built a 24x48 Dutch Gambrel 2 story barn some years back but lost it in a divorce. Have the satisfaction that I did 95% of work myself. Miss that barn.

So, any ideas, comments etc. I'll take any advice, suggestions under consideration to make a decision. Thanks all. Dave

 

[sberry]

Go slightly bigger and stick built if the real-estate is worth a lot and you care. But,,,, my view is different and I am not a hobby wood worker.

 

[Xray Dave]

Have a small 4 acre plot of land with only a couple spots suitable (to me) for building. Stick built would have character whereas metal buildings leave something to be desired in my opinion. Have to consider the fire season here in the dry foothills.
thanks.

 

[Cyberbear]

I've always opted for stick built and stucco on the exterior for fire concerns, plus it holds up very well in the weather. If fire is a major concern, then go with a metal roof. I always use 5/8" fire code rated drywall sheeting. My 30 x 80 shop is used primarily for woodworking, shop storage, office, washroom and more general storage above. My 12' walls work well for me and my in-ground lift in the metal working bay. The building has a 5:12 roof pitch with roof trusses to allow for adequate head room when lifting a vehicle there. Lots of electrical outlets and lighting make it a comfortable place to enjoy my interests.

 

[readhead]

At 1200 square feet a stick building will probably be the least expensive. A metal building would provide lots of open overhead space if that is desired. Metal buildings can look like anything outside. You are not limited to metal siding. If you do look at metal and are thinking about adding on in the future make sure you specify an expandable end wall. A little more money now but way less expensive later.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Be sure your contractor knows that you may want to add onto your shop in the future. He might put rebar to connect the new slab onto your then existing slab

 

[matt_i]

I haven't built there nor have lived thru a forest fire, but hardiplank and metal roofing would seem to limit a lot of the typical fire issues.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Any reason to not redo the 24x48 Dutch Gambrel 2 story barn with the fire protection you need other than the sour memories?

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ This . . . . . . . EXCEPT . . . . BIGGER !!!

I'd say no smaller than 30 ft x 48 ft w/ Gambrel roof for 2nd floor bonus area.

 

[boiler7904]

Stick built or wood pole barn would be my choice if you can make it work structurally / seismically. For fire resistance, I'd be considering a masonry veneer, fiber cement siding or metal siding for the walls and a metal roof/soffit/fascia system.

The other thing to consider is that not everyone wants a wood shop so if resale in the foreseeable future is a possibility, make sure the building can be used as a garage for someone with cars without too much work so you expand your potential buyer pool. To me that's going to mean not installing dust collection or power in the floor, having at least one overhead door (preferably two if your machine layout will accommodate), and high ceilings for a lift - they'll make handling full sheets of plywood easier on you too.

 

[Xray Dave]

Still have a copy of the blueprints from my barn build. However at 68 I don't want to tackle that kind of a build again. Hoping to erect an adequate structure for my needs at a reasonable cost. Isn't everyone? This will be a 1 person build so have to consider ease of build.
This build will be combination workshop/garage with extra headroom. Probably 14 ft. walls. Room for loft/storage area.
Hadn't thought a lot about pole barns but am looking into them now.
Thanks all. Info gathered here gives me things to think about. Awesome group.

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1996 Harley Heritage
2006 Trailblazer
2015 Silverado