Trimming back garage cinder block curb

[underqualifieditguy]

Hi all, quick question that I couldn't find an answer to after searching this and many other forums.

Like many other folks out there, I have a cinder block curb / foundation around the perimeter of my garage. I bought two rolling tool chests that I plan to set up in an L-shape in the back left corner with a workbench top.

I would love if it there were a way to make it so the chests can go flush against the wall instead of sticking out 5-6". One thought I had was to trim back the existing curb a bit with a diamond cutting wheel. I can post some pictures here later but was wondering if this would compromise the structure at all?

I get that there is probably a reason the garage was built this way, ie to keep water away from the drywall and that it's a messy process to cut, however I am only proposing the removal of a few feet in either direction in a far corner and would use something to seal it after it's cut. I just want to be sure that this is safe to do.

Thanks in advance!

 

[billconner]

If they are core filled, probably safe to cut away 2", leaving 6" ( I'm assuming they are 8".) Not strictly to code but should be fine. I would not cut them to just thickness of a 2x4.

 

[underqualifieditguy]

The garage is quite messy atm but this is what I’ve got going on:

 

[kbs2244]

extend the workbench top back to cover the gap

 

[underqualifieditguy]

extend the workbench top back to cover the gap

My goal is to add additional space in the corner of the garage so that the tool chests can sit flush to the drywall. Extending the workbench top backwards isn't an issue, it just doesn't solve the question of it's unsafe to trim back the curb or not. And I understand that all houses are built differently and appreciate if this may be too difficult question to answer without seeing it in person.

 

[Uncle murph]

Hi all, quick question that I couldn't find an answer to after searching this and many other forums.

Like many other folks out there, I have a cinder block curb / foundation around the perimeter of my garage. I bought two rolling tool chests that I plan to set up in an L-shape in the back left corner with a workbench top.

I would love if it there were a way to make it so the chests can go flush against the wall instead of sticking out 5-6". One thought I had was to trim back the existing curb a bit with a diamond cutting wheel. I can post some pictures here later but was wondering if this would compromise the structure at all?

I get that there is probably a reason the garage was built this way, ie to keep water away from the drywall and that it's a messy process to cut, however I am only proposing the removal of a few feet in either direction in a far corner and would use something to seal it after it's cut. I just want to be sure that this is safe to do.

Thanks in advance!

That’s a difficult cut to do cleanly,better off framing a false wall out to match the boxes and enjoy the extra 6” of bench.

 

[dvblanch]

would it be to high if you were to build a platform in front of the curb to set the boxes on?

 

[MovingAlong]

... was wondering if this would compromise the structure at all?

I get that there is probably a reason the garage was built this way...

I just want to be sure that this is safe to do.

Give your local building inspector a call, he'll let you know.

 

[Walkers]

Cutting it is going to be a disaster. Just fir out the wall, put on some T-111 to make it look nice. Do both complete walls for a very nice finished look.

 

[mike93lx]

Give your local building inspector a call, he'll let you know.

Lol. That's a good one

 

[firebirdparts]

Government to the rescue.

Seriously, though, if you aren't going to roll those boxes then pop the wheels off and just put them on a platform.

It should be obvious, without asking, that the blocks hold up the building. You be the judge about what is up there. The have no structural use at all when the side is cut off that I've ever heard of. I don't think there's any redeeming this. I'm not a structural engineer, so I could be surprised. I'm too lazy to ask a real one.