wood floor pre fab

[obedia-h]

Howdy y'all,

I very seldom post or open my mouth but I'm in strange territory. I have funds to put up a new shop to replace my 18 X 18 block with flaking floor with either a 24 X 32 on a slab or a 24X 40 with a wood floor (same final cost) from www.shawneestructures.com. The current garage is in the middle of the yard close to the house ( I cant do pictures?? ) and screws up parking etc. A new one would be 20 or so ft back and double the useable yard.

I do some welding and cutting as I re-do motorcycles, garden tractors and some car rebuilds. I like the bigger shop of course but have some questions about safety. Lasting is not so big a concern as I'm retired and dont need a 20 year floor. Either way I go I plan on corrugated metal 3 ft from the floor up and at least tiles(if safer than paint) floor.

I've read a lot of great ideas here and really look forwad to y'alls input.

Thanks in advance

 

[Tscott]

I have to admit I would be a bit leery of a wood floor garage when welding and grinding. I am not too concerned with directly igniting the floor, because it takes a ton of heat to light 3/4" plywood and have it stay lit. I don't think welding slag or a shower of sparks has enough thermal energy to do it. I am concerned with that pile of rags in the corner catching and then spreading to the wood floor.

Perhaps a floor covering of some kind, or a fireproof additive to the floor? What is the stuff they add to cellulose insulation that keeps fire from propagating? Maybe set up an area outside to grind and weld?

Tough decision I think I would have to chance it with the wood floor to get the extra space and just make sure I am extra careful when welding or grinding.

Good luck,
Tom

 

[kmacht]

Not sure where you are located or the specifics of your local building codes but here in CT we aren't allowed a flooring made of a combustible material (wood). It didn't matter if it was painted or tiled. I would rather have a concrete floor without the worry of oil or grease soaking into it over the years and then being ignited by a spark from the welder. Also, have you looked at horizonstructures.com and compared them to what you are looking for? Their prices are a little higher than the place you linked but it includes alot more features and doesn't charge you $5 a mile for delivery. I have a two story garage coming from them next week and they have been one of the easiest companies I have ever worked with.

Keith

 

[obedia-h]

Thanks for the input, I live in the Pittsburgh PA area and the zoning will go with it. I havent checked insurance issues yet though. The amount of work with welder or torch would be very seldom, and I am a bit **** about cluter and have approved rag storage as well as sealed metal cabents for flamables

 

[PurdueSD]

yikes!!! concrete hands down... and its not even close!

 

[mmhouse]

You can buy fire treated plywood. Check with a lumberyard that sells commercial projects/contractors.

That said, I'd definitely go with concrete. How much more to do the 24x40 with concrete? I'm surprised if it would be all that much more.