Concrete vs wood frame floor building

hunterdan

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Location
Morganton,NC
Planning a shop build 16x20. I was leaning towards wood frame off grade shop but due to lumber cost would I be better off pouring a slab?
I got a quote of 783.00 for concrete delivered. Don't know what to expect for slick finish finishing...I will have it formed and ready.
Wondering also if I need footers poured first as It will just be a tinkering shop with a car rarely pulled into it?
 
I think concrete is always a better option for a shop floor. As for footers, it all depends on building codes and how compliant you're willing to be. My shop is a glorified carport with walls and a roll up door. I had it assembled on a "patio slab" that I poured and finished a few days before.
 
Yeah I think concrete is the way to go. One reason for a shop is to keep me from laying on crush and run when changing oil...
I know county would require a footing on perimeter but I'm in the woods and doing my own power. I'm just sick of county/ gov regs and as I said it's a fricking workshop.
Packed level ground and a floating slab,..pipe in.
 
Just got a quote for slick finish on a pre formed 16x20 pour. 650.00
Sounds pretty high to me what say y'all?
 
Just got a quote for slick finish on a pre formed 16x20 pour. 650.00
Sounds pretty high to me what say y'all?

3.95 yards

typical rate here is $150 a yard delivered


Yeah..sounds like a reasonable number, if not a damn good deal actually
 
That's a good deal. I'm honestly surprised anyone even looked at it right now as small of a job as it is and as backed up as everyone is. If you dont want to worry about county, build the building now and pour a 4" slab later
 
3.95 yards

typical rate here is $150 a yard delivered


Yeah..sounds like a reasonable number, if not a damn good deal actually
I was assuming that was 4" thick...
 
If it were me, I'd add a few bucks for a turned-down edge. You'll have less reason to worry about cracking or frost heaving or termites or anything else long-term. Spread footing and stem wall will be more expensive.
 
Turned down footers for a simple shop like this will be much more cost effective and easier. Throw a couple #4s in there around the perimeter and you have the foundation and floor all in one. Simple and easy.
 
Sorry should have been more clear.
783.00 for 4 yards 3500# fiber filled concrete delivered.
650.00 was a quote for just pouring and slick finishing the already formed pad.
How are those numbers?
 
Here's what we're talking about with the edge:

monolithic-slab-diagram-jpg.16340


Throw a couple of bars in the bottom of the footing about 2-3" up to help with any subsidence issues and make sure the subgrade is clean, well-compacted, and free of organic material.
 
I'll agree with everything above. I just finished a 12x24 shop build (okay, I ordered a shed and they dropped it off) that's a framed wood floor. I didn't have the option to pour a slab and stick frame it, but something that never occurred to me was the fire hazard of doing hot work on a wood floor. A little bit of welding doesn't bother me, but I'll be building a plasma cutting / grinding table that can be rolled outside to keep the heavy sparks out of my shop. Go monolithic concrete slab, seal it to keep oil stains out and rock out.
 
Thanks. Would I trench all perimeter or just sides for 16' wide x 20' deep pad?
My backhoe has 24 " bucket.
Would y'all dig trench by straddling (square trench)
Or
Dig trench from inside pad area making trench beveled like pic?
Thanks
 
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What kind of backhoe? I might have a 12" bucket that fits it. Doesn't have to be perfect for what you're doing and I definitely wouldn't dig a 24" footer.
 
What kind of backhoe? I might have a 12" bucket that fits it. Doesn't have to be perfect for what you're doing and I definitely wouldn't dig a 24" footer.
What kind of backhoe? I might have a 12" bucket that fits it. Doesn't have to be perfect for what you're doing and I definitely wouldn't dig a 24" footer.

It's a cat 416b. Thanks for the offer but I think I can make a vertical down cut and then drag back maybe a foot and bevel up and out. You know what I mean:)

Still wondering if I need to trench entire perimeter or just right and left side?
 
It's a cat 416b. Thanks for the offer but I think I can make a vertical down cut and then drag back maybe a foot and bevel up and out. You know what I mean:)

Still wondering if I need to trench entire perimeter or just right and left side?

All the way around


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Thanks Loganwayne. Yeah I've watched a few videos and think I've got it. Don't know if I will use my 24" bucket, buy a 12" bucket or rent a mini ex.
 
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