Go BottomPutting in a floor within a shed Concrete Footing Qs
 | Mfleck
Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 2 Catskills, NY 
|
2012-06-22 183996
Hi all,
I am new to the forum. I am working on a small old shed that I want to convert into a workshop for my woodworking machinery. I should mention that I am using old woodworking machinery that is all solid metal ranging from 200 to 500 pounds per machine (say 10 machines total).
The shed is about 20 by 24 feet and is propped up on stone foundations and over a dirt floor. I've already sturdied up the shed (built at least 80 years ago) but I don't think its square enough or sturdy enough to build a floor off of. My plan is to construct a floor of plywood on joists inside the shed but not connected to it. Kind of like a platform within the shed. Maybe if it comes out strong enough, I could even anchor the shed to the floor down the line.
Based on some research, I am thinking of building concrete footings to rest the floor on, and here is where most of my questions come in (although I welcome any and all advice from the experts here!)
I figure the footings should be in tubes 4 feet deep and maybe 8-12 inches in diameter. I've read that you should not anchor wood posts into the concrete because it will rot. It seems like there are metal pieces that you can use as an intermediary by drying them in the concrete and then connecting them directly to the floor joists.
OK, here we go!
1. How far apart would you place the footings? What diameter? How would you connect the floor joists to the concrete footings?
2. In terms of the floor construction, I figure I will use 2 by 10s or 12s with plywood sheets on top. How far apart would you place the joists and how wide should they be? Is there any reason to use pressure treated wood? Remember that the floor will actually hold a lot of weight with all of the machines.
3. I guess my enemies over time are moisture and ground movement. I've read about vapor barriers but am not sure if I would need them. The barn may eventually be insulated but will probably not be heated (I will mostly use it in the summers). Anything else I could do to make this floor enjoy a long life?
Thanks in advance!
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoPutting in a floor within a shed Concrete Footing Qs
 | kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 5275 South Carolina 
 Pics
|
2012-06-23 184002
There is an old hardware lumber store here this makes me think of.
There is much I don't feel comfortable to suggest due to the difference in winter temps and without seeing the situation.
I would install a vapor barrier. But that may be different there and termite people are a good source for that recommendation.
If you want stong floor use the 12 inches in 16 inche centters. At least two layers of playwood.
My thought is price out everthing and if pouring concret floor may be best option. You don't want a machine vibrating.
....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoPutting in a floor within a shed Concrete Footing Qs
 | Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
Pics
|
2012-06-25 184027
As an engineer (albeit not one who actively works at it, and not in this discipline) I would have to say the amount of wood required to support all that equipment (read cast iron) would likely be more work and expense than just pouring a concrete floor would be.
You could either pour it slightly smaller and just inside the existing shed, or if you want a heated space with a more professional appearance, jack up the old shed, pour a new floor with a 12" to 24" high 'knee wall' around the perimeter to set the shed back down on.
The last option would also allow you to straighten the old place up as well.
Best of luck.
....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add Photo
Go Top
Share This