Time to build a new shop, need some input.

[STx]

I need to build a new shop for all my stuff at the new place. On the last place, I did a 40 x 50 x 16 (My shop build) because that's all the concrete I could afford. This time, I'm going bigger, something in the neighborhood of 5,000 sq/ft. My question though, is would you do a longer, thinner building like a 50 x 100 or would you prefer a 60 x 75 or 60 x 80? I'm leaning towards the 60 x 75 because I think the more square layout looks better. I'm also going to plan it with a mezzanine in one bay that I'll use for an office, bathroom and little bits storage, things like bolts, plumbing fittings, etc.

 

[dodge man]

Not sure what all you plan on doing in it, but plan for things like heat, welder, an automotive lift, and move closer to me so I can come over and use the lift.

 

[STx]

Not sure what all you plan on doing in it, but plan for things like heat, welder, an automotive lift, and move closer to me so I can come over and use the lift.

I learned a lot on the first build in regards to all of that which will be applied this time. It'll have it's own meter with 200A service, power won't be an issue. I'll be running conduit in the slab this time for electrical and water from one side to the other, I really wish I'd done that the first time. I did a 6" thick, 4000 PSI slab with #4 rebar on 12" last time, this one will be the same, you can't redo concrete. I used batt insulation on the first build, I'm going to bite the bullet and spend the money on spray foam this time so the building will be completely sealed. I had a rat problem in the first one because of the little holes, they did a lot of damage.

The only thing I'm really waffling on right now is the footprint.

 

[dodge man]

It hard for me to compare, my shop is smaller and is 28 deep by 30 wide. Of course I wish it was bigger. The way I use mine, working on cars, trucks, my tractor etc much deeper than 30 to 40 feet woukd just be storage. I have a work bench in front of the bay I work on vehicles. The 28 depth is perfect for cars but to short by a couple of feet for my truck, which fits, just a little tight.

In my mind the 50x100 would be best but then it seems like you would need a bunch of overhead doors.

 

[STx]

I tend to put stuff along the walls and use the middle area for working on stuff. Right now, I've got pallet racks on one end wall and storage shelves on the other. Then against one side wall is my metal rack and chop saw with the welding table just a few feet from the other side wall. There are 2 roll up doors directly across from each other on one end, that's where I pull vehicles/equipment in to work. Everything else happens in the middle of the shop. I've always used my shops like this, lots of open space for working on stuff in the middle and the walls are storage or dedicated workstations.

 

[bigtiller]

I tend to put stuff along the walls and use the middle area for working on stuff. Right now, I've got pallet racks on one end wall and storage shelves on the other. Then against one side wall is my metal rack and chop saw with the welding table just a few feet from the other side wall. There are 2 roll up doors directly across from each other on one end, that's where I pull vehicles/equipment in to work. Everything else happens in the middle of the shop. I've always used my shops like this, lots of open space for working on stuff in the middle and the walls are storage or dedicated workstations.

That is what I do also. Mine is 54'x75', I am glad I didn't go with my first plan of 40'x60'. A big wideopen center sure does come in handy. It is so nice to be able to drive the tractor in, turn around, change implements and drive out. If I ever get a chance to build another it will be the same or wider.

 

[bunyip]

Work out what size you need then double it, my shed at the last place was 6x12x3high, the new place is more than double and 7high and already I am out of space.
Admittedly horses occupy one end.

 

[ponytug]

Both sound great. I think it depends on how you use/need the space. Perimeter walls are great for dedicated work areas, and storage/parts, but if you get large equipment in, then square is great.

Do you need/want floor drains? Separate wash bay? 3 phase power?

Foam insulation sounds good, but sealing the metal is still important rats can and do chew through foam.

If it were me, I would run the water in PEX, so there are no joints under the slab.

All the best,

Peter

 

[dstig1]

The guys on Practical Machinist have been consistently saying that a square shop is the best shape for getting bigger stuff in and out. I think it also tends to be more energy efficient as there is less wall:area ratio. if you don't have big tools that need rigging, then maybe that does not matter as much.

 

[redman135]

Everyone has focused on the footprint size and footprint shape.
What about height? Can you use your forklift to lift an engine out of your truck (inter') with out running into the roof for example?
What sort of roof are you using? Birds can get in via the ribs on tin roofes. Don't forget the bird blocker that fits the ribs ( forgot the name).
You mentioned a mezzinine floor, is the roof stepped or 1 level?
When my brother laid his concrete floor he laid in pipe for hot water to keep the slab dry, as well as insulation UNDER the slab. This is to stop condensation on the concrete after several hard frosts then a warm spell. He used the diesel ,heater unit out of a dead steam cleaner to heat the slab water pipes. The moderate warmth radiating from the floor also warms the vehicle making it much more pleasant to work on. Underslab insulation on it's own does not stop condensation or a cold floor.
Are you going to harvest the water from your roof? Even if you are on town supply, just using town water for cooking and drinking will make a good sized dent in the water bill.

 

[mikester]

The guys on Practical Machinist have been consistently saying that a square shop is the best shape for getting bigger stuff in and out. I think it also tends to be more energy efficient as there is less wall:area ratio. if you don't have big tools that need rigging, then maybe that does not matter as much.

Square also holds heat better. If you plan on heating or cooling take that into account. Also consider orientation to the sun and prevailing winds. A long wall facing south will absorb more heat from the sun...good in cold climates.

 

[STx]

I'm in South Texas, near San Antonio, so heating isn't really a concern. There are a few days a year when it's really needed but a 20 degree rise will make it comfortable.

I did 16' eave height on the last shop, I'll probably do the same here. I kind of have to in order to have the mezzanine, unless I do a pretty steep pitch. My forklift goes 16' so, I can use all the vertical space.

I don't need a floor drain, I'd much rather wash stuff outside. I don't want the mess inside. I'm planning to either extend the roof out 15 - 20 feet on the sides of add lean-tos. I'd prefer the roof extension, I think it looks better.

I oriented the last shop to take advantage of prevailing winds with 2 roll-up doors across from each other to get good cross flow, it works really well to keep it cooler in the summer. I'll do the same here, only I'll add a 3rd roll-up door on this one. I rented a shop in Houston that was 50x75 and had 4 doors, it was nice for ventilation since that building wasn't insulated but, I only used 3 of them for access. With insulation and an AC, 3 will be fine.

 

[civilian]

With mezzanines, how are they accessed? Stairs or elevator? Your age and stairs my be a factor later on. Jon

 

[STx]

OK, I think the 60 x 80 is going to be the winner, I mocked up a plan in SketchUp this evening.

Civilian, the mezzanine will get stairs. To be honest, if the day comes that I can't climb the stairs anymore, it's probably a sign that I don't need to be in the shop either. At that point, we'll be back in town and close to hospitals.