Pole building: to slab or not to slab

[keegs]

When constructing a pole building, beside cost, what are the advantages and disadvantages of putting down a slab?

My guess is that a slab could be put down after the building is up without too much trouble. If that assumption is correct then what provisions do I need to make for a future slab when putting up a pole building?

 

[dave1949]

When constructing a pole building, beside cost, what are the advantages and disadvantages of putting down a slab?

My guess is that a slab could be put down after the building is up without too much trouble. If that assumption is correct then what provisions do I need to make for a future slab when putting up a pole building?

Alright Keegs!

Usually a slab is poured after the pole building is closed in but before windows and doors.

If you plan on a slab sooner or later, the slab site needs to be prepared before you start setting poles. Good compacted gravel base built up on undisturbed subsoil, drainage provisions, vapor barrier. Those are good to have with or without a slab. You can put the foam board insulation and final 2-3 inches of base in after building.

Dave.

 

[20 20]

pavement is better

 

[keegs]

pavement is better

because?? My guess is that it's cheaper and plays better with frost?

 

[keegs]

Alright Keegs!

Usually a slab is poured after the pole building is closed in but before windows and doors.

If you plan on a slab sooner or later, the slab site needs to be prepared before you start setting poles. Good compacted gravel base built up on undisturbed subsoil, drainage provisions, vapor barrier. Those are good to have with or without a slab. You can put the foam board insulation and final 2-3 inches of base in after building.

Dave.

Thanks Dave...What are thoughts on the drawbacks to just going with a vapor barrier and a compacted gravel base?

 

[dave1949]

because?? My guess is that it's cheaper and plays better with frost?

No, it won't play better with frost. That's why you do a good prep!

You can pour the slab anytime if the prep is done.

The slab makes it sooo much easier to work on things, little parts don't disappear in the gravel, you can roll a floor jack around, or anything on casters. It's a lot more comfortable to lay on too when that is called for.

I store my bush hog (700+ lbs) with a super duty furniture dolly under the front end. I can move it into a corner, or out of the way without dropping my backhoe and hitching up. That's a real pain remover. I don't think that would work on a gravel or dirt floor.

Dave.

 

[Pilot]

My slab was poured after the building was finished. Separate contractor. I believe the outfit that erected the building did ask if I was going to have a slab poured, so they may have done something different to allow for it. Ask your contractor.

Concrete prices: Varied from $2,600 to $5,400 for 24' X 36' plus a 12' X 24' area, about 12 years ago. So get lots of quotes-I must have had a dozen quotes, at least. The contractor I selected bid $2,800, including zip strips to control cracking and adding fiber to the concrete for added strength. Some higher bidding contractors didn't want to do those extra things or wanted to charge even more if I insisted on them.

 

[20 20]

because?? My guess is that it's cheaper and plays better with frost?

Not really sure if it's cheaper, may be??? The reason I suggested it was because of frost. Slabs will give trouble sooner or later seen it happen a lot up here. Pavement can move without chipping and falling apart. If it's done right it will outlast concrete. Not saying there aren't good concrete floors, but if it were my money pavement would be the way to go. Guy just did his 24X24 garage up the road came out real nice{IMO nicer then concrete} cost was around $1500-$2000{I believe}.

This is just my opinion, do what makes you happy, just remember there is allways more than 1 way to skin a cat.

 

[dave1949]

Not really sure if it's cheaper, may be??? The reason I suggested it was because of frost. Slabs will give trouble sooner or later seen it happen a lot up here. Pavement can move without chipping and falling apart. If it's done right it will outlast concrete. Not saying there aren't good concrete floors, but if it were my money pavement would be the way to go. Guy just did his 24X24 garage up the road came out real nice{IMO nicer then concrete} cost was around $1500-$2000{I believe}.

This is just my opinion, do what makes you happy, just remember there is allways more than 1 way to skin a cat.

20-20, Pavement - you must be talking about asphalt pavement?

Dave.

 

[Duffster]

Not really sure if it's cheaper, may be??? The reason I suggested it was because of frost. Slabs will give trouble sooner or later seen it happen a lot up here. Pavement can move without chipping and falling apart. If it's done right it will outlast concrete. Not saying there aren't good concrete floors, but if it were my money pavement would be the way to go. Guy just did his 24X24 garage up the road came out real nice{IMO nicer then concrete} cost was around $1500-$2000{I believe}.

This is just my opinion, do what makes you happy, just remember there is allways more than 1 way to skin a cat.

I wouldn't use asphalt unless it was purely just machine storage, even then it wouldn't be worth the savings.

BTW a concrete slab is a pavement.