I have an area in my crawl-space that I want to convert into a shop space for woodworking. Currently the crawl-space floor is just dirt, and I was wondering what the options are for putting a floor down. My first thought was that I will need to get a concrete slab poured, but then I though that perhaps a framed floor made from pressure treated lumber might be OK. I would be putting a “softer” flooring over the concrete anyway to make things easier on my feet and tools, so I thought that putting what is essentially a deck down without the concrete might be cheaper, easier, and faster.
The questions:
– Is this a viable way to do this?
– Are there any building code issues with this?
– What are the drawbacks of this option?
– Are there other options?
One of the big pro’s to using a “deck” type floor would be the ability to run electrical and dust collection piping under the floor.
I am completely clueless as to the building codes and would be looking to have a contractor do the work, but I would like to have an idea whether this is a valid option.
Thanks,
Brian
Replies
Brian, I once built a wood floor in a cellar with good results. I dug shallow (6") trenches on 24" centers, put down heavy plastic, then 3" of gravel dust in trenches for ease of leveling the 4 by 4's that I then laid in trenches. On this sub structure of leveled 4 by4's I then fastened 2by4's on edge on 16" centers over which I fastened 3/4 ply with galvanized deck screws. I would recommend that all lumber including plywood be pt for longevity. I would consider 2 layers of ply if you will have heavy shop tools. This being said, why not concrete? I had a variety of reasons to go with wood but would do concrete if it were a viable option. I am uncertain as to the code situation because I did not pull a permit but it seems like a reasonable thing to do. Good luck with your project. Jay
Jay, thanks for the info. The main reasons for choosing to go with wood over concrete would be cost and having a flooring that's easier on my feet/tools. Ideally I would do concrete with a wood floor (2x4 sleepers then plywood) over top of the concrete, but that would be the most expensive option. The other factor is that the crawl space that I'm finishing is not very accessible for a concrete pour. It's down a slope and around the back of the house to get to it which would make pouring the concrete more difficult as well.
Cheers,
Brian
>which would make pouring the concrete more difficult as well.
Pump it.
How big's this "crawl space" anyway, if there's room for a slab, sleepers, decking, and you w/o head-knocking?
Yeah, I have thought about pumping, but that would just add to the cost. I'm trying to keep costs down so I can buy more tools! :-)
As for the size of the "crawl-space", it varies from 3 feet headroom at the front of the house to about 10 feet of headroom at the rear of the house. Needless to say, the shop will be at the rear of the house! There is a nice 16x16 area where the headroom is at least 8 feet for the entire area. There will have to be some excavation done to level the area out, but I expect about 8-9 feet of headroom with the finished floor. I expect to lose about 1 foot to whatever flooring system I choose.
Cheers,
Brian