Hi ALl
Just looking for some thoughts on this.
I’m in the process of adding an addition to my shop.
The size is 12X30 ft.
When I built the shop originally, I used trusses.
For the extra 12 ft, should I stick build or order trusses again.
Originally, I had 4 people helping, now I only have myself and
helper. No room for a crane, just the two of us.
With the truss, I get no real storage room.
With stick built, I can get alot of storage room.
Any thoughts?
Jeff
Replies
You can get plenty of storage with trusses, but they have to be designed for it. Twelve feet is not much of a span though, you could build a nice room up there with framing or with trusses.
I don't think it really matters which way you go as far as construction, but depends more on your need, capabilities and goals.
If you've got more time, stick build it. But you need some experience with roof cutting, or else learn fast on this job. It would give you more options for the future and you could use 2x12's for the floor, would support a good sized load up there.
If you need to get it up quickly, truss, though it may take 6 weeks to get trusses this time of year.
Either way, if it were my shop, I would not add directly on to what is there, I would vary this in size from the original if possible.
Or is the span 30 feet? If that is the case, you'll need bearing below, most likely.
Mad Dog
Actually, It is different from the shop which is a 24x24 garage.
No problem on cutting and building.
I built my house and original garage myself, all stick.
The shop garage I built a few years later, again myself.
I did hire crews to do the heavy work, after all, I only one person.
This new addition is sized for the space I have and funds.
It is designed to have internal supports at 8 ft from either end of
the 30 ft span to gain strength for the storage area above.
Just looking for thoughts here.
Thank you
Jeff
Well I give you the green light to stick build it! Have some fun, put some dormers in, make space for Fonzie up there.
Sounds like the kind of project most of us would like to do for ourselves. Lucky you.
Do you have any other specifics to ask about?
dog
Hay Dog (help)
Sorry I couldn't help myself.
No, actually, I grew up in construction.
My father built apartment buildings for years.
I love this forum to bounce thoughts off of, it helps me get myself going in the right direction.
If another thought comes up, I'll throw it out.
Thanks
Jeff
My whole shop is 12x30!
And is not finished yet.
I am jealous and will not give you any help!
:)
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
T
How do you work in a 12 ft wide shop?
My table saw is almost 10ft wide.
Anyhow, with cabinets under construction, I wouldn't be able to move around without space.
Actually, having that problem now, so I'm adding again.
I have side wings already on the shop, 6ft each, full length.
Good talking to you and don't be jealous.
Jeff
Yes it is to narrow.
But it will have to do until proper funding is obtained.
I put a work bench dow one side but I am considering an alternative plan.
At the very least I am going to bump out a little bay so my mitre saw can sit back into the wall further.
My table saw is maybe 40" wide, an older Makita 10".
I still have to move it back and forth for assembling stuff.
My plan is to get as much stuff put out of the way as possible to eliminate alot of moving and shifting.
Possibly in the future I will put a 16' square addition on the back.
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
Mine is 14' x 36'
So there!.
Excellence is its own reward!
Piffin & Mr T
I guess I never got the nack of working in a small space.
I tend to be a neatnik, and when I get into the shop, everything
needs to be in place and ready to go to work.
If not, I tend to clean up and organize and not work, and then think
about better ways to organize.
I think Marc Adams said it right "paralysis by analysis".
So, a large shop seems to be a necessity for me.
Jeff