Car Barn - Steel Frame vs. Wood Frame? | FerrariChat
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Car Barn - Steel Frame vs. Wood Frame?

Discussion in 'Detailing & Showroom' started by DXB599, Apr 4, 2022.

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  1. DXB599

    DXB599 Formula 3
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    #1 DXB599, Apr 4, 2022
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2022
    I'm closing on the purchase of a 200 acre farm in about 30-days and one of the first things I am building is a car barn for storage and hobbyist type work as I'm presently leasing warehouse space for my cars.

    I've looked at both wood framed pole barns like Morton builds and also the steel framed metal buildings. The wood framed seem a bit cheaper given the price of steel, but with the truss design it seems like you give up a lot of mezzanine space. I've spoken with both suppliers and of course they endorse their own systems. I'm leaning towards all steel framed.

    I'm also wondering whether I need 6" versus 4" concrete floors given it's a delta of 50% for the extra depth concrete. I will have two post and four post lifts and some equipment like a tractor and perhaps a class A motor home in the building, but not sure if that necessitates a 6" concrete slab.

    Are there any particular sizes that are more efficient? Right now, I'm thinking 50x100 or 60x100 for the main building as that would allow two rows of parked cars and a center drive through travel lane. Also considering black metal framed glass doors for an upscale appearance versus the standard metal roll up doors.

    One other question is internal drainage. Should I install internal trench drain, or just a very gently slope to allow occasional washouts of the car barn?

    Any other tips to keep in mind?

    Apologies if there is another similar thread. I didn't see anything doing a search and a lot has changed given current building material prices.

    This is a concept that has appeal versus a plain looking building, but mine would be a bit larger than this example.
     

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  2. EastMemphis

    EastMemphis Formula 3
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    #2 EastMemphis, Apr 4, 2022
    Cool rendering! I like it.

    I have a purpose built stick frame garage. I was going to go with steel but our contractor convinced me they could do a better job for less. I don't know if he's right or not but it came in under budget and it matches the house style.

    As for the concrete floor, we went with 5" overall and 8" where the lift posts go. It's not necessary to do the entire floor to that thickness but where you're going to place the posts, make it thick and reinforce with extra rebar. Check the specs of the lift company you're going to use for the depth of concrete required.
     
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  3. blkfxstc

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    #3 blkfxstc, Apr 4, 2022
    I have a 40'x60' steel building with a 20'x40' lean to awning for an RV and an awning in front of the 12'x12' doors. I would stay away from wood frame if I were you, spend more up front for a better/less maintenance structure. If you are doing lifts and tractors and RV's, you will want the 6" slab. I do not have drains in mine, I just use a 4' janitor cloth floor sweeper to do light clean up and mop it once every year or two. Suggestions: install more electrical than you think you will need (plugs, high amp circuits for welders/EV's, etc.). Install a bathroom, toilet at a minimum (I have a shower also). HVAC (mine has heat and A/C). Washer and dryer if you do you own washing of vehicles/etc, easier to do them separate from the house clothing and it is on site. Also do more lights than you think you need also.
     
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  4. Face76

    Face76 F1 World Champ
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    #4 Face76, Apr 4, 2022
    This. Not sure where the barn is going (GA?), but make sure that the space is conditioned appropriately given its outer environment. What you are building is more barndominium than garage. Make sure everyone is on the same page. I got an estimate 3 months ago for a stick frame at $120 - $150 per square foot and an almost 1 year wait.
     
  5. DXB599

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    #5 DXB599, Apr 4, 2022
    Yes, the farm is located NW of Atlanta, in the exurbs about 70 miles from Buckhead. I'll probably need to act as the GC and hire trades for sitework, concrete, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and then the main contractor for the building and probably a separate company for the garage doors.
     
  6. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    #6 rob lay, Apr 4, 2022
    I love the look of that concept! I have built several barns and large garages, my only warning would be scope creep and the costs/delays are ridiculous right now. :)

    My current land I did a 40x48, basically 2 deep and each garage door 2 wide. My main use is ranch equipment, but would be nice for cars too. This isn't fancy like you're looking for, but did the entire thing with a patio and living room inside for $45k metal.

    On the lodge in Oklahoma we did a 2 deep by 4 wide garage attached to the house.
     
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