Show your Garage

[MikeM]

WOW...well done...

[Frankr]

Simple

[alarson11]

Just got my storage area open and the floor area painted.

[M3pilot]

Just ran across this thread.

Bob . . . very nice! You shop is VERY similar to the one I purchased recently (apparently a week before you bought yours). My dimensions are slightly different at 30' (width) x 40' and your ceiling height is a few feet higher than mine front to back. You've done a number of things that I have either done or have planned for so I have some questions . . .

I also built a mezzanine level at the back - 10'x30'. I originally wanted to use steel supports and railings as you did but went with wood because that's what my local building supplier could spec for me. I did just finish a cable-railing similar to yours though. What's your clear height from the concrete floor to the bottom of the mezzanine header? Mine if just over 10' so I can store two cars stacked underneath on a 4-post left like you have.

Speaking of beams, what is the clear span of yours between the corner posts and what is its construction? My overall width is a bit wider but the stairs come up from the outside so I'm guessing that the post-to-post distance is similar. My header is made from 2, 11 7/8" x 1 3/4" LVLs but I was told that I needed a post supporting the center.

I have also considered a BigAss fan. Does it provide decent air circulation for the mezzanine level? Give that I have what appears to be quite a bit less ceiling height on my mezzanine, I'm a little afraid it wouldn't provide much circulation up there.

Also thought about doing a pit for a mid-rise lift which I still could do. What are you using for a cover and is it something you could drive/park on when the lift wasn't in use?

Your shop is fantastic as are many of them in this thread (hey, if it contains an early 911, how could it NOT be fantastic?). I'll try to get some pics of mine up shortly.

Stuart

[boba]

Hi Stuart,
My clear space is 10'6'. We used 1/4" steel rod rather than cable for the railing. The span is just under 24' and the LVL's are 4 14x1 3/4.
The BigAss fan moves a tremendous amount of air. The blades do not reach over the mezzanine but it does seem to push air out to the side which provides nice circulation on the mezzanine. One point on mounting the fan is to get it close to your ceiling, with my slanting ceiling we are 18" at the low edge.
For the pit cover I was going to use 3/4" plywood but had a supplier suggest trying his 3/4" aluminum honeycomb. I have walked on it but not driven over it yet. I want to put some support under the longer spans before driving over it. We are looking for some dense packing foam to try. The nice feature is that it is light and easy to move around, the surrounding trim forms a good handle.

[mjshira]

Happy for you Bob!

[Darren65]

Bought a new canvas for the garage wall .....

[Flat Six, inc.]

My garage is full of boats....glad I have the shop to keep all my cars...

[sithot]

I love boats. Preferably, someone else's. They are "pretty" holes in the water to pour money.

We had boats when I was a kid. Broke me of wanting one as an adult. (Reverse psychology of sorts)

The truth is, IF I lived in Tahoe I'd lust for a Gar Wood or old Chris.

[boba]

Love your boats.

Lesson learned, it's best to have friends who have boats/planes/motorhomes.