Is wood an acceptable alternative to concrete as a garage floor.?

Question

I have a lot that slopes but I want a garage that is level. I would need to take 4-5' of slope from one side in order to level. Currently the area has a sloped concrete parking slab. Could I brace with a frame of 2 X 6's and put wood or plywood down as a floor? Not sure of the structural ramifications.

Answer 1

I've seen wooden-floored garages, but most have been converted barns ... all floored with 2x floor boards.

If it were me, I'd check with an architect/engineer about the loads - and you *might* want to check with your local building inspector's office to see if your plan meets code.

The practical answer is that it'll probably work if you throw enough solid structure at it, but it may very well not be legal, depending on where you live.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

The slope could be filled with crushed gravel to bring it up to level, but with that much difference it would need a thick concrete wall to retain the pressure created by building a garage and parking cars there.
I would suggest a professional concrete man or you will have cement cracking and the garage will be leaning within just a few years. That is too much to trust to stay in place.

I have seen what happens when a grade of that much is built on without proper support. You don't want to know what it is like

Answer 4

It's your house, so I guess you can do whatever you want. I'm addicted to home shows and magazines and I've never seen anything like that done before. As long as you don't plan on parking a car on it, I don't see any reason why you couldn't. Chances are the floor is sloped for drainage reasons, so you probably want to keep it sloped (lessen the slope if you'd like). A plywood floor isn't going to last forever like concrete will, and it will be a drawback if you go to sell.

Answer 5

I seriously doubt that any city or county would allow you to use a wood floor of any type under a garage or parking area.

Answer 6

Yes. Use a minimum of one and half inches thick new concrete over stable existing concrete. If the reason you are doing this is because the old slab is breaking up, you need to have a professional to look at it to determine if old slab pieces need to be removed and if you have enough head room, whether it will interfer with doors, etc. Wish you would of added why you are considering it and condition of existing. Post back with more info, please.

Answer 7

That's fine if you just want the space to walk on. If your going to park your car on it, I would recommend you do something different. You could erect a wall around the perimeter of your garage area, fill the middle with select fill, compact, and then pour a 6" slab on top. Don't forget the rebar in both the side wall and the slab. The rebar from the wall should tie into the slab. And you should anchor the wall rebar in the current slab.

Answer 8

Sounds to me that your best bet would be to build the garage level with the lowest end of the house....stepping down the concrete pad as in a split level house.

To avoid later problems you want the base of the garage on solid ground........and frankly wook isn't going to fly with code.

Answer 9

City code won't allow it. Or county code. Or common sense. You'll get a fire (spill even an ounce of gasoline) and you'll lose your garage and anything in it, or create a termites heaven. Plus all other kinds of varmits....even if you keep your garage locked!!!

Answer 10

Hard question, 2x6 wall studs are good. if you support the floor independently from the building, I would use 4x4's posts and and 2x8 floor joists 12" on center, and 3/4" plywood