I'm getting ready to build a shop and I need advice

[baconstruction]

then look into a furnace. You will get heat and AC out of the same unit instead of two different set ups. If think it will get too warm in summer then the furnace would be way better then a window unit or even 2 units. Make sure you insulate it good.

[justavillain]

For lighting we went to inverter florescent lights expensive but last a long time don't need to warm up and are super bright.


Can always try one of the ductless ac units its like what they run for hotel rooms, I'm planning on putting one in my house as I have a boiler for heat.... Surprisingly affordable and just require a few screws and a 2" hole. Looks as hard as mounting a microwave over your range


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[smokinarrow]

If you aren't already, and can afford it, use 2x6 walls. They are stronger since you are going 12 ft and add more insulation. I would also go with a heated floor. Hot water circulating thru a grid of water pipes. Just my .02

[bb_max]

our shop is 32x42 with both 10x12 doors on the short side. Not that great when you have it full and want to work on a vehicle with the truck doors open. IMO, I would figure how far a door will open, a couple of feet to walk around it, and how much stuff you will have next to the wall (cupboards, benches, etc) so there is room around the vehicle.

We have just a window unit built into the wall and it keeps it fairly cool. At least takes the humidity out which makes a big difference.

Used to be heated with wood, replaced with a corn/pellet furnace, will be going back to the woodstove soon (high corn prices and wood is free). Wood is kind of a pita unless you are there to restock it often throughout the day. If you only start it when you want to work out there, it will take awhile to warm up

[lavarock]

I would recommend 14 ft sectional doors. This will allow you to store or work on a 5th wheel or Motorhome. Also the sectional doors can be insulated and seal better than the roll up. If you have much snow put the doors on hip side so snow does not slide off roof in driveway. 6 inch walls so you can have good insulation. I have a 30 x 60 and it is -1 outside and 32 inside without any heat so far this winter.

[woodchuck2]

I helped a friend build his garage and now use it on a daily basis. His is 48X48 with 12' ceilings. 3 bays, two outer bays have 8X10 doors and the center has a 10X10 door. Heated with a 100k btu waste oil furnace, right now it stays at 50deg but in 15 minutes it can be at 70deg. No A/C needed, this area does not get hot enough long enough to warrant it. Right now there are 3 cars, two trucks, one mini-van, 3 snowmobiles, 4 tools boxes and a drum set inside with plenty of room left.

[flyinelvis11]

I'm also have looking to do a 36x40x12. Keep this thread updated as you progress, and lots of pictures too please

[MBCLBZ]

I have radiant floor heat in my shop.Its so nice having the floor warm all the time and you don't have to keep the temp nearly as high to be comfortable.I would also have put in a wood stove to warm it up more when needed but my shop is mostly used for woodworking and the insurance company didn't like the idea.I put in a window AC but hardly ever need to use it,good insulation and keeping doors and windows closed in heat waves is enough most of the time.Floor heat is supplied by a high efficiency LP boiler and my shop is 36x36 with 12' ceiling.

[ApacheGuy]

You guys make me jealous with your nice ass shops lol. We have those radiant ceiling heaters in our big ass hangers, they work hella good. I dont know how much they cost to operate though.

[Dman777]

Originally Posted by ApacheGuy

You guys make me jealous with your nice ass shops lol. We have those radiant ceiling heaters in our big ass hangers, they work hella good. I dont know how much they cost to operate though.

Same here. I work in a huge hangar and those radiant ceiling heaters force me to take my jacket off as soon as I walk in the hangar. But I would hate to see what the bill is to run them.