I've moved into a place that has a large (24 x 50) pole barn on theproperty. I've started the process of converting it into an enclosedbuilding and I intend to set up my shop in it. I have discovered thatthe existing concrete slab is not at all flat and is out of level byabout 2 inches over a span of about 20 feet.My previous shop was in a basement, also on concrete slab, also out oflevel and not flat. It was a niusance having to fiddle with rollerstands and other temporary supports to compensate for it as wasnecessary when I moved them. Other than that, I never really noticed theflaw in the floor.I'm considering putting a plywood floor on top of the slab anyway, justso I don't have to stand on concrete. Would it be worth the trouble toraise that floor on sleepers and shim them so the floor is level? Cansuch a structure be made stiff enough to work well under heavymachinery?TIA.

absolutely go for sleepers.And yes shim them to level, or shim and plane the sleepers.Yes the structure can be made stiff enough. Either 12 in sleepers, or use 2 layers of ply. One 3/4 and the other 5/8 or 3/4... on a bias or 90I think the 5/8 would be a better choice so you still had a little bounce. 2 3/4 might be a little stiff. You want the bounce to relieve the legs / ankles... I am sure others will have various other opinions.

New shop - level floor, or not?

Jul 27, 2011 21 Replies

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Art Greenberg 14 years ago

Yup.

Or, since the wall the door is in isn't load bearing, I could put in two smaller headers, and if/when the time comes, just cut out the lower one.

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krw 14 years ago

Even if it is load bearing, just put the header in high enough and add a couple of 2x4s (or 2x6s, depending on the wall construction) sideways, lower, just to hold the door frame.

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