Using timber is unusual for a garage floor, but with proper sizing and materials you create a safe and unique garage environment.
Timber-based garage floors must adhere to the International Building Code requirement of a distributed live load of 40 pounds per square foot. To achieve this, use 2×12 timber joists spaced about 2 feet apart, 2×10 beams, and properly engineered wood of at least ¾” thick.
Timber garage floors are not as popular because of their higher cost and more difficult engineering process, but they have plenty of benefits to offer. Keep reading to learn why you need certain sizes of timber as well as different details to consider regarding timber for a garage floor.
Can You Build a Garage Floor out of Wood?
Building a garage floor out of wood is possible, but it is more expensive and requires greater consideration and engineering. This is an investment to consider deeply before making a commitment, but it can last a lifetime when done properly.
While cement-based garages work through a straightforward process to create the foundation, creating a floor using timber requires calculations based on the size of the garage and the intended load. You’re also subjected to different IBC regulations.
Considerations Before Using Timber for a Garage Floor
Understanding that the process for using timber for a garage floor is more intensive, prepare to work alongside an engineer to decide the best timber sizes and spans to create your garage floor.
You should also consider that wood floors are pickier with maintenance, but they can be sanded down to accommodate for wear.
Wood floors also offer a different aesthetic, and this can affect the feel and mood of your garage.
Make sure you are comfortable making the investment in a garage floor. It is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to make it worth the cost.
What Size Timber Works Best for a Garage Floor?
The International Building Code specifies the maximum span lengths for wooden joists. It also identifies joist sizing and spans for various spacing.
Regardless of what size timber you use for a garage floor, it must accommodate a uniformly distributed live load of 40 pounds per square foot (psf). Garages should be designed to accommodate a 3,000 pound concentrated load acting on an area of 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches.
Given this information and assuming a 40 psf material (such as Douglas Fir), using 2 x 12 timber joists every 2 feet and 2 x 10 beams every 12 feet should accommodate the uniform live load requirement.
Because this changes based on the dimensions of your garage and your needs, you must work with an engineer to find the actual size that works best for you. You can use online joist tables and calculators to get an idea of what you’re looking at.
Can a 2×4 be Used for Flooring?
While a 2 x 4 offers plenty of framing benefits, they are not ideal for flooring.
A 2×4 has a limited span and is best used for vertical applications. They are not a practical or cost effective material to use horizontally in heavy load-bearing situations.
What is a Good Thickness for a Garage Floor?
The standard garage slab starts at 4 inches deep, but a wooden garage floor can get away with sheets at least ¾ inch thick.
Most wooden garage floors use engineered wood for real wood flooring. The increased durability and protection works great in a garage environment.
Pros of Timber for Garage Floor
Wood is More Comfortable than Concrete
Wood is softer than concrete, and it is easier on your joints and muscles. This is most noticeable if you spend extended hours on concrete floors, and it’s something to consider if you plan on spending more time in your garage.
Proper Wood is More Durable and Easier to Isolate for Repairs
Wood should be properly sealed and pressure treated for garage use. When the right processes are done, there is no reason it cannot hold up to the weight of vehicles, tools, benches, and other heavy garage items.
Maintenance is a must, but it is usually easier to replace a section of a timber floor than it is a section of a concrete floor.
Wood Provides Better Insulation for Colder Weather
Cool cement floors feel great in the summer, but not so much in the winter.
A wood floor provides better insulation year-round, ensuring that you can maintain a suitable temperature more easily.
Wood Allows Easier Access
Wood flooring in a garage provides easier access to what is underneath, including crawl spaces and dust collection units.
It’s also easier to run power lines under timber garage flooring, considering cement cannot move to accommodate the lines.
Cons of Timber for Garage Floor
Wood is More Easily Damaged by Fire and/or Spills
Wood must be properly treated for flame retardant to be up to code, but it should also be sealed to protect against spills and stains.
A fire will cause much more damage to a timber garage floor than a concrete slab, which is something to keep in mind when looking into timber floors.
Moisture and Humidity Negatively Impact Wood
Improperly sealed wood is susceptible to moisture and humidity, and the severity changes depending on your location.
Using hardwood helps prevent this, as well as sealing and treating the wood as needed.
Wood Attracts and is More Susceptible to Pests
The chances of pests chewing through a concrete slab are slim to none, but they view wood a bit differently. Proper treatment and preventative measures can ward them off.
You should also note the possibility of nesting underneath the timber floor.
Timber Garage Floors are not as Smooth
If rolling tools, benches, machines, or dollies is a major concern, understand that timber flooring is not as smooth as a slab.
There are plenty of ways to reach that goal, but none of them are 100 percent. Plan accordingly if this is a need.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right size timber for joists and beams is essential to achieve the wood floor of a garage safely.
Working with an engineer ensures that the dimensions you choose work for the size and needs of your garage safely. Taking other factors into consideration before you commit to a timber floor will assure you that you’re making the right investment.
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