Your garage is (or can be) so much more than just a space to park your car. If you build it right, you can use your garage as a workshop, storage space, or even an additional living area.
All of this relies on a strong foundation. A foundation is the most essential component of any garage, no matter what it is used for. A solid foundation protects against flooding, provides stability, and makes the structure safe.
This is why choosing the right foundation for your garage is so important. The following guide will help you make the best decision for your needs.
What Are the Different Foundation Types for Garages?
There are several different types of foundations to choose from. These include:
- Concrete foundation: This is the most popular choice for most garages. Concrete offers a stable and strong foundation, easily supporting heavy vehicles.
- Floating slab foundation: A floating slab is the cheaper option if you have a small metal garage. It consists of one layer of concrete poured onto the ground. However, this option is not suitable for heavy vehicles.
- Footings: If you choose a footings-only foundation, your foundation will get concrete footings at the start of the build, and the concrete slab will be poured later. Footings-only foundations are a good option for large structures.
- Thickened slab: A thickened slab foundation offers more support at the edges. Before choosing this option, you must first check your soil and establish how much load your garage must bear.
- Pier and beam: This is the best option for a garage that needs to be built on an uneven surface. You can also use a pier and beam foundation if you want your garage to be elevated.
Other foundation options include concrete piers and crawl space foundations. Concrete piers consist of concrete blocks or footings at pre-determined points, which will support the weight of your metal garage.
Crawl space foundations are a combination of concrete slabs and pier and beam foundations. It will give you a raised garage with a handy crawl space underneath it. The crawl space makes it easier to maintain your garage structure.
What to Consider When Choosing a Foundation
Besides the type of foundation, you must consider additional factors. These include the following:
- The soil conditions on your property: If your soil is clay, it may shrink or swell, which could cause your foundation to move or become damaged.
Sandy soil may be more stable but is not shift-proof, so it may not work if you live in an area with heavy rainfall. Expansive soils may expand, which could lead to cracks in your foundation. Compressible soil may compress or settle over time, leading to an uneven garage floor.
Testing your soil to choose the most appropriate foundation type for your garage is important.
- The water table on your property: If your water table is high, your foundation may be exposed to moisture and hydrostatic pressure, which can lead to water seepage or frost heave.
- The size and use of your garage: When you build a foundation, you must determine the weight of the completed garage, including the vehicles it will hold. This will help you establish the foundation strength.
The foundation must be strong enough to withstand vibration if you want to use your garage for heavy machinery or equipment. If you want to use your garage as a living space, the foundation may need to be deeper or reinforced to provide good insulation and support.
- Your budget: Various foundations come at different prices. Generally speaking, slab foundations may be more affordable than pier or basement foundations. You must also consider whether you need an expert to build your garage foundation if you have challenging soil conditions.
Moreover, you may need to keep some money aside for permits and inspections.
Additional Considerations
A floating slab foundation is often the most affordable option, which is why so many homeowners choose it. Frost-protected foundations may be more expensive, but they are worth it because they provide added protection in cold climates.
Furthermore, you must consider the potential maintenance costs associated with your desired foundation type.
It is crucial to consult a professional contractor when choosing a foundation for your garage. They will be able to provide valuable insights based on your property and requirements, making suggestions based on your budget.
Settling on the Right Foundation Is a Critical Decision
The foundation type you choose will impact your garage’s durability, functionality, and safety. By keeping the above pointers in mind and speaking to a contractor, you can choose and invest in a foundation that provides the best base for your garage.
