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Thread: Cheap way to build over a dirt floor?

  1. #1
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    Default Cheap way to build over a dirt floor?

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    I’m looking for some insight on effective, cheap methods of building a gym floor in a shed that currently has dry, elevated gravel/dirt for a floor.

    I was thinking of buying three 16’ 6x6s, leveling them with mason sand, filling in the gaps with sand and then putting plywood over them. Maybe a layer of typar or some sort of moisture barrier between the dirt and the plywood?

    Anyone have experience with this?

  2. #2
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    Dirt settles away from lumbar. You need to pour some concrete.

  3. #3
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    Roger that. Whats the minimum thickness i could get away with for weightlifting?

  4. #4
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    Brick pavers work well, just make sure to do it right and they won’t settle. Rent a good tamper, or you could pour a slab, but pavers would be easier and less of a mess

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Soule View Post
    Roger that. Whats the minimum thickness i could get away with for weightlifting?
    3 layers of 3/4" work pretty well.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Johnsonville View Post
    Brick pavers work well, just make sure to do it right and they won’t settle. Rent a good tamper, or you could pour a slab, but pavers would be easier and less of a mess
    This looks expensive. 500-600 a pallet. I need to fill maybe 180sq feet.

    Thank you, gentlemen.

  7. #7
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    Not sure what the situation is where you are, I’m a mason contractor and at my yard the pavers run $1/sqft. You can split up pallets too. Just to give you an idea if you’re pouring concrete, that would be about 100 bags of 80lb premix concrete for 180sqft for a four inch slab. If you get the sand, Portland, and stone yourself you might save a few bucks though.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Johnsonville View Post
    Not sure what the situation is where you are, I’m a mason contractor and at my yard the pavers run $1/sqft. You can split up pallets too. Just to give you an idea if you’re pouring concrete, that would be about 100 bags of 80lb premix concrete for 180sqft for a four inch slab. If you get the sand, Portland, and stone yourself you might save a few bucks though.
    good info, thanks again!

  9. #9
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    starting strength coach development program
    Thanks again gentlemen.

    I used a combination of cement and bricks to set a pretty solid foundation, nice and level.

    Filled up the space between and outside the 6x6 beams with any big rocks i could find and about 3000lbs of gravel.

    Laid down 3/4 plywood lengthwise and another layer crossed on top. Added a platform from stall mats and a nice sanded maple 4x8.

    Just installed an ac unit and working on insulation panels.

    This thing is pretty fucking solid — I don’t think it’s going anywhere.

    Could upload pics if anyone’s interested in looking!

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