Building the Birdhouse.........

[JB400]

Did you use cattle panels as reinforcement in your floor?

Yes, It's typical of wire mesh used around here. The local concrete supply place has it in 8x16 panels but it's a pain to transport with a car trailer. The fence panels are 4x8 and I can throw them in the truck.

We generally just use rebar.  Yes, it's a little expensive at $5.00+ a stick, but it's well worth it.  Don't be surprised if it cracks all to bits.

[Hemi Runner]

It was done the same as all my other buddies floors and not one of them has cracked yet. It's 6" thick so it should support anything I ever decide to put on it.

[JB400]

6" is definitely thick enough.  It ought to last quite a while then.  We generally pour them 4" and put bar every 4', every 2' for those that want extra strength.  That's with 1/2" bar.  Driveways we pour 6"  Your shop does look good by the way.

[Hemi Runner]

Thanks!! The pad out front will be 4" and it's getting rebar along with the mesh.

[JB400]

Thanks!! The pad out front will be 4" and it's getting rebar along with the mesh.

I pour concrete for a living.  Glad to help.  Here's the problem with just having mesh.  Everywhere you have a joint where two panels meet, if it cracks, the floor will pull apart.  Adding rebar prevents that from happening.  Make sure that you tie your steel together.

[Hemi Runner]

We overlapped the panels and tied them together before we poured. All the concrete guys tell me that they all crack, it's just a matter of when and how much

[TUFCAT]

Wow! That's so nice. 

[Indygenerallee]

my 40x64 was done exactly the same as yours with the pex tubing attached to the grating and I had mine poured 6" thick with the fiberglass, poured all three entrance ramps into garage at 8" thick.

[Hemi Runner]

Wow! That's so nice. 

Thanks! It's the cause of my current condition...... flat brokus emticus walletus......

[Hemi Runner]

my 40x64 was done exactly the same as yours with the pex tubing attached to the grating and I had mine poured 6" thick with the fiberglass, poured all three entrance ramps into garage at 8" thick.

40x64 would be fantastic. Mine's 28x44 and that's as big as I could go due to zoning.  Half what I wanted and twice what I can afford!

[Hemi Runner]

I guess I got so busy that I forgot about this thread! It's been a long time but it's still not done, lol. Are they ever? I just need to add a couple of sections to the handrail and the outside will be finished with the exception of gutters and down spouts.

[wingcar]

Very nice!!

[moparstuart]

I guess I got so busy that I forgot about this thread! It's been a long time but it's still not done, lol. Are they ever? I just need to add a couple of sections to the handrail and the outside will be finished with the exception of gutters and down spouts.

is my hemi in there  ?

[Hemi Runner]

I guess I got so busy that I forgot about this thread! It's been a long time but it's still not done, lol. Are they ever? I just need to add a couple of sections to the handrail and the outside will be finished with the exception of gutters and down spouts.

is my hemi in there  ?

It's in there, but the bail is set at $15K

[nvrbdn]

awesome bird nest. really like the outside stairs. wondered if it would be a deck, or what, when I seen the door up there.   Very nice.

[Hemi Runner]

Thanks. I'm not getting any younger and I just can't do a little attic opening or the spindly little attic ladders with a 12' ceiling so I put up 4' wide stairs up to a 3' wide exterior entry door.

[Hemi Runner]

[nvrbdn]

man, that is nice up there. Great storage area. plus you don't loose the space inside the garage with a stairway. 

[RIDELIKEHELL]

Looks great! I wish i could've built a Barn style shop but the township has height restrictions 

[Hemi Runner]

Thanks guys. Just finished the hand rail tonight