Own car box measuring 6 by 8 meters, it is not just a place to store a car, but also a full-fledged workshop or recreation area. This size allows you to comfortably accommodate two vehicles or leave space for a workbench and shelving. Building a garage with your own hands requires careful preparation, but allows you to significantly save your budget by monitoring every stage of the work.
Before purchasing materials, it is necessary to develop a detailed design. Garage 6x8 has an area of 48 square meters, which implies a significant load on the foundation and frame. Mistakes during the design phase can lead to cost overruns or, worse, deformation of the structure in the future.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of constructing a permanent structure, from choosing a location to installing the roof. You will learn how to correctly calculate the amount of materials and avoid typical mistakes of beginners in construction.
Choosing the type of foundation and preparing the site
Construction always begins with marking the site. Ideal for a 6 x 8 meter garage strip foundation, which evenly distributes the load from the walls. Before digging trenches, it is necessary to remove the fertile layer of soil over the entire area of the future building in order to avoid problems with vegetation under the floor.
The depth of the tape depends on the type of soil and freezing depth in your region. On average, for light buildings a depth of 50-70 cm is sufficient, but for a permanent garage with brick walls it is better to go below the freezing point. This ensures that frost heaving forces do not destroy the walls.
⚠️ Attention: If the groundwater level is high on the site, be sure to provide high-quality waterproofing of the foundation and drainage system, otherwise the garage will be constantly damp.
A reinforcement cage is used to strengthen the structure. Rods with a diameter of 10-12 mm are tied into a mesh, which is placed inside the formwork. It is better to carry out concreting in one step to avoid the formation of “cold seams”, which reduce the strength of the monolith.
After pouring, concrete gains strength within 28 days. During this period, you cannot load the structure or lay walls. The surface of the foundation must be regularly moistened or covered with film to prevent drying out.
Calculation of materials and choice of construction technology
The choice of wall material directly affects the estimate and timing of work. For a garage 6 by 8 are popular foam blocks, aerated concrete or brick. Foam blocks are good for their low thermal conductivity and laying speed, but they require high-quality external finishing.
Brick is a classic, durable material, but its installation is time-consuming and requires the skills of a mason. In addition, a brick garage will require a more powerful foundation due to the heavy weight of the walls.
Order building materials with a reserve of 10-15% in case of damage during delivery or errors in calculations. This is cheaper than buying the missing items in small quantities later.
A metal frame covered with corrugated board is another option that is becoming increasingly popular. It is lightweight and quick to assemble, but requires additional insulation if you plan to use the garage as a workshop in winter.
Construction of walls: technology and nuances
Laying walls starts from the corners. It is important to display them strictly according to level, since the geometry of the entire building depends on this. A mooring cord is stretched between the corner blocks or bricks, which serves as a guide for the evenness of the rows.
The masonry mortar should be plastic, but not too liquid. The thickness of the seam for foam blocks is about 1 cm, for bricks - 10-12 mm. It is advisable to reinforce every fourth row with metal mesh to increase the tensile strength of the structure.
For a 6 by 8 meter garage, it is critical to correctly calculate bearing capacity walls, especially if you plan to install heavy equipment or a second floor. In places where floor beams or gate structures support, reinforced concrete columns are installed or sections of masonry are reinforced.
☑️Masonry quality control
The height of the walls is usually 2.5-3 meters. If you are planning to install automatic gates, you must provide reinforced posts or lintels in the opening in advance. All window and door openings also require the installation of metal or concrete lintels.
Roofing system installation
The garage roof can be single-pitch or gable. For a span of 6 meters, a lean-to structure is simpler to implement, but requires the organization of the correct slope for water drainage. The gable roof allows you to organize attic space for storing things.
The rafter system is assembled from timber with a cross-section of at least 150x50 mm. The pitch of the rafters is calculated based on the snow load in the region. For central Russia, the optimal step is considered to be 60-80 cm.
| Roof material | Weight 1 sq.m | Service life | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated sheet | 5-8 kg | 20-30 years | Low |
| Metal tiles | 5-7 kg | 30-50 years | Average |
| Slate | 15-20 kg | 20-25 years | Average |
| Ondulin | 3-4 kg | 15-20 years | Low |
The coating is selected based on budget and aesthetics. Corrugated sheet - the most economical option that is easy to install yourself. It is important not to forget about the waterproofing film under the coating so that condensation does not drip onto the floor or car.
Installation of gates and windows
Gates are the main element of garage functionality. For an opening 3-4 meters wide (standard for two cars or one with a reserve), sectional or sliding structures are excellent. Swing gates are cheaper, but require space to open the doors.
When installing the gate frame, it is necessary to strictly control the verticality of the posts. A misalignment of even a few millimeters can lead to jamming of the mechanism or loose fitting of the valves, which will cause drafts.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install an automatic gate drive until all “dirty” construction work has been completed and the floor screed has dried to prevent dust from getting into the mechanism.
The 6 by 8 garage windows provide natural light, which saves electricity during the day. One or two small windows on the north or east side are enough. Use double-glazed windows with energy-saving coating to reduce heat loss.
Internal arrangement and communications
The final stage is creating a comfortable environment inside. The floor in the garage is best made of concrete screed with a reinforcing topping or ceramic tiles for industrial floors. An ordinary cement screed will begin to gather dust over time.
Electricity for a 6 by 8 garage requires a separate calculation. You will need separate lines for lighting, outlets for tools, and possibly a separate input for the welding machine. It is better to lay the wiring openly in cable ducts or corrugated cables.
Do you need ventilation in your garage?
Yes, definitely. Natural exhaust removes exhaust gases and moisture. The air flow is organized through openings at the bottom of the gate or walls, and the exhaust through a channel at the top of the wall or roof.
Heating is an individual issue. If the garage is used daily, it makes sense to install a boiler or electric convectors. Mobile heat guns are suitable for occasional use.
Good ventilation and proper lighting are key factors for safety and comfort in the garage, which are often forgotten during the rough finishing stage.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to insulate a 6 by 8 garage if it is not heated?
Insulation is necessary to avoid condensation. Sudden temperature changes cause moisture from the air to settle on the cold walls and metal of the car, causing corrosion. Insulation equalizes the temperature of the walls with the temperature inside the room.
How thick should the floor screed be?
For a passenger car, the minimum thickness of the screed is 10 cm with mandatory reinforcement with metal mesh. If you plan to drive in a truck or install a heavy machine, the thickness is increased to 15-20 cm.
Is it possible to build a garage in winter?
It is possible to build, but working with concrete solutions at subzero temperatures requires special antifreeze additives and heating of the structure. Brick or block laying is also carried out using special winter mortars. It is easier and cheaper to build the foundation in the fall and the walls in the spring.
What distance from the fence should be maintained?
According to the standards, the garage must be located no closer than 1 meter from the border of the neighboring plot. However, if the roof slope is directed towards a neighbor, it is better to increase the distance so that water does not flow onto someone else’s territory.