What wall type should I use?

[BotusBuild]

We will be embarking on a new garage build, and my mind is totally undecided on what wall build type to use. No doubt I'm going to be as confused after this post as I am already 🙂 I've added a poll to this post.

 

It will have a 150mm raft foundation with a ring beam. This is to protect trees roots as best we can.

 

Did I mention trees? Trees in close proximity on 3 sides so risk of falling branches and/or whole trees.

 

To house classic car(s) and a four post ramp. Will be used as a garage was always intended to be used, not as a shed!

[mike2016]

Block will get you a lot of bids, is well understood, easier to insure and thinking of the fire risk, safer. If it's just to use as an office then the other options would come down to price and be more attractive. 

[Conor]

You'll want it to be insulated, and built quickly and simply. ICF would be my choice. We'll be doing the same as well soon.

[Mr Punter]

Timber frame stick built with mineral wool insulation and 18mm OSB internal sheathing.  External cladding of your choice.  Strong, simple, lightweight and cost effective.  Pitched roof would be my preference.

[Bancroft]

No-one has mentioned steel frame yet so I'll go for that!🤣

[BotusBuild]

So a bit of a revelation today on the trees front after a visit by a family friend who is an arborist. As a result we will be moving the garage so that the risk from falling trees is now much less than we had thought.

Now thinking that ICF and steelframe are probably overkill and I think its between block work and stick build. I note that as of now no one has actually voted for stick build although @Mr Punter commented positively about it.

 

[Mr Punter]

A friend was doing and agricultural shed and he went for timber frame 8 x 2s as you only need to nudge blockwork with a telehandler and it collapses whereas timber frame bounces back if it is constructed correctly.

[Nickfromwales]

If it's just a garage, go with the cheapest solution. End of.

 

Block layers are a-plenty, and masonry is something that requires zero thought.

[SteamyTea]

What are the cars worth.

If less than a garage, then build a shed.

Or, buy a newer car that can stay outside all the time.  Keep it long enough and it will become a classic.

[BotusBuild]

3 hours ago, SteamyTea said:

What are the cars worth.

To me, priceless 😀

[Roundtuit]

23 hours ago, BotusBuild said:

 I note that as of now no one has actually voted for stick build although  commented positively about it.

 

Oak frame kit, delivered and erected in 2 days.  Finish at your leisure via trades or DIY!

[BotusBuild]

Love that? How much? Do they do a single pitch roof?

[Roundtuit]

1 hour ago, BotusBuild said:

Love that? How much? Do they do a single pitch roof?

Bespoke, so they can build what you want.  About 18 months ago, the frame was just under £19k erected, and included timber for studs, joists and cladding, but it is quite big: effectively 3 bays plus wood store each end, and storage space up top.  Still progressing at a snail's pace as a 'spare time job', but looks more like this now...

[Nestor]

I stick built mine, 12m X 6m. Clad in Douglas Fir.

Had a close shave with the large Oak in September.

Nearly finished.

[BotusBuild]

The oak just wanted to join in 😀

[BotusBuild]

Both those frames are seeding an idea

[crispy_wafer]

2 hours ago, Roundtuit said:

Bespoke, so they can build what you want.  About 18 months ago, the frame was just under £19k erected, and included timber for studs, joists and cladding, but it is quite big: effectively 3 bays plus wood store each end, and storage space up top.  Still progressing at a snail's pace as a 'spare time job', but looks more like this now...

Nice, I like this a lot

[SteamyTea]

On 21/05/2026 at 21:25, BotusBuild said:

Both those frames are seeding an idea

"From tiny acorns, mighty oaks do grow"

 

(before you know it, you are a self builder, which is shorthand for a gibbering, bankrupt, wreck, who has had no life for a decade)

[BotusBuild]

Already happened 😀

[Susie]

I just asked David to look at this thread and we both thought the image doesn’t give enough height for a four post ramp. Are you planning on stacking cars?  Could the bonnet be open whilst the car is in the air. Having had a 4 post ramp in our old industrial unit where the car could not be lifted fully due to the lower ceiling David likes the fact that now as you know our ramp can lift the car to the top of the lift with the bonnet open. 

Have you thought about a carcoon in the garage to keep a car in. The carcoons can have a tickle charge for the battery and you can drive the car in wet and they dry out nicely.  You need to plan the garage layout out just like the home. 

 

[BotusBuild]

Hi Susie (and David).

 

It will mainly be used for stacking cars if I get to spend the VAT reclaim on what I want 😀 but it occasionally could be used for "servicing" and I thought a roll about stool in combination would be the way forward. 

 

Also, I'm looking at "sinking" the slab foundation  to get 4- 500mm more headroom.

 

Together I think these two approaches will work, but if they don't SWMBO has other ideas for the VAT reclaim 😀

[BotusBuild]

Thank you to those who commented and voted. I have been recently persuaded by SWMBO to use ICF for its strength and DIYability.

 

Now researching garage doors and the roof.