Solutions for dirt floor in old workshop

[swelltimes]

My workshop is set up an an old barn, where about 2/3 of the floor is concrete, and the other 1/3 dirt.

The shop building itself was our town's blacksmith shop in the 1800's, so the building's on a field stone foundation. The PO was a mechanic, and insulated the barn pretty well, and ran an old furnance in there for heat.

Ideally, I'd like to pour concrete, though it's too much for me to do with a mixer, and our budget can't float a project like that right now.

I'm thinking about putting some washed gravel or TRG in place of the first couple inches of dirt, thinking that will at least cut down on the ever-present dust and dirt in the shop.

I'd planning to put in a Modine or similar type of heater, and I don't want to be perpetually blowing dirt around.

Anybody have any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Music Man]

Temporary solution may be free pallets with OSB on top. Would get you by until you can pour concrete. Vapor barrier under the pallets.

 

[swelltimes]

@Music Man, thanks. I hadn't thought of that idea! Could be just what I need for now.

 

[swelltimes]

Anybody else with any suggestions?

 

[travistheone]

crush and run stone with old carpet on top. keeps it clean and wont compress. can pour your concrete over the stone when the time comes

 

[swelltimes]

Awesome, thanks for the suggestion. In your experience, can I hand compact this with a tamper, or am I better off using a roller?

 

[travistheone]

it will settle as time goes by, a plate compactor will do it quick. I would just ride my truck over it a bunch of times if you dont care about it being flat.

 

[swelltimes]

Thanks, @travistheone !

 

[travistheone]

your local stone place will be able to recommend the right fit. pretty commonly done in vehicle storage barns and such.

 

[swelltimes]

Awesome, I'll make some calls tomorrow. I appreciate the advice!

 

[45Kevin]

How many yards of concrete would you need?
Cement companies throw away tons of concrete every day, well, week for sure.
Approach your local company and offer to pay 1/4 price or less it they will give it to you instead of throwing it away. You would need to place and finish it yourself, and it would come with 1/2 or 1 hour notice. You would also need to partition off smallish 8x8 or 10x10 sections because it may only come in 1/2 or 1 yard lots. May take a few months, depending on the area of your floor. I've done a couple of cement projects around the house like that.

 

[drtyfun]

I had a similar situation. I had a dirt floor yet I also need to not only to work on that surface, I also needed to roll heavy objects around and casters would bury right into the dirt.
I happen to stumble across some old 4'x8' sheets of steel diamond plate they were pretty rusted but pretty much got the dirt nice and flat, laid the sheets down, and have had zero dirt floor issues since. I can easily roll a cherry picker with my 3fe and tranny & transfercase across the surface. I had originally thought this to be a temporary solution. It's now about 6 years later, works great, fast fix.

 

[drtyfun]

I had a similar situation. I had a dirt floor yet I also need to not only to work on that surface, I also needed to roll heavy objects around and casters would bury right into the dirt.
I happen to stumble across some old 4'x8' sheets of steel diamond plate they were pretty rusted but pretty much got the dirt nice and flat, laid the sheets down, and have had zero dirt floor issues since. I can easily roll a cherry picker with my 3fe and tranny & transfercase across the surface. I had originally thought this to be a temporary solution. It's now about 6 years later, works great, fast fix.

Oh and the sheet thickness is maybe 12 gauge or so. Not thick at all!

 

[swelltimes]

@drtyfun, that's an awesome idea! I'll hunt around. Thanks!