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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3696

United Kingdom 
7n concrete Block is there an alternative?
Hello


I'm in the process off sorting my base for a new workshop.

I will have a concrete base and on top of this the suppliers of the workshop would like these blocks.





Concrete blocks upright as they are in this picture.


Now I know I could render these but they do look unsightly? does anyone know of any 'normal' type bricks that I can use that have the same strength? The company recommend these as they have always used them and they work when you drill through them. Ordinary bricks crack.


I would just rather find something that looks nicer from the start. ? Anything people recommend?


Thanks
Post #857614 23rd Sep 2020 1:17pm
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stew 46



Member Since: 26 Jan 2012
Location: Wadebridge ,cornwall .
Posts: 561

England 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Bonatti Grey
Work is the work shop made of ?

Stew
Post #857618 23rd Sep 2020 1:40pm
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Ads90



Member Since: 16 Jun 2008
Location: Cots-on-the-Wolds
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United Kingdom 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Keswick Green
I understand your concern re. appearance, but in my experience the concrete will weather down & look fairly natural grey under a weathered timber (utility) building... I'm assuming it is just a single block high?
If you render it, it will draw your eye even more.
Plenty of bricks are strong enough, but drilling fixings for the sole plate is trickier, and individual bricks are displaced from their mortar easier.
I've probably got pics of larch-clad buildings on a course of concrete blocks if you want to see an example?

For a higher status building (like a dwelling), a brick plinth would usually cover the blockwork inner.
Post #857619 23rd Sep 2020 1:40pm
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
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United Kingdom 
...and who is the supplier, please? I'm looking for a workshop (if it's wooden).
Post #857620 23rd Sep 2020 1:42pm
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ibexman



Member Since: 13 Dec 2008
Location: kent
Posts: 2877

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You could shutter and pour concrete. To the same dimensions
Post #857621 23rd Sep 2020 1:43pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3696

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Hello


Sorry I did mean to say its a wooden building that will sit on top and yes just one course high.

The way it will be fitting it will be on show at the front of the building and one side..

I understand the issues with normal bricks... hence why this company want to use these I guess.


If you can attach a picture that would be good, I will have a quick look online. Thanks
Post #857622 23rd Sep 2020 1:44pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3696

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I Guess it will look like this only 1 course high





Just not 'as' pretty as normal bricks... from the boss's point of view Rolling with laughter
Post #857625 23rd Sep 2020 1:48pm
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ibexman



Member Since: 13 Dec 2008
Location: kent
Posts: 2877

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You could clad it with same material as building
Post #857626 23rd Sep 2020 1:53pm
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Ads90



Member Since: 16 Jun 2008
Location: Cots-on-the-Wolds
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United Kingdom 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Keswick Green
You don't really want any timber lower than 150mm above ground level - it will be more prone to rot.
Here's a few pics of timber frame garages I have worked on with concrete block below sole plate:


Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge

If it is prominent and you are not convinced, I'm sure you could use a frog-less brick, or even clad with brick slips.
Post #857628 23rd Sep 2020 2:13pm
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stew 46



Member Since: 26 Jan 2012
Location: Wadebridge ,cornwall .
Posts: 561

England 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Bonatti Grey
There frame work ( should ) sit flush with the out side of the block work on a DPC and your cladding should come down past the block work by at least 50 MM , it’s better if the inside edge of the cladding that oversails past a top of the block work is 10-15 of the face of the block work as that’s a wet wall .

Stew
Post #857630 23rd Sep 2020 2:16pm
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stew 46



Member Since: 26 Jan 2012
Location: Wadebridge ,cornwall .
Posts: 561

England 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Bonatti Grey

Click image to enlarge
Post #857632 23rd Sep 2020 2:19pm
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Retroanaconda



Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
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I used engineering bricks when I built mine. Two courses high and then the walls sit on top. The wall straps then came down the inside and fixed to the concrete slab rather than the brickwork. Avoids drilling the bricks and also no need to breach the DPC.
Post #857649 23rd Sep 2020 4:06pm
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Rashers



Member Since: 21 Jun 2015
Location: Norfolk
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I bet the engineering bricks look fantastic Retroanaconda Thumbs Up I am a great fan.

You can get a concrete block which has a smoother finish (like what they use for internal walls withing buildings, where there is no dry wall or plaster). They look quite nice when pointed up. Used a lot in commercial properties and popular as a heat sink in eco-houses. Like you, I have had a Google and I can't find anything from the big builders merchants.

Those blocks do look a bit stark and unfinished when they are new. As has been said, they do weather and as I have just found, mortar sticks to them like sh** to a blanket (been doing some demolition work on s mall wall I put up about 25 years ago). I think I would look at building in brick instead of block. Will cost a bit more.

I hope you have a good supply of wood. I have heard some tales of shiplap being like rocking horse poo in some areas as we all take to home working and everyone wants a home office in the garden. One of my colleagues got given an 8 month lead time for a garden shed Shocked

Covid is obviously doing some companies the world of good.
Post #857659 23rd Sep 2020 4:58pm
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the gamekeeper



Member Since: 01 Jan 2010
Location: Surrey
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England 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Tonga Green
An engineering brick will have the same strength for loading, if it is for facing a clay brick could be used DPC will need to be used, a timber frame structure would need to be a minimum of 150mm from finished ground level. Allow the timber cladding to protrude past the DPC joint. Make sure the frogs in the bricks are fully filled and even use strapping to hold down the timber frame or shot fire a timber sole plate to the brickwork.
Post #857665 23rd Sep 2020 5:39pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3696

United Kingdom 
Thanks all


Some good information and advice Thumbs Up


My delivery is scheduled for February... everyone is snowed under with work.


However I have a fair bit to sort I may start a garage build thread Rolling with laughter
Post #857667 23rd Sep 2020 5:42pm
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