Motorcycle-Only Garage

[Stichill_imp]

I'm planning a motorcycle-only garage. It will be insulated and have HVAC with a floor area of 20 feet wide x 24 feet deep (6,1 m x 7,3 m), with a side porch 8 feet wide x 24 feet long (2,4 m x 7,3 m). There will be two personnel entrances and one 16 feet wide x 9 feet tall (4,9 m x 2,7 m) main garage door. There will be storage space in the attic.

Would be interested in ideas regarding specification details that would be advisable. For example, I've specified treated wood where in contact with concrete, and galvanized hardware where in contact with treated wood. Fascia boards and gable end roof trim boards of treated wood with aluminum cladding and drip rails.

I haven't decided on exterior finish material. I'm not a huge fan of the look of vinyl (especially when it sags and warps) but I do like the durability and geometric stability of aluminum siding (which seems to be getting scarcer these days). Would rather not do something that results in the need to paint periodically (would rather be riding!).

[Cormanus]

Looks pretty good Stichill. I'm a big fan of a close grained timber that will never need painting. A variety of pine that will go an agreeable grey.

[Stichill_imp]

That's an interesting suggestion, Cormanus. Around here cedar is applied in that manner. Can be either lap siding or shake. I'll look into costs.

[Pauley]

Sounds like you have good carpentry instincts.

Hardiboard would last forever.

A hard piped compressed air system would be a nice touch as would an extra electrical outlet for a kegerator for those "after ride club meetings".

[Cormanus]

Yeah, I guess cedar would do the trick too. My then wife and I built a sauna once and the outside was clad in western red cedar which we left untreated.

To save a few dollars, forget the piped compressed air and just install a 'fridge. Then find a way to capture the post-ride hot air for later use as an inflating agent.

[curlyjoe]

Yeah, I guess cedar would do the trick too. My then wife and I built a sauna once and the outside was clad in western red cedar which we left untreated.

To save a few dollars, forget the piped compressed air and just install a 'fridge. Then find a way to capture the post-ride hot air for later use as an inflating agent.

Cedar shakes are common in New England, especially on Cape Cod and the islands.

The garage design looks good Stichill. I would add a wood stove and a couple of comfortable chairs to turn it into a winter "man-cave".

[redbirds_imp]

Go with colored Hardiboard. No sags and looks fantastic.

[Stichill_imp]

Great suggestions, crew - thanks! Cormanus I was wondering if you were talking about some kind of locally-hewn timber as is done with barns? I think around here that is mostly oak sawn on site from locally felled trees.

Hardieboard, HardiePlank, etc. are great suggestions as well!

Proposals for man-cave accoutrement duly noted!

[DAC]

Sounds like a fun project! As to vinyl siding: it works fine if installed properly. I did a large shed with it 17 years ago and it works fine.

[Nortoon_imp]

Great suggestions, crew - thanks! Cormanus I was wondering if you were talking about some kind of locally-hewn timber as is done with barns? I think around here that is mostly oak sawn on site from locally felled trees.

Hardieboard, HardiePlank, etc. are great suggestions as well!

Proposals for man-cave accoutrement duly noted!

Oak? Here is province that is mostly trees, oak is pretty expensive hardwood. I would be surprized if that was an economical choice. Sure would be nice though.