How To Build Footings For A Garage

A strong foundation is important for any garage. Without the right footings, you are risking a garage foundation settling and cracking. This can end up causing serious problems with the actual garage. Here’s what you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen with your garage.

Measuring

Before you start shopping for your supplies you will need to get accurate measurements to take with you. For the purpose of the footings, you will need to measure out the width and length of the garage.

Set up the Perimeter

You will want to start by measuring and marking the area you plan on putting the garage. The corners need to be square and the land should be as level as you can possibly make it. Placing the garage on level ground will make it much easier to place the footings.

Stake It Out

Using 2X10 wood you will want to place a physical perimeter around the area. You can use stakes driven in with a sledgehammer to hold the wood down. Just make sure the stakes are on the outside edge only.

You will want to do the same thing for the inside perimeter, at least two feet from the outside. This center of these two layers of boards will be where you plan on putting the walls of the garage.

Build a Brace

You need to build a brace that will span from the top of the perimeter you’ve built for added support. This will not only provide extra security, but it will also help to prevent wide footings. These can’t be too wide if you expect them to work properly.

Dig a Trench

You’ll want to dig a ditch for drainage purposes under where the footings will be. After the ditch is dug, you can lay down any drain pipes you want to use. Make sure you have enough room to lay down any electrical wiring or water pipes you want to run into the garage as well.

Set up the Forms

Go ahead and put wooden pieces inside the form. Place at least 2 sections of rebar in each form section on the top of the wood pieces. Use wire to tie around the rebar and the wood to help keep the rebar above ground. If done properly, this will suspend the rebar.

Pour Concrete

You can now start to pour the concrete. This will take two people to accomplish. You will want one person to set the anchor bolts in before the concrete sets. For this project, it’s best to avoid using quick-drying cement to give you some extra time. The anchor bolts need to be centered.

Once the concrete has dried you can take the inner form out and use gravel as backfill for the center of the garage. Using ¾ inch gravel is the best for this project. You won’t see the gravel once the garage is in place.

Now you’re ready to start building your new garage on the foundation that you poured yourself.