DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I am considering building a double garage which, if built, will be detached from the house.
My preference would be to use thermal blocks with brick piers.
My question is this.Can I just use blocks at the rear wall corners, or must I use brick piers?
A supplimentery question.Is it acceptable to use existing concrete base as foundation for the side walls?
Deiter.

I wouldn't use thermal blocks on a garage, its more expensive, they are not as strong and its pointless unless your using the garage as an office,
I would use 100mm wide concrete blocks, and you can build the piers out of block aswell,As for the concrete base it needs to be a minimum of 150mm thick.

Hello & thankyou for repyling.
I have considered concrete blocks but, in comparing price difference with thermal blocks there is little
between them & as they are more difficult to handle (weight),I still prefer thermal blocks.
My original question on the corners.Do I need to use piers?
Kind Regards.
Deiter

yes you need piers use the blocks instead of bricks its easier.

Thankyou for the information.
I am not clear as to how I would use blocks as piers,could you explain in more detail?
Regards
Deiter

you build your piers in the corner, so standard block height is 225mm with a mortar bed, you cut 100mm off a block and set it next to the one on the corner, then lay 2 blocks on the flat ontop of the corner, and repeat the bond, blocks are 100mm wide so if you lay 2 flat with the mortar bed it equates to 225mm the same height as the block.

Hello.
I followed your instructions with a dry run.I am now clear on the corners. Can I use the same method
on other piers (i.e) between the corners?
My preference would be to use hinged doors so, I assume thermal blocks will not be strong enough to
hold a frame & doors.Is this assumption correct?
Regards
Deiter

yes its best to use 100mm solid concrete blocks

Hello.
Thankyou for all your information & help. Greatly appreciated.
Regards
Deiter