Open Water Predator;3650928; said:
When designing this, did you consider cinder block construction? If so, what made you choose lumber? It seems like the block would've saved some man-hours. Just curious.
Thought I'd chime in here since I have built and demolished both.
I found concrete block to be much more time consuming that regular 2x4 or 2x6 and plywood builds. Even when I had the budget for a professional block layer to come in I often found it took longer to get structures built vs. framing it myself. When I did the block work myself, forget about it... I was way slower. Never did get the hang of it.
15 years ago cinder block construction was cheaper than 2x6 + 3/4" AC plywood. Cheaper for just the basic shell and that includes filling every other column of block. That price comparison does not include sealing -- cinder block is more expensive to seal due to the textured surface. My best guess is that plywood builds ended up being cheaper overall back then due to the smoother surface of the plywood.
As far as prices today, I believe concrete prices have gone up more than lumber prices.
I'm surprised to hear Pete mention demo being more difficult with cinder block. It was messier but very quick and easy with filled block and a good sledge hammer. Easier to move the crumbled remains in a wheelbarrow than cut up sections of a plywood tank.
But to be clear, neither process was much fun and I'd hate to tear down a block tank inside of a house.
Cutting the rebar flush with the floor was a bit of a pain, however.
Now, with all that said, if I ever get around to building a monster tank out in my garage it will be with 2x6 lumber and 3/4" plywood.
Hope this helps.