Context
User is building a 24’x40’ garage with 10’ ceilings and plans to eventually install a 2-post lift in the 3rd bay nearest the entry door. The slab will include in-floor radiant heating with PEX tubing. User wants to pour the slab in a way that accommodates future lift installation while avoiding damage to heating lines.
Key Points
- 10’ ceiling limits lift choices to “short-column” 2-post lifts rated for ~9k–10k lbs.
- Corvette has side pipes; low-profile arms or ramps may be needed for clearance.
- Sequoia and CR-V can be lifted; Sequoia won’t reach full height under 10’ ceiling.
- Popular brands: BendPak XPR-9S-LP, Atlas BP8000, Rotary SPOA10 short-column, Forward I10 short-column, Challenger CLFP9, Halo HL2-10K.
- Concrete requirements vary slightly, but a 6” slab, 4000 PSI, rebar grid will cover nearly all models.
- PEX tubing for in-floor heat must avoid two 4’x4’ pads where columns will anchor, with 12” buffer around.
- Contractor should document tubing layout with photos/sketch for future reference.
Actions
- Provide contractor with slab spec: 6” thick, 4000 PSI, rebar, with PEX exclusion zones for lift posts.
- Record column spacing (~10’6”–11’ center-to-center) to plan exclusion zones.
- Take photos/sketches of PEX tubing before pour for installation safety.
- Choose lift model later, once garage is complete, knowing slab will be compatible.
Links
- BendPak concrete requirements: https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/concrete-floor-requirements/
- BendPak slab footer recommendations: https://www.bendpak.com/media/wysiwyg/downloads/Concrete-Slab-Footer-Recommendations-BendPak-2025.pdf
- Rotary lift install manual (SPOA10): https://www.derekweaver.com/content/product-manuals/Rotary%20SPO10%20%26%20SPOA10%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf
- Atlas BP8000 specs: https://cdn.gregsmithequipment.com/documents/manuals/2postlifts/Letter_BP8000_Manual_ATTD-BP8000-NEW.pdf
- Halo HL2-10K product page: https://halocarlifts.com/products/halo-lifts-2-post-10-000-lb-capacity-heavy-duty-car-lift-hl2-10k