Building a warehouse is a process that demands careful coordination across site preparation, structural design, and operational layout. Every decision, from slab thickness to dock height, affects how efficiently the facility performs once it is in use.

For developers and owners in West Texas, understanding these key construction considerations ensures the project is designed to meet both current operational needs and future expansion plans. This guide breaks down what to consider when planning, designing, and building a warehouse that is both cost-effective and durable, ensuring it is ready for long-term performance.

Start With a Site Designed for Efficiency

The success of a warehouse building design begins with the site itself. Texas projects face unique regional conditions, including expansive clay soils and wide temperature swings that impact grading and foundation design.

Key industrial site prep steps include:

• Geotechnical evaluation to determine soil bearing capacity and drainage requirements.

• Grading and compaction planning to prevent settlement or ponding.

• Utility coordination to ensure adequate water, power, and sewer connections.

• Traffic flow design for tractor-trailers, employee parking, and emergency access.

Proper subgrade stabilization and compaction are essential. These steps create a stable foundation that supports heavy vehicle loads, improves drainage, and allows for future expansion.

Warehouse Building Design That Supports Operations

The operational purpose of the facility must drive warehouse construction, whether it is used for storage, manufacturing, distribution, or a combination of uses.

Structural Framing and Clear Height

Precise height requirements determine how efficiently racking systems and equipment can be configured. Typical ranges for modern warehouses include 28 to 36 feet for standard facilities and up to 40 feet for large distribution centers.

Select framing systems such as tilt-wall concrete or structural steel that balance cost, speed, and long-term flexibility.

Dock-High and Grade-Level Construction

Loading dock configuration is one of the most critical design decisions in dock high construction projects. Dock-high setups typically requires a finished floor elevation around 48 inches above grade, allowing trucks to load and unload easily.

For mixed-use or smaller facilities, combining dock-high and grade-level doors provides flexibility to meet the various needs of tenants or equipment.

Roof and Building Envelope

Texas heat, wind, and UV exposure require durable roofing systems. Consider insulated roof panels or TPO membranes for energy efficiency. Wall systems should be designed to handle thermal movement and reduce air infiltration.

Concrete Slab and Floor Specifications

A warehouse floor supports everything from forklifts to heavy racking systems. Proper concrete slab specs minimizes cracking, settlement, and the need for maintenance.

Core slab considerations include:

• Subgrade stabilization using lime or cement treatment where expansive soils exist.

• Reinforcement planning with rebar or fiber mesh to resist shrinkage and wear.

• Floor flatness and levelness (FF/FL) testing for racking and forklift operation.

NC Sturgeon works closely with geotechnical engineers and structural teams to ensure every slab design meets site conditions and operational demands for each project site.

Plan a Warehouse Layout That Works for Your Operation

Warehouse layout planning determines how efficiently goods move through the space. Early coordination between the design and construction teams helps avoid layout conflicts that affect performance or safety.

Key layout elements include:

• Column spacing designed around racking systems and forklift routes.

• Fire protection and egress planning that meet safety codes and operational needs.

• Lighting and ventilation for both productivity and energy efficiency.

• Office integration for administrative or dispatch areas without disrupting operations.

A well-planned layout maximizes storage density while maintaining safety and accessibility.

Plan for Long-Term Durability and Maintenance

Warehouse construction in Texas should be built for longevity and low maintenance. The materials and systems selected at the start will determine the building’s performance decades later.

Best practices include:

• Sealing joints and using durable coatings to extend floor life.

• Selecting energy-efficient lighting and mechanical systems to lower operating costs.

• Designing for simple maintenance access to electrical and plumbing lines.

• Incorporating expansion joints and control joints to prevent cracking in large slabs.

Building Warehouses With NC Sturgeon

NC Sturgeon has delivered high-performing industrial and commercial facilities across West Texas for more than 50 years. Their design-build approach ensures that every warehouse is engineered for functionality, cost control, and long-term value.

Developers and owners benefit from:

• Site-specific design for West Texas soil and climate conditions.

• Collaboration with engineers and geotechnical teams.

• Accurate budgeting and scheduling from concept to completion.

• Integrated construction management that reduces downtime and change orders.

Start Planning Your Warehouse Project in West Texas

A warehouse that is built right from the ground up will deliver years of reliable performance and flexibility for tenants or operations.

Contact NC Sturgeon today to discuss your next warehouse project.
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