Overhead storage
- Thread starter MustHang
- Start date
12 feet is a pretty good span for a 2x4.
As shown, it will start to sag in the middle after a while with much over 300 pounds spread across it.
I would think about a support or 2, just like the end ones, to beef it up.
Then it will hold more that you want to lift.
As shown, it will start to sag in the middle after a while with much over 300 pounds spread across it.
I would think about a support or 2, just like the end ones, to beef it up.
Then it will hold more that you want to lift.
That will hold a few hunded pounds but at 12' between braces the front 2x4 will be the limiting factor. Consider a 2x6 or doubling up the front 2x4 to avoid sagging. Or support the middle to the ceiling if that is an option.
KBS beat me to it...
KBS beat me to it...
Thanks for the replies so far.
We can't see it on the drawing but the front 2x4 is doubled. If I were to double the two 2x4 on the side too. Would it be strong enough to hold like 3-400 pounds 12'x3' can hold a lot of stuff. I could make third support for the middle if absolutely necessary but would like to avoid it if possible.
I'd like to avoid supporting from the ceiling. It'll be easier to finish it later.
We can't see it on the drawing but the front 2x4 is doubled. If I were to double the two 2x4 on the side too. Would it be strong enough to hold like 3-400 pounds 12'x3' can hold a lot of stuff. I could make third support for the middle if absolutely necessary but would like to avoid it if possible.
I'd like to avoid supporting from the ceiling. It'll be easier to finish it later.
5wndwcpe
Well-known member
You can build it as drawn, but support the middle three 2xs' with chains running to the wall above the shelf. Kind of opposite of the 2x4 supports shown.
Mr_fixit
Well-known member
or you could turn it upsdie down and add a support or two... All depends on where you have the room up pr down.. Kind or reminds me of a metal tire rack I got from an old gas station.
I'm getting better with sketch up and drew another version that with actual walls and mesurements.
It would be supported on 2 walls, the back one and on one side. With two cross support. The greatest span between two supports is 7' 3" which I think is reasonable with doubled 2x4s on the front. Tell me what you think !
It would be supported on 2 walls, the back one and on one side. With two cross support. The greatest span between two supports is 7' 3" which I think is reasonable with doubled 2x4s on the front. Tell me what you think !
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e-tek
Well-known member
It's a great idea ! Thanks
That's kind of what I did - I used redi-rod from the ceiling to the 2-by's. It can hold way more weight than the 2x4's angled beneath, plus it free's up the space below. Just make sure you use BIG washers and/or a steel plate at the top as this is where all the weight will hang.
Zoom into the back corner on the pic below:
jbounds
Active member
why not use 2x6s??
jbounds has a good question!
I am not comfortable with a span over 4 feet with 2x4"s
But a 2x6 should span 6 or 7 feet ok.
The problem I have always had with supports coming down from above is that seem to always be in the way when you wany to put something long on the shelf.
Even when I build regular shelves along a wall I do not take the verticals all the way to the celing.
That leaves the top shelf open for the full length.
It is the perfect place for skis, boat masts, anything long and skinny.
I am not comfortable with a span over 4 feet with 2x4"s
But a 2x6 should span 6 or 7 feet ok.
The problem I have always had with supports coming down from above is that seem to always be in the way when you wany to put something long on the shelf.
Even when I build regular shelves along a wall I do not take the verticals all the way to the celing.
That leaves the top shelf open for the full length.
It is the perfect place for skis, boat masts, anything long and skinny.
ovilla
Well-known member
MustHang - How about building the whole thing out of steel. I doubt you'll even need a welder as you can just hold it together with bolts. I think you could easily build it with some 1/8" X 2" angle iron for the sides and even for the whole top platform, and then just lay some plywood (or diamond plate) within the top structure for your shelf.
e-tek - What's the green cord hanging from your ceiling (about 3' away from the drop down shop light)? Is that an air line?
e-tek - What's the green cord hanging from your ceiling (about 3' away from the drop down shop light)? Is that an air line?
I already have a bunch of 2x4s and try to keep the cost down to almost nothing.
I do not have the tool to work with steel yet and it would probably be a lot more expansive than some wood. I plan to eventually do the same along one side of the garage which would be like 20 feet. At this time I'll either use modified pallet racking or build the entire structure out of steel.