Loft in a Metal Building

[cajungene]

Building a new metal building with a friend. We will split a 20 x 40 building with 12 ft walls. We will have a not structural wall down the middle so each of us will have a 20 x 20 shop area. Looking for ideas on how to build a loft. Plan to use 2x10’s for the main beams 6x6s for the posts and 2x8’s for the joists. On metal buildings how do you attach a ledger board.

A friend suggest I consider using UniStrut for making the deck. He says it is super strong and cost effective. Anyone done this?

 

[IPACA9]

Check out my mezzanine build for some ideas. I started it off wrong but with some help here I got it figured out.

 

[cajungene]

Looks like you did not attach to the building at all. Did you base everything on the 6x6 posts and 2x10 beams. What size joists did you use and what is the spacing?

 

[pmiranda]

On metal buildings how do you attach a ledger board.

You don't. Unless the building was designed to carry the load, you have to support all the weight with new structure you build inside. You can attach that structure to the metal frame so that they move together in the wind (like say you have a window or door that you want to stay in place relative to both the interior and exterior), but that's about it.

 

[astroracer]

What width are you planning for the loft? A 2 x 8 is good for 12 or 13' on a 16" center.
Mark

 

[cajungene]

Loft will be 20 x 10. Planning to use 6x6 posts and 2x10 end Beams with 2x8 joists on 24 inch centers. Cover the deck with 3/4 inch plywood. Thinking I might install a set of pull down attic stairs for access. Big question is how to attach the beams to the posts in the corners. Will most likely use 6x6 posts spaced 6’8” apart to support the 2x10 long beams.

 

[astroracer]

4x4's would be heavy enough. Set the rim boards into the post by notching the post. Through bolt the rim boards and set the joists in joist hangers. You will want the joists on 16" centers to keep the floor from being bouncy. Put blocking between the joists to prevent them from rolling over.
Thinking about this I have to ask what you are planning to do with the space? Storage? Or just a gathering spot? If you are using it for storage you may want to go with 2 x 10's for the whole floor.
Mark

 

[My Old Tools]

Here's mine, 30x40x12

 

[cajungene]

Here is the layout of my shop and the layout that I have so far for my loft. copy and past this url to see the layout



I'm still a newbe so the forum would let me post urls yet

let me see if I can get it in another post.


Any suggestions loft or shop layout are appreciated.

 

[cajungene]

Here is the URL for the shop and loft layout.

https://app.box.com/s/t1lwiyu6jb4nzjydx0kll5gmppqoz1kl

 

[cajungene]

Here's mine, 30x40x12

Wow that is an industrial strength loft.

 

[nadogail]

Looks Very Strong.

 

[My Old Tools]

it has a number of machines stored up there now. Yep, it's strong and the hoist is rated 1 ton.