attic storage flooring

[laser3kw]

My 30 x 40 is up!
Now I am planning / constructing the interior. The structure was built with attic trusses so that I would have upper level storage over some of the shop. I have an area of 22 x 30 that I will apply "flooring" to. I plan on covering almost all of the area so I have "cubby hole" storage for smaller boxes and use the center span for taller items. There will be a ceiling applied and insulation between the flooring and ceiling over the shop portion. I will also be insulating walls and roof.
What type of material is most commonly used. The one that has been suggested is 3/4 plywood, tongue and groove. Is there other material that is used? what are the pro's and cons?
I am considering OSB for the wall sheathing and drywall for the ceilings. I think OSB for the walls would be hardy and provide a good bases for hanging items or future needs. The drywall for the ceilings is cheap and easier to handle and apply. At least that is my thinking. Obviously I want low cost, relative easy of installation and ruggedness were it counts.
Any thoughts and input would be welcome.

 

[OldracerJones]

I used 3/4 , tongue and groove plywood. It works great, no flex and the smooth side makes moving boxes on it a breeze.

 

[pattenp]

OSB also comes in 3/4" tongue and groove. This is what I used for my attic floor. My truss are on 2' centers.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...roductId=100054132&storeId=10051#.UPomzyc8CSo


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[melliott28]

I used precut, tongue & groove OSB from home depot. Panels are 4ft x 2ft and 5/8" thick. I needed precut because it all had to fit through the attic access opening. At Home Depot, it was labeled as attic flooring.

If I could have afforded it, I would have used the "Attic Dek" panels. They are expensive, but they are lighter weight than wood, they allow you to see between the joists, and the panels can be easily removed/replaced for access.

 

[mmhouse]

I would also go with the 3/4" T&G plywood, especially if your attic will get very hot or be very humid during the summer months. OSB is good (and cheaper) but tends to sag more especially in those conditions. I used plywood instead of OSB roof sheathing for the same reason.

 

[pattenp]

I would also go with the 3/4" T&G plywood, especially if your attic will get very hot or be very humid during the summer months. OSB is good (and cheaper) but tends to sag more especially in those conditions. I used plywood instead of OSB roof sheathing for the same reason.

Not if the OSB floor sheathing is installed to the requires specs for the span. If you've seen sagging then the floor sheathing is over spanned.

 

[laser3kw]

great information. I should add that this structure will not be heated full time. So the moisture reference maybe an issue. The price of 3/4 t&g plywood and 3/4 t&g OSB are about the same around here. That gives a thumbs up to the plywood.
So if moisture may be a problem, should I avoid the drywall for the ceiling?
What other wall coverings could I consider? Is the a steel "siding" that would work for the wall sheathing or just stay with OSB and paint? I have to be aware of spark hazard, as I will be doing welding and grinding.
Thanks for the help.

 

[pattenp]

If you're thinking moisture is a problem if you use OSB for the attic floor then why would you use it on the ceiling and walls? You need to read up more on the properties of OSB vs plywood. There is OSB sub-flooring today that will stand up and surpass traditional plywood.

 

[hansen1]

I used 3/4 t&g OSB in my attic area. It is not heated. One additional step I did was to lay down 2x4's perpendicular to the trusses. I did these on 16" centers. The trusses are spaced at 19.2". I glued and screwed the 2x4's and the OSB. The floor is extremely solid.

I used 7/16" OSB on the side walls. Still have to do the ceiling and may go with drywall since the price of OSB keeps going up.

 

[laser3kw]

"If you're thinking moisture is a problem if you use OSB for the attic floor then why would you use it on the ceiling and walls?"

I have never fallen through a wall or fallen "up" through a ceiling......

seriously, I appreciate the info. Sometimes the obvious answer isn't always the correct answer. At least it makes me think and look for the best answer to my situation. I may very well be that OSB and drywall are not right for my situation. That is why a site like this is so valuable. I can draw on so many people that have similar situations and experiences to help me build something that will last the rest of my life.
thanks to all for their input.

 

[Conductor562]

I used OSB for my attic floor. It worked out good.

 

[KCarGuy]

I put down 3/4" Tongue and Groove Plywood.
It is Glued and Air Nailed Down.

 

[kenfath]

I used 5/8th-inch T&G plywood. Floor joists are 2x12s on 12" centers.

 

[White 99]

You might need dry wall for fire protection.

 

[KPSquared]

5/8" T&G OSB flooring. . .glued (PL400) and screwed. If you're going to do it, do it right. Think of it the same as any floor.