Ceiling with Joists 32" on Center

[Sawbladz]

Been looking at drywalling the ceiling of my garage and I'm not sure if it's possible without adding in the "missing" joists. The joists are 2x8's and about 17.5' in length and I would need 6 more of them to fill in the rest of the ceiling. This seems like a lot of expensive lumber to hold up drywall so I was hoping to get some advice on another way to do this or confirmation that my plan is the only way. Thanks

 

[BD1]

What about a drop ceiling with 2x4 tiles ??

 

[blacksuit99]

Why couldnt you still use 2X4's? Itd be quite a bit cheaper... and after its finished no one will know anyways

 

[Al Bundy]

If you drywall with 32" centers your sheetrock will be sagging like a 60 year old pair of double D's within a couple years.

 

[KenC]

I'd run strapping at right angles to the joists. Nail , or I prefer screws, 1x4s to the joists on 16" centers and hang the sheetrock to those. This will also allow you to remove any 'waves' caused by joists that are not straight.

Not often seen, but seems to be fairly common in higher end homes in some parts of the country.

 

[Sawbladz]

What about a drop ceiling with 2x4 tiles ??

I plan to blow in a fair bit of insulation once the drywall is up and I don't think a drop ceiling would handle this very well.

Why couldnt you still use 2X4's? Itd be quite a bit cheaper... and after its finished no one will know anyways

Would a 2x4 span 17 feet and still provide support to the drywall?

If you drywall with 32" centers your sheetrock will be sagging like a 60 year old pair of double D's within a couple years.

This is my concern and why I am asking. I knew something would need to be done but wasn't sure the best way to approach it.

I'd run strapping at right angles to the joists. Nail , or I prefer screws, 1x4s to the joists on 16" centers and hang the sheetrock to those. This will also allow you to remove any 'waves' caused by joists that are not straight.

Not often seen, but seems to be fairly common in higher end homes in some parts of the country.

I see what you are saying. This sounds like it would provide support to the drywall without losing much height. My only question would be whether the existing 2x8's would be enough to support the drywall/insulation and additional strapping. I guess I need to find some load calculations for dimensional lumber.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I see what you are saying. This sounds like it would provide support to the drywall without losing much height. My only question would be whether the existing 2x8's would be enough to support the drywall/insulation and additional strapping. I guess I need to find some load calculations for dimensional lumber.

Truss up the 2x8s to the rafters if you are concerned.

 

[Keep]

In the long run is $100 or so for some more joists really that expensive? You will end up spending that on any other method to do what you need to do.

I hate spending money as much as the next guy, but sometimes you just have to **** it up and do it right.

 

[Keep]

Home depot has the 2x8x20 for $15.75 each.

 

[Sawbladz]

Home depot has the 2x8x20 for $15.75 each.

I found that as well. I thought they would be more expensive than that but for that price I will just add them in. My new problem will be finding a 2x8x20 that is halfway straight. Thanks for the help.

 

[Keep]

I found that as well. I thought they would be more expensive than that but for that price I will just add them in. My new problem will be finding a 2x8x20 that is halfway straight. Thanks for the help.

Isn't that the truth. That's what the cross braces are for. Get them semi straight then screw in some cross braces to hold them straight.

You could check with some of the local lumber yards, they may have a better selection then the HD.

 

[camarotoolman]

You could put 30-1/2" 2x4s between the trusses on 2' centers. A little cheaper, maybe?

 

[littlefan]

check out enginerd wood I beams they are very straight and strong