Flooring for Storage Space

[DuluthMN]

Ok, I am ready to put in my fold down attic stairs and put up my flooring for my storage space above my garage. What should I use for flooring? I will not be storing anything above 30-40 pounds in weight. My trusses are 2x4. I am trying to value build as money is kinda tight, so the more I save the better.

Thanks

 

[TRC51]

I am doing the exact same thing except my lower support on the truss is a 2 x 6. I bought T&G 3/4 Sub-flooring OSB from Home Depot for $15 a sheet. That should more than do the job for you.

 

[csp]

No need for 3/4" T&G for 30-40 pounds.

7/16" OSB would be more than adequate and cost conscious as well as less weight on your trusses which aren't designed to carry weight in compression.

 

[SharkD]

Whatever you use, make sure it's sufficient for your local building codes. Anything that's rated for subflooring should suffice. (Remember, even if nothing up there weighs more than 40lbs, if you're walking on it, you want it to be able to support your weight.)

It would really **** to spend all that time and money putting down attic decking that's too thin to pass an inspection, if/when you sell the house.

 

[DuluthMN]

Thanks everyone. So should I go with the 7/16 or 1/2. I will only be putting 3 sheets up there. I am covering an area 16'x6'

 

[csp]

It would really **** to spend all that time and money putting down attic decking that's too thin to pass an inspection, if/when you sell the house.

An inspection of an attic space with trusses that aren't rated for storage or for use as floor joists?

The material being rated for flooring would be the least concern, if code did exist for such a use, and it doesn't that I'm aware of.

 

[DuluthMN]

So are you saying that I should not use the attic for storage?

 

[fiveoh]

What are you using to attach it to the trusses? I'm about to do the same thing, good info in this thread.

 

[DuluthMN]

What are you using to attach it to the trusses? I'm about to do the same thing, good info in this thread.

I was just going to screw the osb directly down to the trusses.

 

[csp]

For 30-40 pounds I wouldn't be concerned.

My point was that using material designed as flooring isn't really applicable in this case. You're using it to support boxes of stuff, not as a floor.

 

[TRC51]

For 30-40 pounds I wouldn't be concerned.

My point was that using material designed as flooring isn't really applicable in this case. You're using it to support boxes of stuff, not as a floor.

Yes, but you still have to walk on it. Mine is not an attic space by definition but the trusses are tall enough to walk through. My intention was not to store much over 40lbs, but a spongy floor would be unacceptable.

You know, are the trusses 16" on center (probably not, but it does happen). If so you can use a thinner sheet. Otherwise....for three sheets worth, I would just get 3/4 OSB (doesn't have to be T&G) and call it a day.

 

[aqr81]

You didn't mention the truss type or span involved. 2x4 isn't too substantial and the trusses may not be engineered to carry any weight other than a ceiling covering on the underside. You might check with the supplier or a span table and loads first. You might have to beef it up a bit structurally before putting down any decking.

 

[DuluthMN]

You didn't mention the truss type or span involved. 2x4 isn't too substantial and the trusses may not be engineered to carry any weight other than a ceiling covering on the underside. You might check with the supplier or a span table and loads first. You might have to beef it up a bit structurally before putting down any decking.

How would i beef it up?

 

[TRC51]

How would i beef it up?

Can you take some pics and tell us what the span is (dimensions of the garage)?

My brother had storage in his 24 x 30 with 2 x 4 trusses at 7/12 pitch. Trusses spanned the 24 depth. It was light storage as you described and the plywood just ran down the center of the trusses (not on the outside areas of the truss). You could tell it was not designed for it (read - a little wobbly), but it has been working for 20+ years now (BTW, he bought it that way). It will all depend on the span you have, whether you have an engineered truss or something that was a backyard build, and what you intend on putting up there (which you already cleared up for the most part).

 

[reddog2011]

Do you need to use spacers with the OSB if used as an attic floor?