Framing mezzanine help

[sincitymatt]

Hello, Have a 20x30x16 garage and I’m looking to utilize the space above garage door tracks for storage of holiday decorations nothing that can’t be carried up a ladder . it’s 20x11 x 5 of dead space . Was told by a guy that used to do framing I can just bolt up some 2x10s to the left and right sides and then use hangers to hold 2x8s , 16 OC and tie it up with 1/2 or 5/8 plywood , wondering if that sounds like a safe idea ? Or one that will last ? Thank you for your advice in advance

 

[firebirdparts]

20 foot span with a 2 by 8 is pretty weak construction. Is it too weak for purpose? I would say not. It's hard to say what's good enough unless you make it really good. This is not "really good".

Joist tables are easy to get at with 10 pounds per square foot. This is better than that. It'll hold more than that.

 

[firebirdparts]

P.S. With what you posted, you'd be right at 20 pounds per square foot if you used DSS grade lumber (the very best of the best). I'm just reading off tables.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Is it too weak for purpose? I would say not. It's hard to say what's good enough unless you make it really good. This is not "really good".

Double negative = POSITIVE ! I concur. Use 1/2" plywood.

 

[mike93lx]

I think I'd do something like a double 2x12 left to right, both at the gable end and where you want the mezzanine to run to. Then 2x8 or 2x10 joists between them.

This would transfer the load to the side walls so you don't have to worry about the door header and you can support the 2x12's with lumber straight down to the floor

 

[gimpyrobb]

I'd look into "I-joists" if I were you. They are pretty strong and reasonably priced if you find them on marketplace or craigslist.

 

[carlaisle]

You could get away with 2x12s crossways and be done with it as long as you crossbraced it to death. If I was building it for my own use, there would be a double LVL beam with 2x10 joists.