How to build ceiling in garage

[wrxr7]

Last year I had a new garage built. 36' wide and 24' deep. The builders installed 24' 2x8's on every third rafter, and the rafters are 16" on center. Therefore, the ceiling joists are 48" apart.

I would like to install drywall to make a ceiling, but I believe that I need to add joists to accomplish this. I plan on adding a joist onto every rafter so they are 16" apart.

My questions are:

1. Will this be sufficient to support drywall, insulation and lights?

2. Will this also be sufficient to use the attic space for storage? If so, could I simply install an attic pull-down ladder for access?

Thanks!

 

[Dadillac]

Wow thats a long span for 2x8s. I would guess that adding more 2x8s would be sufficient (but just barely) for the sheetrock and etc. But for using it for storage also you would need additional floor to ceiling support. I would also think that just adding the weight of the sheetrock you would have to add bracing from the rafters to the joists. I am not an engineer but have spent some time in the construction trade

Don

 

[kd3pc]

1. I would call on an expert, for this, as you are clear spanning 24+ feet, it appears. Without king posts tied to the ridge pole, I would be leery of adding weight to the joists, even 16" on centers. So no, not sufficient for more than a few lights, without more framing/structure.

2. Not without significant rework or added structure. Or guidance from an expert/engineer.

others with more current knowledge will chime in.

bests

 

[wrxr7]

Thank you for the responses so far.

I'm OK with not using the attic for storage.

Having said that, I have a few more questions:

1. What would be the most economical way to enclose the ceiling, with its purpose solely to hold up insulation and lights? Do I need to have joists every 16"?

2. Can I simply add braces from the joists to the rafters for additional strength?

3. What material should I use for the ceiling? OSB, drywall, metal?

4. What would be the best way to insulate the ceiling? Batts? Blown-in?

Thanks again!

 

[garage rookie]

I would do metal and blown insulation after you plan where and what kind of lights.

 

[LB-1911]

Last year I had a new garage built. 36' wide and 24' deep.

The builders installed 24' 2x8's on every third rafter, and the rafters are 16" on center. Therefore, the ceiling joists are 48" apart.

I would like to install drywall to make a ceiling, but I believe that I need to add joists to accomplish this. I plan on adding a joist onto every rafter so they are 16" apart.

My questions are:

1. Will this be sufficient to support drywall, insulation and lights?

2. Will this also be sufficient to use the attic space for storage? If so, could I simply install an attic pull-down ladder for access?

Thanks!

Thank you for the responses so far.

I'm OK with not using the attic for storage.

Having said that, I have a few more questions:

1. What would be the most economical way to enclose the ceiling, with its purpose solely to hold up insulation and lights? Do I need to have joists every 16"?

2. Can I simply add braces from the joists to the rafters for additional strength?

3. What material should I use for the ceiling? OSB, drywall, metal?

4. What would be the best way to insulate the ceiling? Batts? Blown-in?

Thanks again!

Are you in possession of the stamped & approved plans from the construction of your garage?

Reaching out to the company / contractor that put up your garage would be the most direct route.

 

[Radix2]

cheapest and fastest and good looking - put up metal (no need to add any joists) blow in cellulose on top

 

[jimkinney]

cheapest and fastest and good looking - put up metal (no need to add any joists) blow in cellulose on top

+1

Those 2X8's are to keep the walls from collapsing outward due to the roof loading. While they will carry some vertical load, it's probably not much. It wouldn't hurt to add a mid span support up the the rafters before you add the ceiling.

Jim

 

[casmurbax]

Was that originally designed to have drywall?

What you have posted does not appear to be designed for having drywall installed.

I couldn't agree more with what other's have suggested, consult with an engineer, they should be able to advise you correctly on what you will need to do.

The one diagram gives you an idea on what you may have to do to install drywall, the other is the maximum span for drywall.

Good luck.

 

[Kevin54]

I would use some 3/8"-7/16" OSB and make the rafters and cross ties into a solid truss. This will not only help with possible rafter sag later on, it will tie both sides of the rafters together in a solid way. And that added support will also help to support the ceiling you install. And with doing that, you could add strapping to the bottoms to hold your drywall or whatever ceiling of your choice.

 

[Falcon67]

I'd put more 2x8s - every rafter - then hang what you like off it. 2x10 would be better, but it'll not fall down.

I spanned 24' with 2x12 because that's all that was available. They are 24" OC. I could throw a couple of 8' 4x4s crossways on them, get two chain falls and hang a car from the joists. 2x8s across 24' with OSB is spit IMHO.

 

[kbs2244]

Cheapest, fastest, and lightest would be 2x4 foot hanging ceiling tiles.
A bit tricky to install, so I would hire it out.

But once in place added insulation and lights are a snap.