Ledger board for loft in pole barn?

[Bljones2005]

Hello! I'm looking to build a 12x16 loft in the back corner of my pole barn. I was going to use a 2 ply 2x10 beam for the joists and run them back to the ledger. My question howwhat is the best way to attach the ledger. My posts are 6x6 8' on center. I know thats not much to hold a ledger. The joists will span out 16' while at 12" centers to the beam that will be supported by 2 6x6s spaced 10' apart and the end of the beam lagged into the 6x6 at the wall. How can I beef up the ledger?

 

[cj7jeep81]

What do you plan on storing up there? I built a similar loft, although longer (16' wide the width of my 40' shop). I used doubled up 2x12 for the ledger, and attached it to each post (triple 2x6's laminated together). I used I think 6 3/8x8" structural screws per post, as well as a handful of nails (nailed it up with the nailer, then came back with the structural screws). I also had framed out the walls (vertical studs between the posts), and nailed to those as well. 2x12 joists then sit on top of the ledger, and go to the wall I framed on the front.

Pics are in the thread in my signature. Been like that for a while, and held up great. Not storing much up there, but its super solid.

 

[Bljones2005]

I see what you did there. I was wanting to use joist hangers on the ledger because i only have 12' ceilings. So I guess I should frame the wall and attach the ledger to vertical studs as well as the 6x6s

 

[cj7jeep81]

I see what you did there. I was wanting to use joist hangers on the ledger because i only have 12' ceilings. So I guess I should frame the wall and attach the ledger to vertical studs as well as the 6x6s

Joist hangers would work. I wanted 9' ceilings inside my machine room, so I put the top of the ledger at 9', then the joists on top. To use hangers, I just would have put the bottom of the ledger at 9'. Doesn't really change head room at all.

And yeah, if you plan to frame out the inside, I'd do it first so its easier to do. I had to finish framing out a couple sections after the fact, and it would have been easier without a loft.

But unless you are storing thousands of pounds up there, I wouldn't think the wall framing would be required. I really didn't count on them to add strength, although I know they did. Or if you really want to store crazy heavy stuff, you could put another 2x6 under the ledger going all the way to the floor. You'd lose 1.5" of floor space, but would make it stronger. Again, don't think that's necessary unless you are really cramming hte loft with heavy stuff.

 

[Bljones2005]

Thanks for the input. Spanning 16' with 12' center on joists I would feel better with more then not enough. It will be for storage only. I will be building shelving under it so that may help even more up to the floor joists. I was planning on finishing the walls later but I was going to put in metal against the 2x4s running horozontal and leave the beams exposed. Temp control not a major issue as far as insulation. Only reason I didnt want to frame a wall!

 

[larry_g]

Here you can see the ledger board I used with hangers. 2x12 ledger and 2x10 joists spanning ~11'. You can find other pictures in my build below.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Bljones2005]

That looks nice! Great job.

 

[Bljones2005]

Thats nice! I actually wanted to use thin insulation and put my metal back against the horizontal 2x4s and leave the posts exposed in the building. Temp is not a big deal for me so I dont need crazy insulation. Thats why I wanted to avoid framing a wall for the joists to set on. I've read having the ledger hanging on the 6x6s is a no no but if you add a 2x6 on each one under the ledger I dont see what that would hurt. Looks like what you kind of did there.