built a 30x40 metal shop 12' side walls wanting to build a loft 8x30 8' high been asking getting alot of opinions need some more. build with wood what size headers, joists, floooring and anything else. 8-6"x4" posts planning to use is this enough. how would you do it?
loft design
- Thread starter simco6
- Start date
camarotoolman
Banned
How many posts do you want? Depends alot on the spand lenghts. Are you going to load it with blocks and heads or bubble rap?
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My loft was designed in. The headers between the posts are 4x12 and the floor joists are 2x10. Mine is 12x36'. See pictures in my build thread below.
lg
no neat sig line
bigbubba
Well-known member
I would love something like that in the shop i am planning,How do you get stuff up there? Forklift?
bczygan
Well-known member
It depends.
First, was the existing structure (Columns and footings)designed to accommodate the additional loads for a mezzanine?
If so you need to find out what loads it was designed for. If not, you need to design an independent structure. Two things will govern. The anticipated or required design loads and the spacing of columns. The greater the loads and the larger the column spacing the deeper the members will need to be, or the stronger the material or both. Shorter spans can use dimensional lumber. Longer spans need engineered lumber. Even longer spans need steel.
So first find out what code requires for loads, or what you will actually load it with if more than code. Decide on the layout and column spacing. Then it can be engineered.
Do you want it mostly clear of columns, say 1 column? Or can there be a partial load bearing wall under it?
First, was the existing structure (Columns and footings)designed to accommodate the additional loads for a mezzanine?
If so you need to find out what loads it was designed for. If not, you need to design an independent structure. Two things will govern. The anticipated or required design loads and the spacing of columns. The greater the loads and the larger the column spacing the deeper the members will need to be, or the stronger the material or both. Shorter spans can use dimensional lumber. Longer spans need engineered lumber. Even longer spans need steel.
So first find out what code requires for loads, or what you will actually load it with if more than code. Decide on the layout and column spacing. Then it can be engineered.
Do you want it mostly clear of columns, say 1 column? Or can there be a partial load bearing wall under it?
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Yotaforce
Well-known member
I needed a loft as well when I built my 30x40, but I also needed an office and a tool room.
2x4 stud walls, 4x4 posts bolted into the corners to the building, 2x6 ceiling joists on 16"c. I have stored all kinds of things up there, including bare engine blocks and trannies.
2x4 stud walls, 4x4 posts bolted into the corners to the building, 2x6 ceiling joists on 16"c. I have stored all kinds of things up there, including bare engine blocks and trannies.
thanks very much i am going to use 8 6x4 columns then a 8x8 room on one side. so the span will be 10' and 8' from columns. so the header i am thinking about (2x12 half inch plywood 2x12 sandwich) and joists 12" centers with hangers then plywood on top it is for the wife's stuff just making room to clear the shop. does this seem adequate
camarotoolman
Banned
That should be more than enough. The 12" center is overkill. 16" is fine. Thats what most houses have. glue the floor so it doesn't squeak. Building codes should be on line.