Mezzanine time
- Thread starter IPACA9
- Start date
Well it's been a long week. I really only get to work on this thing at night when everyone goes to bed or if I get some time on the weekend between all the family stuff.
I got all the posts set in place and this time I decided to go ahead and anchor the post bases with 5" x 5/8" anchors. Tell ya what. Trying to do that with my Milwaukee or Dewalt was quite a chore and killed two $13 bits with six holes. Enough of that. I hit my buddy up and borrowed his Bosch Rotary Hammer. That thing makes a huge difference and saves the bit. I had a problem with a couple of the anchors not grabbing and spinning so I wound up slotting the top of the bolt to hold with my flathead on a ratchet and using a wrench to tighten them down. I then had to grind off the top of the bolt that was sticking up. Real pain in the ***. I now know to be very careful when using that hammer drill and make sure it does wobble or chew up the hole. The first couple anchors were a learning experience bit I think I'm getting the hang of it.
After getting all post bases down and screwing my notched posts into them I was moving on the outer beams. The beams are secured to the posts using Fastenmaster's ThruLoks and then every 12 inches I staggered their HeadLoks to join the double beams together. I knocked those out and figured it was enough for the night.
The next day I got home about the same time my wife did and we had some time to kill before the kids got home from school. She helped me get the first LVL into place. Using the uprights I hoisted them up using my heavy tie straps. I would pull one end up a few feet and tie it off then do the other side. Eventually we got the first one there and set into the notch. I ran a couple screws in it to hold it. The kids came home and it was done for the rest of the day till they went to bed.
That evening I joked about doing the 2nd LVL myself. My wife thought I was joking but after they went to bed I just couldn't sit there and do nothing. I had to try. So up it went. Having two people made it easier to keep the beam upright but I just had to make sure I had tension pulling on the top of the other side. I got it as far as I could before my arms were killing me so I tied it off and figured "tomorrow you're mine!". My wife was a little pissed at me in the morning when I showed her what I had accomplished.
The next day I was at it. I had to bring the 2nd beam up behind the first, over the top and set it into place on the front. Once it was there I clamped it and sank my ThruLoks into them and the TrussLoks to join them all together.
Next I was on to the joists. I went 16" on center and decided to go with 3/4" T&G plywood for the decking. I was really thinking about going with some OSB for it but figured I'd spend the extra money.
I just spread the plywood across it for now so that I can put some things up there from the other side of the building. I got to clear that area for the second deck. This time it will have stairs.
I got all the posts set in place and this time I decided to go ahead and anchor the post bases with 5" x 5/8" anchors. Tell ya what. Trying to do that with my Milwaukee or Dewalt was quite a chore and killed two $13 bits with six holes. Enough of that. I hit my buddy up and borrowed his Bosch Rotary Hammer. That thing makes a huge difference and saves the bit. I had a problem with a couple of the anchors not grabbing and spinning so I wound up slotting the top of the bolt to hold with my flathead on a ratchet and using a wrench to tighten them down. I then had to grind off the top of the bolt that was sticking up. Real pain in the ***. I now know to be very careful when using that hammer drill and make sure it does wobble or chew up the hole. The first couple anchors were a learning experience bit I think I'm getting the hang of it.
After getting all post bases down and screwing my notched posts into them I was moving on the outer beams. The beams are secured to the posts using Fastenmaster's ThruLoks and then every 12 inches I staggered their HeadLoks to join the double beams together. I knocked those out and figured it was enough for the night.
The next day I got home about the same time my wife did and we had some time to kill before the kids got home from school. She helped me get the first LVL into place. Using the uprights I hoisted them up using my heavy tie straps. I would pull one end up a few feet and tie it off then do the other side. Eventually we got the first one there and set into the notch. I ran a couple screws in it to hold it. The kids came home and it was done for the rest of the day till they went to bed.
That evening I joked about doing the 2nd LVL myself. My wife thought I was joking but after they went to bed I just couldn't sit there and do nothing. I had to try. So up it went. Having two people made it easier to keep the beam upright but I just had to make sure I had tension pulling on the top of the other side. I got it as far as I could before my arms were killing me so I tied it off and figured "tomorrow you're mine!". My wife was a little pissed at me in the morning when I showed her what I had accomplished.
The next day I was at it. I had to bring the 2nd beam up behind the first, over the top and set it into place on the front. Once it was there I clamped it and sank my ThruLoks into them and the TrussLoks to join them all together.
Next I was on to the joists. I went 16" on center and decided to go with 3/4" T&G plywood for the decking. I was really thinking about going with some OSB for it but figured I'd spend the extra money.
I just spread the plywood across it for now so that I can put some things up there from the other side of the building. I got to clear that area for the second deck. This time it will have stairs.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I think you could hold a break dance contest up there !
(Plus you learned a lot !)
(Plus you learned a lot !)
It is actually fun for me but very tiring. I spend all day crouched under a dash installing remote starters or leaning into a trunk putting amplifiers in so at the end of the day I have to drive on.
This thing is a rock. Hardly any shimmy to it at all. It will tighten up more when I put the flooring on. I'm trying to decide if I should glue and screw it or just screw it down. Also I'm undecided to fasten it to the uprights right behind me in the picture and or even in the corners. Maybe with some threaded hooks or something without actually screwing into them but we will see after the other side is done and the bridge hung between may not even need it.
Speaking of hanging the bridge. These Simpson hangers are pretty impressive. Very thick and heavy. These will hang the 11" LVL across the middle.
This thing is a rock. Hardly any shimmy to it at all. It will tighten up more when I put the flooring on. I'm trying to decide if I should glue and screw it or just screw it down. Also I'm undecided to fasten it to the uprights right behind me in the picture and or even in the corners. Maybe with some threaded hooks or something without actually screwing into them but we will see after the other side is done and the bridge hung between may not even need it.
Speaking of hanging the bridge. These Simpson hangers are pretty impressive. Very thick and heavy. These will hang the 11" LVL across the middle.
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I'm also trying to decide if I want a 5 foot deck across the back or six foot. The deeper deck will give a little more height for under those trusses. Already across the back they are about 5 feet from the future flooring. I already knew I would have to duck under them when crossing over to the other side. I'll have to light them with foam so I don't "Bing" a head on them. A small inconvenience but it was either make the flooring lower and cut my windows off or go high and deal with ducking the framework. I also wanted the height above me head when under the mezzanine. Another thing to come into play is how far out am I before it interferes with the nose of a vehicle when it goes on a future lift. I'll make that decision when the time comes to hang the beams.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Glueing it is over kill. It does prevent squeaks when you walk on it.
MagKarl
Well-known member
I think I'd build the two big areas and save the connecting portion for last. You might find the connector catwalk is a lot of effort and material for what you get out of it in the end. Might not be necessary if you dedicate one to storage of stuff you don't frequently access.
I'll be building the other side then doing the catwalk across. The right side in front of the stairs will be a couch or a few chairs and TV for now. Something my kids or a customer can chill while I work on a vehicle. The other side will be multiple work stations for RC cars/planes, models or whatever other hobbies we have. The catwalk will have shelving built between the upright framing for storage. I'm going to make some curtains or something that will slide in front of them.
rpenterics
Well-known member
Any updates?
Sorry I left this thread hanging. I've posted pictures here and there in other threads and forgot about this one. It's been a slow process but it's getting there. Time this summer has been taken up with scout camps, working on mom's property, a couple trips and just plain laziness due to heat.
Since I had the LVLs stacked on the left when delivered I needed to get the 14" deep ones over to the other side of the garage. My wife was still recovering from shoulder surgery so I had to think of a way of getting the beams out of the building and back over to the other side myself. I strapped my dolly to the end to put some wheels on the end of it. Super heavy but with some muscle I got them where they needed to be.
Then I was back to building the right side where my stairs will be
Figured I'd share what hardware I've been using.
For joining my beams to my notched posts I've chosen Fastenmaster ThruLoks.
For attaching my LVL beams together I've chosen Fastenmaster's TrussLoks which have now been replaced with a different flatter head version similar to the HeadLock screws.
For joining my dimensional beams together I chose Fastenmaster's HeadLok screws.
Joist hangers are attached using Simpson StrongTie screws.
For joining my beams to my notched posts I've chosen Fastenmaster ThruLoks.
For attaching my LVL beams together I've chosen Fastenmaster's TrussLoks which have now been replaced with a different flatter head version similar to the HeadLock screws.
For joining my dimensional beams together I chose Fastenmaster's HeadLok screws.
Joist hangers are attached using Simpson StrongTie screws.
Next I moved onto my stairs and this is where I'm at. The last month has had a ton of stuff happening amd I've had not time to work out there plus the heat and humidity has just been ridiculous.
My first stringers were cut out of the 2x12 kiln-dried hem-fir I picked up last November. I shouldn't have even cut into them. After I was done I decided they were too cracked up to want to use. It was a learning process though. I have never cut stringers before. Kinda a pain in the *** really.
After deciding I didn't want to use these stringers I went and bought some 11-7/8" LVLs to make them out of. Should have thought of that in the first place.
I still have two more stringers to cut. Just so much going on right now. I need to buy a couple fans and just get my *** on it!
My first stringers were cut out of the 2x12 kiln-dried hem-fir I picked up last November. I shouldn't have even cut into them. After I was done I decided they were too cracked up to want to use. It was a learning process though. I have never cut stringers before. Kinda a pain in the *** really.
After deciding I didn't want to use these stringers I went and bought some 11-7/8" LVLs to make them out of. Should have thought of that in the first place.
I still have two more stringers to cut. Just so much going on right now. I need to buy a couple fans and just get my *** on it!
bczygan
Well-known member
Incredible job!
Beautiful mezzanine! Stout!
I should have thought about LVL's for stringers and mentioned them to you. They are the best solution. A Fine Homebuilding type choice.
Bill
Beautiful mezzanine! Stout!
I should have thought about LVL's for stringers and mentioned them to you. They are the best solution. A Fine Homebuilding type choice.
Bill
95riosnake
Well-known member
Great project! Very stout design in its second iteration. The mezzanine will add a lot of character to the space in addition to the usefulness.
bczygan
Well-known member
Your railing, to me, should have very little visual complexity, while providing access and safety.
And it should be demountable at some points, so you can remove sections of it to load things up and down.
I would install some metal pockets on the outside face of the LVL's and then install metal stanchions in the pockets. No closer together than 8' on center. Start at one end with a single, then every 8' have a double pocket or two single ones side by side. Metal top and bottom rails and clear poly-carbonate panels for the face.
This would give you a good view up there and access, while providing safety.
Just noticed you want to display things ON them. So the fixed ones, or all of them, could have solid panels, which could be plywood with a painted surface. Then the decision is do you want a continuous smooth wall or panels with posts marking where each panel begins and ends. The way it looks will be in the details. Deciding whether things will be displayed (The wall behind the mezzanine or the face of the railing, will help you decide whether it should be clear of opaque.
Bill
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rpenterics
Well-known member
Looks great! Thanks for the update, that addition looks exciting too
timbitca
Well-known member
Nice mezzanine project. Can't wait to see the finished product!
Well after some delays with our huge Estate auction and other things I'm getting back at it. I've started laying down the plywood for the back deck and soon I'll move to the right side. Today I rode the bike around and priced the lumber needed to do the railings. I priced Cedar, Home Depot's "cedar toned" pressure treated and pine. I think I'll still pull the trigger on going with cedar just to do it. It's indoor so I don't need anything treated but will cost a little more. In the meantime I sat down and drew up some new railing to know exactly what I need. Love working with Sketchup to get the measurements and all. 
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I am so happy that someone with little experience did their research and mounted the beams ON TOP OF the post.
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I figured that out before even researching. It just makes sense.
A funny thing that I noticed today is when researching on ways to do railing posts they have changed it to where it's recommended or even code to mount the full 4x4 post outside the beam for strength instead of notching it. Lowes still sells notched posts.
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Maybe to you, but not to dozens of other DIYer. Lag to the side, through bolts or even nails have been used !
I am becoming less of a fan of ledger boards for connecting a deck to a house because it has been done wrong so many times,
Cut my 13 treads and risers today. Tomorrow I will round over the nose of the treads and get them all fastened down but in the morning I have a new 12x20 lofted barn shed being delivered that I got a great deal on. It will get all my mowers and yard **** out of my shop finally and free up a ton of room.
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bryceaugustine
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2013
- Messages
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are you willing to share some details about your new shed? 12x20 is what i want for my backyard. wall height? height to peak? cost? delivery/installation fee? i assume is came from classic building sales. i have been making plans to build mine on a concrete pad, but knowing i have some options would be nice. getting a pre-built 12x20 from home depot was a bit more then i was willing to spend. i think i can build it significantly cheaper, but the time to do so is the issue.
Kevkx125
Well-known member
Looks good so far and good job on getting the shed and getting the yard stuff out of the garage.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Contact the place that builds them. They can add a foot or 2 here or there for not much additional cost.
In general their floors ****. Either pour a slab or search GJ and find what other have done (remove sod, gravel, PT framing, etc.)
Jo Diesel
Well-known member
I was wondering why you put your stairs there until I seen your window. Awesome mezzanine.
Are you still going to put an addition off the back ?
Are you still going to put an addition off the back ?
I beat myself up over stair placement and how I wanted them. I want to build a closet under them to put my compressor and other things. The previous owner stubbed it out for water and waste but I'll have to figure how to get it to the septic tank.
I'm going to add to the left side but it's on hold for now.
I'm going to add to the left side but it's on hold for now.
I'll get some measurements for you tomorrow. Today was fast paced. We got the building delivered and then had to run and empty moms storage building so we wouldn't get hit for another month. We sold her smaller 10x12 garden building and bought this.
I priced the buildings from several different places and also priced to build one myself. I'm just too busy for that. It's getting cooler and my remote starter season is starting. Pretty soon I'm going to be in the streets working 14+ hours a day as usual. This building happened to be a repo and I got it for a great price.
Watching delivery was really neat and the guy was pretty cool. The wireless Mule machine is pretty amazing. Things to do are building up the ground around it, installing a front door and windows, build a covered porch and put a large garden in front of it for mom.
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bczygan
Well-known member
I like the use of LVL's for stair stringers and the use of 3 of them. Should be plenty strong. But if you want them even stronger, simply cut the span in half by supporting them with a short wall or posts at the mid-span.
Even more useful when using dimensional lumber stringers.
Bill
Even more useful when using dimensional lumber stringers.
Bill
kinigitt
Well-known member
I really like your build, and I've learned alot just from reading the thread!
Those joist hangers look serious!
Those joist hangers look serious!
bigarmzz
Well-known member
subscribed.....really wanting to see pics of this finished. Excellent job man!!