So I've been rethinking my ceiling joist plan

[Makoto]

My garage is about 22x23 ft. I drew up some plans to run 2x8's front to back and then build a frame using 2x4's across the center span here above the lift (so i could have another foot and a half of clearance) but I've been thinking a lot about total load on the structure. I think my plans were overkill and In addition to cost I think this might be the better way to go.

instead of 2x8's on 16" centers use 2x10's on 24" centers (except the center section) and run 2x6 rafter ties perpendicular to those ceiling joists. The center span is the widest span at 10 ft.

This way uses like half the lumber I initially planned to use and seems stronger and distributes the load more evenly to the top plates.

What do you guys think?

Planning on knocking this out next month (Lord willing)

 

[kbs2244]

.I think you may be over engineering your problem.

Are you talking about an engineered truss or conventual framing?

If trusses your best bet is to replace the needed trusses with scissors style.

If conventual framing, you can add collar joists at the half way point and then remove the lower joist.
The collar joist will be in tension so a 2 x 6 will be plenty strong.

Do a search on raising the ceiling for a lift.
It is a common problem and has been addressed many times.

 

[matt_i]

Not quite sure...is this a rafter plan, or a plan to make an open floor where there is "cathedral" ceiling right now, or ?

Seems like a lot of wood to have a 2x10 grid crossed by a 2x6 grid, guessing everything is set on edge...?

 

[jd_1138]

Also, would you have to add some additional wall studs to hold up the extra weight of the new, heavier framing?

Might be wise to hire a structural engineer to come and look at it and advise and stamp the plans. Is this garage already built or in the planning stages?

 

[Makoto]

Also, would you have to add some additional wall studs to hold up the extra weight of the new, heavier framing?

Might be wise to hire a structural engineer to come and look at it and advise and stamp the plans. Is this garage already built or in the planning stages?

built, walls are 16" center double top plate built in 1980.

in my research I need 24" centered 2x10's for my 21.5 foot span and I also would need 2x6's for the 10 foot span above the center cutout. I could either build a 16x10 foot box (with 24" centered 2x6's) to sit on top of the 2x10's or I could just have rafter ties going all the way across connecting the rafters with the 20 foot 2x6's resting on top of the 2x10's.

i don't really want to raise the whole ceiling for a few reasons.

 

[LX-Markham]

Is this a flat roof?


I think a section might help.

 

[Makoto]

Is this a flat roof?


I think a section might help.

hip joint. that's the rub.