Storage Loft Joist Size

[bad_idea]

I am putting a storage loft in the garage, finally. I am unsure on my joists size. I am waffling between 2x10s and 2x12s. The span is 10' with joists on 16" centers. The planned load is 'heavy ****' - car parts and the like. I looked at the span tables and it looks like 2x10s are plenty, but for ~$150 I can up size to 2x12s. Should I spring the extra money or is it an absolute waste? Thanks all.

 

[billconner]

How tall is the loft? Honestly 2x10 seems very oversized for a 10' span. Without looking, I'd think 2x6s would be fine.

Also, will there be a ceiling attached to underside?

 

[bad_idea]

The ceiling height in the loft will be 9' in the center and 4' at the one side (the ceiling is the under side of the roof deck).

There will be a ceiling attached to the underside with insulation in the cavity. I plan to condition the room below with the area above unconditioned.

 

[Youngandfree]

Rarely does someone complain about overbuilding something.

 

[mike93lx]

2x10 is plenty. I'd be debating between 2x8 and 2x10.

Use high quality t&g decking, glued and screwed. Blocking midspan and you'll have a rock solid floor

 

[firebirdparts]

2 x 10 is gracious plenty overkill.

 

[PoorUB]

Not quite the same, but I built an outdoor deck on my house. 2x10 joists, 12 foot span, 16" on center. It is very solid, no bounce.

I would go with 2x10s

 

[MattRMagnum]

I am putting a storage loft in the garage, finally. I am unsure on my joists size. I am waffling between 2x10s and 2x12s. The span is 10' with joists on 16" centers. The planned load is 'heavy ****' - car parts and the like. I looked at the span tables and it looks like 2x10s are plenty, but for ~$150 I can up size to 2x12s. Should I spring the extra money or is it an absolute waste? Thanks all.

My loft (recently discussed here) is 2x12s. If you want to hold heavy things, particularly motors, I'd say that extra $150 is worth it.

 

[bad_idea]

My loft (recently discussed here) is 2x12s. If you want to hold heavy things, particularly motors, I'd say that extra $150 is worth it.

What is the span on your joists?

 

[billconner]

What is the span on your joists?

First post - 10'

 

[idahoktm]

I checked this website when I was planning to build my 15'x16' loft. 2x10's @16" OC will be plenty strong. I ended up using 2x10's @12" OC for my 16' span.

 

[billconner]

very nice!