truss storage - how far apart to make 2x4's?

[johnson1975]

I am about to put some flooring in my overhead truss area for some storage. The trusses are 5' apart. I plan to install some 2x4's and some 1/2 OSB.

Would 18" on center be adequate spacing for teh 2x4's - enough support?

This will be for basic storage - nothing heavy.....howevere I will personally be walking around in the area while I am placing items there - I am 190 lbs

 

[brownbagg]

if they are not designed for above loads, the roof will fall in

 

[scott37300]

18" does not work for 4x8' sheets of wood, your seems wouldn't fall on the 2x4s. 16" or 19.2" if you run the sheets the long way, this is the spacing for some trusses on houses. But 1/2" osb is not very strong at all so I would not go more than 16" spacing. If you were to use 3/4" osb the spacing could be farther. The last thing you want is to step in the middle of the rafters and fall threw some 1/2" osb, I've fell threw a roof that was sheathed with 7/16" osb and that stuff tears up your leg pretty good!

 

[johnson1975]

18" does not work for 4x8' sheets of wood, your seems wouldn't fall on the 2x4s. 16" or 19.2" if you run the sheets the long way, this is the spacing for some trusses on houses. But 1/2" osb is not very strong at all so I would not go more than 16" spacing. If you were to use 3/4" osb the spacing could be farther. The last thing you want is to step in the middle of the rafters and fall threw some 1/2" osb, I've fell threw a roof that was sheathed with 7/16" osb and that stuff tears up your leg pretty good!

good point...I did not even do the math on 18" to see if they woudl line up with the edges.......16" does line up.

 

[mpraddict]

Plywood is a much better (and yes more expensive) option for flooring than osb. It will be much more durable if you use the area much. Also, as stated before, how do you know your trussed were designed to support the added load from the floor assembly (dead load) and whatever you plan to store (live load)? Just because they support the roof span does not mean the bottom chord of the truss will support a floor system and associated loading.

 

[thdewey]

Your trusses are 5' apart? Really? That doesn't sound right. Maybe a picture would help. I'd say 16" and (if the are 5' apart) something wider than a 2X4. At least a 2X6.

After looking at the pictures on your 'Rant' post I don't think that I put ANYTHING up on the trusses. W trusses are the weakest trusses and at 5' apart I wouldn't trust it with just my own weight.