What storage access size in garage ceiling?

[shingo]

I've got 10 pounds of sh!t and I live in a 5 pound world.
My new garage is going up on Monday and I am having a storage area above the cars built into it. 16" oc rafters will support 3/4" osb sheathing for the full length and width of the 18' by 20' garage. I want to keep it simple, just a scuttle hole which I will put a short extension ladder into when I want to put things up there. What size opening should I go with? Bicycles and boxes and long term storage going up there. Should I go with 36" or 48" for width? And what about length? Is four or five feet enough?

 

[The Cobbler]

the largest you can while keeping it looking symmetrical

 

[HoosierBuddy]

IIWY, I'd at least look at the required rough-in opening for pull-down stairs.

Whatever that size opening is will be a standard size and has been designed to be adequate for some things.

Also, you might one day want to put in some pull down stairs. I had them at a former house and they are a pain in the ****, but better than nothing.

I have no idea what that size is though.

Phil

 

[hh76]

As big as possible.

Trying to squeeze over sized stuff through a small opening is tough enough on the ground, dangerous when your at the top of a ladder.

I'd go for a 32" opening minimum, and 4' if possible.

 

[shingo]

Thanks for the quick answers. I am thinking 48" by 60".

 

[simpler=better]

A standard US pallet is 40x48, so a little larger than that and you're covered for anything!

 

[Falcon67]

Nothing smaller than 24" x 48". My old shop had 4 panels 48x48 that could be moved for access, that worked well.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd make it 48" long and a multiple of 16" wide.