Building a Storage Loft in My Garage

This is a mission for a local qualified Structural Engineer who can see the prospective installation and come up with a scheme that is appropriate.

The tools needed in this instance are a telephone and a copy of Yellow Pages. Make the call.

Also, what about getting rid of the stuff that would otherwise be stored on a popular internet auction site [name withheld]?

Could you supply a detailed drawing? Take some pictures maybe? More info is needed....Just shooting from the hip it sounds like you probably need the supports to the rafters, if for no other reason to prevent sag over the years....

ya thats what i was thinking eagle but im still wondering how much of the wife n kids junk i can stuff up there my garage is so damm cluttered with there junk ( we just bought the house ) i cant even set up my workshop and its startin to tick me off

Sell it, sell it, sell it.....

just a suggestion...state the load you intend to carry, then some of us can offer some suggestions on materials, you sort of have it backwards

Following Fredski, what load? what lumber species is available? is this being nailed to studs or to pitched rafters? Without looking at the job, I don't know what other questions to ask.

I'm with the others here, in that you need to hire a Registered Structural Engineer. There are too many unknowns in your description Steven....are you planning on using 2x4 x 12' long joists? It's a bit confusing. A plan and applicable details would go a long way instead of trying to describe what you're planning on doing.

2x4 joists will not be supporting much when the span is 10'-5" regardless of the joist spacings. Also, what GRADE of Spruce-Pine-Fir is to be utilized? It makes a tremendous difference in allowable load carrying capacity of the joists.

FYI, 2x8 SPF No.3 Grade joists sp. @ 16" o.c. is about what you'll need to support a 35 psf Live Load safely, but it will be "bouncey". That's not much live load allowance for storing junk in a loft.

be careful about the existing garage structure.

will it be stable under the additional loading ?

even down to the foundations. you should be confident that they are sufficient too.

By the way, who ever has jurisdiction in your location will be much (happier) if you heed Solar Eagle's advice and prepare a simple, clean and complete plan of exactly what you want to do, and then take that drawing to an approriately licensed engineer, and have he/she/they develop a proper set of calcs, plans, and permit application form(s), to take to the appropriate authority for making (tenant improvements) to show that you are trying to follow the local procedures.

Also, consider using 3/8" to 1/2" diameter bolts, instead of nails or nailing plates, in order to facilitate repair, replacement and/or remodeling as needed in the future.

Another option would be to build your workbench with the 2x4s as legs, and extending them above head height to support shelving which will hold the stored items. Doors can be added as required.

This will not affect the building, not need plans drawn up for approval by the authorities, and the items will be easier to see/find when needed.

You need to make it deep enough, and preferably 'L'-shaped to avoid toppling. Or fasten it to the wall.

My son and I did something similar recently and one of the best things we did was to install a set of attic stairs purchased from a harware store instead of making a staircase. It is open one end to get big/long stuff in/out.

No comment on the structural side although we found the timber supplier helpful with recommended sizes and spacings (make sure your joists are spaced to suit the attic stars where you want to install them).