[t1snwbrdr12]

We’re in a townhouse with limited storage. Trying to find a solution for seasonal storage (Christmas tree, decorations for different seasons etc). The house was build 2000 in MD by NVR/Ryan.

Ceiling joists are 2x6 spaces 24”. I was worried about this, thought they’d be 10s.

I’d have to frame up a floor to be higher off the joists as there’s electric, sprinkler, etc interfering.

If I framed up on 2x4s, can I use them tall-ways or do I need to frame them with the 4” flat on the joists so I’d lift the floor 1.5” above the joists?

Are 2x6s sufficient to support a 4x8 or 9 foot area for some storage totes full of decorations?

I know there’s no technically perfect answer without finding an engineer and having them inspect. Thanks for any advice.

 

[chandler48]

What is the total unsupported measurements from interior and exterior walls?

 

[t1snwbrdr12]

Not sure this is the answer you’re looking for, if not let me know. There’s a span about 4 feet wide I’d like to use. But 2/3 across every joist is joined to another with a plate or brace. I’ll try to attach a picture.

The 4 foot wide span is between the chord? I think it’s called? I’m not familiar with construction, I’m an automotive mechanic, sorry.

 

[chandler48]

Short answer, with trusses, it is not advisable, as they were not designed for weight from above. While in the room below, measure between the walls where this area is. THAT is your unsupported span. Wall to wall would measure something like 12x12, unless it is in a divided area which has closets, bathrooms, etc dividing up the span.

 

[t1snwbrdr12]

If that’s the case I can go to the opposite side of where I was planning. It’s messier over there, ac ducts, bathroom vent, but it’s very divided up by walls underneath. I don’t think we have a ton to store, so a choppy area is better than nothing. The side I planned on has a wall nearby, but besides that one wall, there’s a ton of open space due to being above an open staircase.

 

[chandler48]

In relation to these two areas, where is your attic access point?

 

[t1snwbrdr12]

Dead center. To the left is 9 feet but pretty much all above a all open area above stairs. To the right is above my kids bathroom, a linen closet, one of their bedrooms, there’s a few walls.

 

[Windows on Wash]

Whats underneath that area?

 

[t1snwbrdr12]

Underneath the area to one side is only one wall of a bedroom.

To another side there are a few walls. Closet, bathroom, bedroom. Even though it’s a small space it has a few walls under it. I was initially avoiding this side due to ac ducts and bathroom vent but I may need to work on this side for storage due to supporting walls under.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Maybe someone can explain the difference of weight from above or below with trusses, but our house has 2x4 trusses on 16" centers and this 6 ft.long cabinet over the counter has held an approximate 150-200 lbs. of china for about 35 years with no signs of ceiling sag. Soffit to soffit, kitchen side to dining side is 36" so I suspect there are only 2 bottom chords involved in the weight distribution. ????

 

[chandler48]

SS, while this may not explain it thoroughly, you have to remember, Christmas ornaments this year; house sold; new owners will store the gold bars they got for selling their old house The original intentions sometimes are exaggerated by unknowing owners.

I've had it happen with a client. New detached garage (3 bays). For support, I had to go back in and install triple LVL using supports between bays. First thing up there, their son put his hot rod engines up there.

 

[surferdude2]

so I suspect there are only 2 bottom chords involved in the weight distribution. ????

Can you look in the attic, if one there be, to see how that cabinet is supported? It could be interesting to see what design was used, whether they ran across the top of the bottom truss chords or perhaps ran something to the peak and didn't engage the bottom chord.

I'm betting they just swung it across two bottom chords as you seem to think.

 

[Old Thomas]

Around here the bottom chord of roof trusses is designed to carry 10 lbs. per square foot of dead load and zero of live load. That means insulation and finishes with no storage of stuff. Nothing stopping you from doing it but you will probably exceed the design capacity. Do you feel lucky?

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Can you look in the attic, if one there be, to see how that cabinet is supported?

Yes, there is an attic and I don't recall anything special for framing. Now that I'm curious I'll look but just not today.:biggrin2: