[JaysLittleOcean]

Well I am looking for some advice on reinforcing a storage area that was built by the previous owner of the home in the garage. It appears that some car was taken in attaching the wood using joists and bolts to the rear wall. However, it seems that the care stopped there and the front of the structure was held in place by nails with no joists which are starting to separate and three 4x4 beams which appear to be bowing from the weight.

I was considering reinforcing it bi installing joist on the front side and reinforcing with additional 4x4 beams in the rear and front of the structure. But not sure if I should go the pressure treated wood route or what type of wood would be best for this application. Any thoughts and recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

No need for PT lumber in a weather protected area. You may want to install appropriate brackets to connect the pieces.

 

[JaysLittleOcean]

No need for PT lumber in a weather protected area. You may want to install appropriate brackets to connect the pieces.

So I think we are in agreement that other then not requiring pressure treated wood everything I plan to do to reinforce the structure seems sound?

 

[PandJ]

As mentioned, think you just need joist hangers in rear like you have up front. It appears that sides have lag bolts hopefully in studs from pics but I could be mistaken. Its built fairly heavy duty for garage storage. If you still feel you need support up front, I'd add storage to ceiling bracing vs below to keep more accessibility and cleaner look.

 

[JaysLittleOcean]

As mentioned, think you just need joist hangers in rear like you have up front. It appears that sides have lag bolts hopefully in studs from pics but I could be mistaken. Its built fairly heavy duty for garage storage. If you still feel you need support up front, I'd add storage to ceiling bracing vs below to keep more accessibility and cleaner look.

Okay great. I will add the joist later this evening after grabbing some from Home Depot. Thank everyone I will add the finished product photographs after I am done. Also I used a stud finder the bolts are going directly into the studs.

 

[JaysLittleOcean]

I added the joists over the week and so far walking up in the storage area seems 100% better. There are no creaking noises anymore. I still have to reinforce the front and back to take additional load of the current support beams but when that is said and done everything should be extremely sturdy. Thanks all!

 

[jlhaslip]

Are those hangers you added the correct size? They look too small to me.
What size are the joists? and can you find a part number on those hangers?