Garage Attic Storage Weight Limit

An uninhabitable attic not designed for storage can handle a 10 pounds per square foot live load.

Garage attic storage weight limit. Access to attic storage. Although you can construct a garage using thicker stronger joists 2 inch by 6 inch joists are sufficient for most garages even if you intend to build an attic storage area above your garage. Fine homebuilding notes that 2 inch by 6 inch garage joists will support a weight of up to 50 pounds per square foot. An uninhabitable attic designed for limited storage can handle 20 pounds per square foot live load.

The joists are what support the weight. This is because the ladder is simply not strong enough to support any more weight and you are putting unreasonable pressure on the attic access ladders every time you break the weight limit. Observing the weight rating. The horizontal bottom chords of most garage trusses are designed to carry the weight of drywall and insulation.

This is probably easier than wrestling with plywood but when it s finished it ll weigh even more than plywood. Garage attic storage space weight limits. Of stuff on it. Just like plywood if you re worried about your attic weight limits then don t use 2x6 planks.

Is a safe estimate. That means you could lay a 2 x 4 ft. Regular garage ceiling joists of modern construction can generally support 50lb sqft. Its a one floor family style house got plenty of space on the attic with an access ladder to it.

So if your ceiling is unfinished you have some excess carrying capacity up there. If the attic has the potential to become a regular living space talk with a contractor about adding a fixed stairway. If you want to use your attic on a regular basis or to store large items you may need to enlarge the access opening and install an access ladder or drop down stairs. Scrap of plywood over the chords and set about 40 lbs.

It is vital to observe the weight rating and make sure that you comply with it at all times. If you have trusses or your joists are supporting more than just sheetrock or your garage is older this number could be significantly less. The past few days i have been organizing the terrible mess on my two car garage. Another garage attic storage flooring option is to lay down 2x6 planks and screw them to the tops of the joists.