Beam size

[crbr]

Thanks for the pics... .

 

[BeezFun]

The floor feels solid though I have measured about a 5/8" sag in the middle of the room.

5/8" is almost exactly the nominal L/360 deflection. I wouldn't put any more up there. A hot water heater is heavy, hopefully that's near the edge of the span.

 

[elginfarm]

I would conventionally frame the walls and use I-joists or trus-joists. Everything will be straight and you can deck over them for additional storage. I used 25 footers when I did my second story addition. They are carrying the second floor as well as carrying the ceiling from the first floor.

 

[Bigkrank]

I've built 4 lofts in shops and two houses. Two lofts and one house I used I joists. The one loft was 18' span and I did it all myself with two bad rotater cuffs and a bad back. Exercise room and shelving racks above. Very solid.

Super easy & lightweight compared to using dimensional lumber, not to mention setting a steel beam by your self. I joists are straight, a lot of dimensional lumber is not.

 

[ch47dpilot]

I'm thinking about the steel beam, like the idea of someday using it with a chain hoist. But whats the best way to hold up the ends. I'm thinking a pocket with just 2x4 stacked to the beam width may not be enough.

 

[JB4310]

I'm thinking about the steel beam, like the idea of someday using it with a chain hoist. But whats the best way to hold up the ends. I'm thinking a pocket with just 2x4 stacked to the beam width may not be enough.

Solid wood posts could certainly be used, but also steel lolly column too.

JB

 

[Depmandog]

Your building setup will be almost identical to mine (42x69x14). My "room" is only 12x12 however.

I have found that the area above the tool room is IDEAL for long term storage. I wouldn't want to guess how many hundreds (thousands) of pounds I have stored up there.

My advice, spend the little bit extra, and make it useful space. You are probably thinking you will have "all the room you would ever need" with this new building... Funny thing so did I. Bought a new to me Kubota yesterday, and barely had space in my building for it. One of my weekend chores is to see if I can clear some additional floor space. Guess where I will store it - yup - on top of my tool room.

Have fun!!

 

[BeezFun]

30 @ 5.98ea @ menards is $179.40 Another $200 for the steel beam and we are in the same price range.

You forgot to add the copay and deductible on his health insurance using the steel beam. I'm guessing hematoma on forehead from running into the beam is most likely (no hardhat), but possibly a smashed foot (wearing gym shoes) or dislocated lower back.

 

[LD1]

You forgot to add the copay and deductible on his health insurance using the steel beam. I'm guessing hematoma on forehead from running into the beam is most likely (no hardhat), but possibly a smashed foot (wearing gym shoes) or dislocated lower back.

Its only a 300lb beam. That is 150 each end. 2 guys and one side at a time. ~75lbs each????? Whats the issue.

Not to mention alternative methods. Like a tractor perhaps?? I dont know what the OP has but this IS a tractor forum. Or perhaps hoisting using the trusses. Again, its only 300lb

 

[Danno1]

I have found that the area above the tool room is IDEAL for long term storage. I wouldn't want to guess how many hundreds (thousands) of pounds I have stored up there.

Long term storage!

I know a guy w an auto shop who has his very large industrial air compressor up there over his office. The area is walled off w an access door so sound is not an issue in the shop. Been that way for at least 30 yrs.

I guess you could put the water heater up there too.



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