DIYbanter - View Single Post

under construction

On 17 May 2007 18:18:17 -0700, wrote:

question on trusses. contractor is building a stand-alone garage
24'x30'. 2nd floor is for storage. he's using 2x8 lumber for the floor
joists, mated in the middle with a gusset plate.

is this sufficient for bearing weight on the 2nd floor for storage?
some reason I thought wood-composite i-beams were better. he said the
gusset-type should be fine.

yes? no? opinions?

I'm a bit confused. You say question about trusses but I don't think
you are describing trusses? To me, you are describing a 24' long 2x8
spliced in the center of the span, right? Also, are you building a 2
story garage so there is a floor at the 2nd story or is it just a
normal garage where the ceiling chords are going to be used for
storage above?

Assuming a 2 story garage with a long 2x8 with a splice in the middle
of the span and NO support in the middle (like a column or beam) you
do NOT want this. Not only will it not support a FLOOR load but it
will also DEFLECT too much. And if these members are only ceiling
chords as in a normal garage, I'd still want no splices and at least
2x10 members.

Please do yourself a favor and hire an engineer or architect for
adequate member sizes. It sounds to me like the contractor is not
good or is trying to keep the cost very low by building a subquality
garage. Over the years you will be sorry about this garage.