Check my math: Storing Wood in joists

[Andrew More]

Distribution, wind load and snow load can be confounders.

Good points. I think I've explained the current distribution (or before I moved it down to the floor), wind and snow load are not serious issues here in the Midwest where I live.

[Lee Schierer]

I was wondering the same thing. Looks like about ~1/4", at the center, assuming I didn't run into issues with doing the measurement. I did leave the pine up there for now, spread out over the same length the 200-300# should be fine.

John J I believe you are correct, a lumber rack is likely the better approach. I don't think I'm going to be using this wood that quickly, I originally bought it to build a bench when SYP was more expensive than hardwood, and that has since gone the other way again, so I've bought a bunch of SYP to build the bench instead. Hence the attraction of attic storage


Sorry, these are built in place rafters/joists, all 2x6 with a 2x8 ridge board.

You might want to look at making the structure stronger by sistering some 2 x 10's or 2 x 12's alongside the existing 2x6's. You wouldn't need to do the entire building just the area where you intend to store lumber.

[Don Coffman]

I built my lumber rack off the wall studs. If overhead with your span I'd have to add center supports up from the floor/foundation.

[Andrew More]

Just a quick follow up, put in this lumber rack along one wall. It's ~9' x 16' long. Nice thing is the removable EMT makes it very easy to use this for other things, including storing plywood, or I could just put some regular boards down and use it as part of a shelf. If all that fails I can just remove a few screws at the top, and be done with it. I believe this is about $150 worth of material between the lumber and conduit.



I was unable to get the engineering company to call me back.