2x12 Floor Joists For Attic Room Above Garage

Attic joists for live loads.

2x12 floor joists for attic room above garage. Joist dimensions are only part of the equation. But you can still double the capacity of the existing 2x6s in the attic floor so first let s make sure that s enough for your situation. The rest of the space is situated over the laundry room to tap into existing pipe chases. A room used solely for sleeping might need to carry only 30 psf whereas a garage floor over a basement would need 50 psf or higher.

The wooden joists or beams over your garage help hold your roof in place. If you need a storage area above your garage strong ceiling joists are necessary to support the added weight. First floor live loads have higher requirements than second floor live loads 40 pounds per square foot vs. My calculations tell me assuming 2 southern yellow pine joists which are common in my area that 2x6s 16 inches on center will span 9 feet 9 inches with allowable deflection being the governing factor.

An inaccessible attic space on the other hand might have a live load of only 20 psf. At geoff and michelle s house supply lines for the second floor bath were tucked above the addition s floor joists and only the room s tub sits over the garage. Don t forget the impact on adjacent spaces. Attic joists that are made from 2x8s may be acceptable for building your attic floor but because every room is variable there are no absolutes.