Contractor/engineer? Shop Q...

[xc6rider]

Didnt know where to put this... Thought we had a shop section, must not.

My dilemma involves adding a loft in my post-frame shop. Looking for sizing of LVL headers for support etc...

My load, not exactly sure. 60 gallon air comp, engine stand & hoist maybe an occasional small block v8, other shop supplies. Need it sturdy for some objects, but definitely wont be jam packed with everything i can think of.

Ill need to order 20' and the actual clear span is like 19'6" for the front, that will rest on 6x6 or stacked 2x6, as well as lagged to side of the structural 6x6.

In the rear, along the wall, i have 4 6x6 posts to work with. Center section is 8' centered, with around 5-6' to each corner posts. I can either place LVL along this wall, same as the front clear span, or use 2x12 i believe.

The loft will end up being roughly 8x20. Floor joist span will be under 8'


Hoping i drew a good enough picture there for you guys!


What size LVL & how many might you guys use? 2-3 up front? 1-2 in the back, or just 2x12 built?

Use joist hangers inside of these for the floor, or rest them on top of the headers? Been told i can do it either way, but hangers sounds odd to me... Im fairly new to this woodwork stuff.

Thinking 2x8 joists, and 3/4" ply flooring...


Any other info i missed??

How would you guys do it, if this were your project?

Open to any or all advice!!!

 

[Mafesto]

I'm not qualified to advise on the LVL part, but did a lounge above our 3rd stall, and used I-joists for floor joists and roof trusses. Much less weight than 2 by lumber.

 

[xc6rider]

I wouldnt be opposed to using I joists for the floor deck. Id assume price range may not be all that much higher. I will certainly look into it!

 

[joshkoltes]

If your putting your compressor up there built it overly stout or your whole building will vibrate loudly

 

[xc6rider]

Looks like I-joists will be almost exactly twice as much dollar wise, and theyre 11 7/8" tall. $24 per 16' length, vs $11 per 16' 2x8. Just looked this up at a local Menards. Didnt see weights anywhere.

I joists would work ok if i could use hangers inside of 11 7/8" LVL headers, otherwise they take out almost another 4" of head room vs a 2x8.

Alot of options for something that should be so simple

 

[xc6rider]

If your putting your compressor up there built it overly stout or your whole building will vibrate loudly

Ill have it mounted in a way to reduce vibration, as best as i can. It will also be in the corner, where it should be the most solid, id think.

 

[joshkoltes]

How big is this shop? If it's 20 wide I assume it's similar length? Usually those size buildings only have a 8' wall too in which case for me I wouldn't want to give up any head room. Well Maby right above your overhead door could be a shelf of some sort but that's just me.
If you do a full loft I imagine you will have to put so.e posts down the center. 20' is quite a span for a structure not engineered for another level. To get away from the center post like I'm talking I believe you'd need to do a pretty hearty beam with your joists on top them you loose that much more head room

I would suggest pouring a small quick Crete pad right outside your shop for the compressor to get the noise outside and ground the vibration then build a little outhouse like enclosure around it with a little base board heater and pipe.it.inside.
Next build a lean to off the side for storage, or a shed

 

[shelbwyo]

We built a lift in my dad's shop. Although it's a bigger building, 40 x 80 we put a loft in one bay that is only 20' x 20'. Used I joists on 1' centers and hangers on a stacked 2x6. Attached to the wall on 2x6 to the structure poles far are 8' apart. It is way over built but we put a lot of stuff up here, 4 sleds, tires, mowers and other odds and ends. I think its 12' off the ground. Use a 500 pound electric winch to get everything up there.

 

[xc6rider]

How big is this shop? If it's 20 wide I assume it's similar length? Usually those size buildings only have a 8' wall too in which case for me I wouldn't want to give up any head room. Well Maby right above your overhead door could be a shelf of some sort but that's just me.
If you do a full loft I imagine you will have to put so.e posts down the center. 20' is quite a span for a structure not engineered for another level. To get away from the center post like I'm talking I believe you'd need to do a pretty hearty beam with your joists on top them you loose that much more head room

I would suggest pouring a small quick Crete pad right outside your shop for the compressor to get the noise outside and ground the vibration then build a little outhouse like enclosure around it with a little base board heater and pipe.it.inside.
Next build a lean to off the side for storage, or a shed

This part of my shop is 20x32 with 14' ceiling, and attached to a 24x26x9. Ive helped install multiple air compressors up high off floors in post frame buildings, never had vibration problems. If it is a problem, eventually ill be adding 8x26 onto the short garage, as basically a shed.