I was looking over my new home contract and it says I can't put a pool table on the second floor...?

Question

It also said a waterbed or aquarium could not go up there either. It's not structurally sound to do so...any ideas on this one? Does this mean the house is of poor quality construction, or is this normal?

Answer 1

Check with the builder and the code section of the County: this doesn't mean it's not structurally sound. Stop and think, a water bed has a lot of weight to it and the pool table they're probably speaking about is the real thing, the granite table and all. The heavy one. The one that weights a ton.
A floor will only carry so much weight. If it's not over a weight bearing wall, there's no underneath support, think about it.
You may put that water bed in the upstairs bedroom but, if it's over a wide span and not made for it, you might have it in you living room.

Maybe you'd better have a talk with the builder and see what's going on.

Answer 2

If you are asking for permission, I'm afraid I would have to tell you a resounding NO. Seriously though, it depends on the size and condition of the room. The easiest way to test the condition of the room is by figuring out how much load bearing weight it can handle. First of all, determine the weight of the table. Next, gather enough people equal to twice the weight of the table. Next, run a laser along the distance of the center ceiling joist, and mark the line at both ends and the center. One by one, have each person enter the room. Make sure there is someone below who could observe the weight increases without being directly underneath the floor. Listen for creaking and observe if the center mark sagged. Next, determine the size of the room and how much space you will have. Finally, subtract 10' from both the length and width of the room. Whatever dimension you have left determines how big the pool table can be. I don't mean to sound so detailed, or confusing, but I've had to put a table in a loft before.

Answer 3

I have helped several friends move in the past and I would not want to carry a pool table upstairs, even in pieces. I would definitely suspect the load rating of the upper floor and it is substandard if a waterbed can't be supported.

Answer 4

It's not poor quality, pool tables and water beds are very heavy and need a floor that is structurally heavier than is necessary for normal furnishings.

Answer 5

When I built my house I had to install floor joists 8" on center (half the normal distance apart) due to the extreme weight of my water bed. Good pool tables are similar because of the slate bed in them.

This is a prudent clause in your contract, it protects you from injury and the home owner from property damage.

Answer 6

Most building codes allow for second floor "sleeping rooms" to be built to support less weight than the first floor, so it is a fairly common practice.

It is very unlikely that any of these items will cause your floor to fall in, but it could cause the floor to sag and the ceiling below to crack.

Answer 7

I'd guess that your second floor is over a really large room with no support in the center. Your house should have passed whatever zoning is applicable in your area, although you can call your city or town zoning office and ask them about it. Personally I'd be pissed if no one mentioned this to you.

Answer 8

Screw it dude, go for the pool table. If it falls through the ceiling, remove all evidence and call your insurance company. When they come out to look at it just stand there and look stupid. It'll work.

Answer 9

I'm not saying it's normal but if they said not to i wouldn't the floor isn't supported to handle the weight in one congested area

Answer 10

if you have not signed yet,,,RUN LIKE HELL