in my loft the timber joists are 2"x 4",i want to put some floor boards down & use my loft for storage, but in the future i may convert it to a living space, would the 2x4`s be ok or would i need to change the joists to stronger ones or is there some kind of other easier method to strengthen the loft floor if need be?
the loft floor space is 7metres x 8 metres
2007-11-05 21:47:05 · 8 answers · asked by 101 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
You would need to infill the joists with floor joists.
The joists you are looking at are ceiling joists - designed to hold up the ceiling. 4x2 is small even by ceiling joist standards so i'd be carefull about boarding out and storing stuff on it.
Floor joists will be minimum of 8x2 inches. You will need planning permission and building regs to do that.
2007-11-06 03:22:47 · answer #1 · answered by Michael H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
2x4 are not enough to support on going stress. Blocking and brassing between the 2x4 every 3 foot down the Joist space on each space. this should be fine for a cool kick around loft space.
A futon ( no frame) and throw pillows make a cool couch for a low ceiling.
2007-11-05 22:28:53 · answer #2 · answered by antho2820 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
loft conversing floor joists
2016-02-03 03:18:35 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I want to assume you aren't in the states. Certainly 2 x 4' s aren't CODE.
EASY is a relative word.
First of all can you access the 2 x 4's? Is there a Ceiling below them? Obviously none of them are load bearing now.
Certainly there are options. Replace them? Yikes. 7 x 8 roughly equates to 25 x 29 ft.... Quite a span for 2 x 4's Are any supported by walls? Posts? How much head room currently exists in the area in question? How are the 2 x 4's structurally attached to the header?
Steven Wolf
No offense but it's early here and I have my first headache of the day. :)
2007-11-05 23:52:46 · answer #4 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutley. 2x4's are for walls not floors.Unless you don't intend to be putting much weight up there you will need at least 2x6 floor joists and possibly 2x8 depending on the span they must support.If the joists are exposed with no subfloor on them it's really not hard to add the additonal wood.
2007-11-05 22:03:14 · answer #5 · answered by erndog1001 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
first you need to find any load bearing wall ..you can use these to support the new joist ....as a guide to joist sizes ..it used to be halve the span plus one ..nowadays most building inspectors want plus two...so if you have an unbroken span of 5 metres ..about 16 feet in old money ..halve is 8 plus 2 that's 10 inches ..250mm..so the more walls you can find the smaller the joist as the span will be less
2007-11-06 01:54:12 · answer #6 · answered by boy boy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Making it 1 1/2" X 6" will be more appropriate. Its important to give an even spacing between joists. It can be 18" or 24". it will be strong enough if you place a pillar or two to hold the balance of loft part's weight. Be careful while you work. Please wear proper clothing and use cerified equiments. Good luck.
2007-11-05 22:03:32 · answer #7 · answered by Manesh 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most lofts are not designed for living space. Quite a few changes are needed to make them into a living space. Insulation, fire escapes, floors, ventilation, access etc.
Check with your local planning dept.
2007-11-05 21:57:27 · answer #8 · answered by jack.marlinspike 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes you require 8 x 2 on top so they do not touch the ceiling joists, and crack the ceiling underneath
2007-11-07 02:13:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋