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Message
Decking the attic
Posted on 8/22/23 at 9:49 am
Posted on 8/22/23 at 9:49 am
Admittedly, my house was not designed with decking in mind. But I would like to deck some of it for storage.
If I stick to the areas above closets and smaller rooms, I should be fine correct?
Won't put more than a few totes up there with christmas junk
If I stick to the areas above closets and smaller rooms, I should be fine correct?
Won't put more than a few totes up there with christmas junk
6
Posted on 8/22/23 at 10:00 am to X123F45
What is your concern?
If it's insulated, then add a few 1 by's to the top of joists as to not compact the insulation. If it's a weight concern, then dont worry about it.
If it's insulated, then add a few 1 by's to the top of joists as to not compact the insulation. If it's a weight concern, then dont worry about it.
Posted on 8/22/23 at 10:23 am to X123F45
You should be good and use 1/2" plywood
Posted on 8/22/23 at 10:40 am to X123F45
A lot of the ac guys buy 1x12 ponderosa pine from me for decking attics. Cheap and they get 8’ pieces so they can get it in the attic through the attic stair easy.
Posted on 8/22/23 at 12:07 pm to Art Vandelay
I have a large area to deck over my garage. Where would I go about getting this? Figured I’d use sheets of OSB.
Posted on 8/22/23 at 12:09 pm to lsugrad35
quote:
I have a large area to deck over my garage. Where would I go about getting this? Figured I’d use sheets of OSB.
Half inch OSB is like $20 for a 4’x8’ sheet. The pine would have to be less than $5 a board for it to be a better price. Maybe it was cheaper when lumber skyrocketed during COVID but I would be surprised if it’s less now.
Posted on 8/22/23 at 3:49 pm to Knuckle Checker
quote:
Half inch OSB is like $20 for a 4’x8’ sheet. The pine would have to be less than $5 a board for it to be a better price. Maybe it was cheaper when lumber skyrocketed during COVID but I would be surprised if it’s less now.
I have never seen a situation where 4 1X12x8' pine boards are less than a sheet of OSB or 1/2 inch CDX plywood for that matter. Most times a single board is as expensive as a sheet of OSB and 4 Boards will be at least double.
AC guys that I know usually use 1x4 or 1x6 yellow pine tongue and groove because of its strength and stiffness more than its cost.
Posted on 8/22/23 at 4:23 pm to Wtodd
I would buy at least 5/8 cdx plywood. 3/4 is obviously better if you plan to step on it. Just rip the sheets in half, making them 24x96.
Posted on 8/22/23 at 7:41 pm to 9rocket
Agreed, I’d be hesitant to use any 1/2” OSB. You better brush up on your above-head drywall work if so.
Posted on 8/22/23 at 9:20 pm to lsugrad35
quote:need to make sure you have proper support for decking. decking over walls is usually safe. decking over large area won't be good unless proper size support. probably won't collapse but could deflect. if it's 2x6 across probably want to limit decking near walls. 2x8s can probably handle it. might wanna check codes. if something goes wrong and you don't meet code, insurance won't cover if they realize it's not up to code.
I have a large area to deck over my garage. Where would I go about getting this? Figured I’d use sheets of OSB.
Posted on 8/22/23 at 9:25 pm to lsugrad35
quote:
large area to deck over my garage
I did this years ago. Stacked containers of books and other stuff. Years later we had a guy come in to do some work and he noticed the garage ceiling sagging and it was pulling the roof line down a bit due to the internal brace being connected.
Someone had to get a house jack, push the old joists up, then tie in additional joists to brace it and keep everything where it should be.
So my lesson was to keep it lighter over an open ceiling and put the heavy stuff over walls.
This post was edited on 8/24/23 at 10:11 pm
Posted on 8/23/23 at 7:21 am to 9rocket
Funny how the only downvotes in this thread so far are for the guy that said don’t skimp on the plywood decking so you don’t step through your ceiling.
Crazy pills, I guess.
Ok, 1/2” would be fine if you only want to store Christmas decorations on it to keep them out of the insulation, but you can’t walk on it. For that matter, 1/4” would do. But how you gonna get to them without walking on it?
Crazy pills, I guess.
Ok, 1/2” would be fine if you only want to store Christmas decorations on it to keep them out of the insulation, but you can’t walk on it. For that matter, 1/4” would do. But how you gonna get to them without walking on it?
This post was edited on 8/23/23 at 7:25 am
Posted on 8/23/23 at 7:55 am to 9rocket
quote:
Funny how the only downvotes in this thread so far are for the guy that said don’t skimp on the plywood decking so you don’t step through your ceiling.
Because you can park a car on 3/4” plywood. Way overkill. 1/2” is more than adequate to put some totes with holiday decorations on.
This post was edited on 8/23/23 at 7:56 am
Posted on 8/23/23 at 12:08 pm to mdomingue
No not cheaper than plywood. Actually probably double the cost. But you don’t have to drag out tools and shite to rip plywood for a couple boards. Just an option
Posted on 8/23/23 at 12:32 pm to 9rocket
quote:
1/2” would be fine if you only want to store Christmas decorations on it to keep them out of the insulation, but you can’t walk on it.
It's not unusual to have 1/2" on roof with a layer of shingles and roofer walking all over it
Posted on 8/23/23 at 1:13 pm to X123F45
1/2" OSB will work, but I just don't like walking on it. Too much flex and makes me uncomfortable. 3/4" is what I use.
Posted on 8/23/23 at 3:16 pm to Art Vandelay
quote:
No not cheaper than plywood. Actually probably double the cost. But you don’t have to drag out tools and shite to rip plywood for a couple boards. Just an option
That is definitely the appeal.
Posted on 8/23/23 at 6:19 pm to 9rocket
Over the past winter, I decked in my entire attic space which was a little over 1000 square feet. I had to screw 2x4s vertically into the ceiling joists then flat 2x4s on top of those to give the OSB height to go over wiring and venting in the attic. I used 48 sheets of OSB 1/2 inch. I added r30 under the entire space. ended up using around 350 2x4s and approx 3000/3500 screws. I can certainly walk on it with little to no sagging of the OSB. I have a shitton of storage and a nice workspace for when the weather cools off. It was a ton of work, but I am happy I did it and would do it again
When I did this project, OSB was only 10 bucks. I see that its doubled since then. My big expense was all of the insulation.
When I did this project, OSB was only 10 bucks. I see that its doubled since then. My big expense was all of the insulation.
This post was edited on 8/23/23 at 6:21 pm
Posted on 8/23/23 at 6:27 pm to weadjust
1/2” roof decking? Jeez Louise !
Imagine the sag. I’m sure you can see every rafter telegraphing through the roofing.
Without traffic. Lot of rafters on 2’centers, too.
I will sometimes use 1/2” on doghouses, but not even then if it’s 2’ centers.
Imagine the sag. I’m sure you can see every rafter telegraphing through the roofing.
Without traffic. Lot of rafters on 2’centers, too.
I will sometimes use 1/2” on doghouses, but not even then if it’s 2’ centers.
Posted on 8/23/23 at 7:38 pm to X123F45
3/4” plywood. If you are going to do it, do it correctly.
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