I have a finished garage that's about 22 feet wide. It has triangular trusses, dividing it into roughly 7-foot sections. The trusses are made from 2x4 lumber and are spaced 24 inches apart. I'm mainly looking to store light boxes in the central 7-foot section which is the most convenient space.
I'm planning to add some support by gluing and screwing 10-foot 2x6s as sisters across that central portion of the bottom chord for extra support, ensuring the joints overlap by 1.5 feet. I'll then put down 19/32 OSB on top of the 2x6s for flooring, which will only rest on those boards.
Does this plan sound reasonable? Am I overdoing it or not doing enough? I weigh 220 lbs and will be walking around to get the boxes.
3 Answers
The bottom chords on your 2x4 trusses probably weren't designed for significant load-bearing beyond their specifications (like 10 psf). Adding additional weight could be risky, so I’d recommend getting a structural assessment to ensure you’re safe.
If there's no drywall ceiling under those trusses, it's worth noting that they're generally made to support drywall and insulation. So storing some light boxes might not be an issue, but be careful with how much weight you’re adding.
Honestly, it’s best to consult with a local structural engineer before moving forward. You don't want to risk serious structural damage, which could lead to expensive repairs down the road.