[lugog]

I have a question about ledger boards. I am rebuilding a second floor to my old barn. It should be able to support car projects and parts/engines. I am going to use 20" tall x 6" wide steel I beams for a large span. I want to use 12" joists then for the floor. I wondered if I use a ledger board if I should use thicker than a 2x6. Say like maybe two 2x6 together so that more of the joist sits on the ledger. I want it to be really strong. The best would be to lay both joists on the I beam, but I don't want to give up 12 inches for this. I already am having to change the entrance slope 10" higher. The bolts holes for the ledger are already drilled. What do you guys say? Does a thicker ledger give any more strength? For supporting a lot of weight can I still use a ledger and get the same strength as joists lying across? Thanks for your responses in advance -Mike

[cboy]

You may want to use the search feature (near top of page) to do some more background research on you plan. We have discussed the pros and cons of putting automobiles on the second floor of barns/shops in the past.

One of the major considerations is that the uniform building code requires a fire AND fluids resistant floor for any garage or automotive storage area. Normally this ends up being concrete. Wood is a definite no no.

If you are out in the boonies and don't envision a building inspection for this project, you still may have a problem on the insurance end of things. If you are storing vehicles and/or parts of any value, and you want them adequately insured, you'll have to deal with your carrier's requirements regarding the code requirements.

Just some food for thought before you get too much $ invested in a project that may not fit your needs when it is completed.

[lugog]

Hi thanks for your response. I've heard those concerns before, all valid true, and I am going ahead with my plans. Any chance you have knowledge about ledger boards vs lapping on ibeams? Can anyone else help me out on my questions? Thanks -Mike

Originally Posted by cboy

You may want to use the search feature (near top of page) to do some more background research on you plan. We have discussed the pros and cons of putting automobiles on the second floor of barns/shops in the past.

One of the major considerations is that the uniform building code requires a fire AND fluids resistant floor for any garage or automotive storage area. Normally this ends up being concrete. Wood is a definite no no.

If you are out in the boonies and don't envision a building inspection for this project, you still may have a problem on the insurance end of things. If you are storing vehicles and/or parts of any value, and you want them adequately insured, you'll have to deal with your carrier's requirements regarding the code requirements.

Just some food for thought before you get too much $ invested in a project that may not fit your needs when it is completed.

[lugog]

Here is a picture of what I plan if that helps:

[35WINDOW]

Not sure if I should pipe in here, but I persoanlly would not use ledger Boards for that amount of weight.

At my House, I have a 4 Car oversize Garage-two above, two below. They used an very large I-Beam put into the Walls to support a Concrete reinforced Floor. It's overbuilt, and I love it (it's what we wanted as we have a different elevation front to back), but I would be leary of what you are describing, and, like cboy suggested, I would not use Wood-

[lugog]

Any reasoning not to use the ledgers? Its not as strong as over the beam? I guess I'm just trying to figure out what works/what I can get by with. Concrete floor is the best for sure and weighs a lot more. I think a regular floor at my barn would be a huge improvement over what I have and probably still reasonable investment. I know you guys frown on the wood floor because of the fire hazard.

Originally Posted by 35WINDOW

Not sure if I should pipe in here, but I persoanlly would not use ledger Boards for that amount of weight.

At my House, I have a 4 Car oversize Garage-two above, two below. They used an very large I-Beam put into the Walls to support a Concrete reinforced Floor. It's overbuilt, and I love it (it's what we wanted as we have a different elevation front to back), but I would be leary of what you are describing, and, like cboy suggested, I would not use Wood-