Floor Framing Info for Attic Storage

If you’re thinking about using attic space for storage, here is some useful information regarding floor framing. The size and the spacings for the structural wood framing members have already been decided when the house was constructed. It is rarely necessary to upgrade or reinforce the wood frame in order to make the attic suitable for storage.

Installing Decking

The ceiling for the highest floor level is framed with joists that are 2 inches by 6 inches minimum, and which are typically 16 inches on center. This is usually sufficient to support the loads imposed by the weight of the stored items. Not all attics have plywood decking installed onto the top of the ceiling joists. This will be necessary if the attic is to be used for storage. If full sheets will not fit easily through the attic access, cut them into smaller, rectilinear pieces. The sheets do not have to be nailed off completely - use just enough nails to keep them from sliding horizontally. Use plywood at least one half inch thick and be sure to nail through the plywood into the joists. The plywood decking will allow you to move around comfortably in the attic. If anything was to fall in the cavities between the joists, it can easily punch through the sheetrock that forms the ceiling for the floor below.