Garage Mezzanine 18.5" span
#1
06-02-14, 02:10 PM
Garage Mezzanine 18.5" span
Hi Folks,
I'm sure this has been covered before, wasn't able to find it via search. I have a new construction home, with a ~16' tall garage. I'd like to build a storage mezzanine in the front. About 18.5" wide, 6-8' in length (undecided for sure at this point).
It's a double garage, I'd like to span the entire width without any center posts. The perimeter of the garage is a 2x4 construction, so I could hide a post in that space. The issue is the garage is barely wide enough to fit 2 cars in, so any posts within the 18.5' would render the project useless.
From my online research, it seems like an LVL beam would do the trick, but I have no experience with them. I'm reasonably handy otherwise.
Suggestions? Need additional info? Thanks in advance.
I'm sure this has been covered before, wasn't able to find it via search. I have a new construction home, with a ~16' tall garage. I'd like to build a storage mezzanine in the front. About 18.5" wide, 6-8' in length (undecided for sure at this point).
It's a double garage, I'd like to span the entire width without any center posts. The perimeter of the garage is a 2x4 construction, so I could hide a post in that space. The issue is the garage is barely wide enough to fit 2 cars in, so any posts within the 18.5' would render the project useless.
From my online research, it seems like an LVL beam would do the trick, but I have no experience with them. I'm reasonably handy otherwise.
Suggestions? Need additional info? Thanks in advance.
#2
06-02-14, 02:41 PM
Group Moderator
That's a perfect application for an LVL. Depending on your regulations you may need signed engineering documentation for your application but most LVL suppliers will provide it with the purchase of their product.
There is not much special about working with LVL's other than to follow the directions. You'll probably be laminating (nailing) two or three members together to form your beam so make sure you follow their nailing schedule and don't try to "improve" it by through bolting. Drilling through a LVL is generally a no-no. Other than that start working on a plan to handle pieces of lumber that size as it's going to be longer, taller and heavier than any other piece of wood you've dealt with so you'll need several helpers or machinery for the lifting.
There is not much special about working with LVL's other than to follow the directions. You'll probably be laminating (nailing) two or three members together to form your beam so make sure you follow their nailing schedule and don't try to "improve" it by through bolting. Drilling through a LVL is generally a no-no. Other than that start working on a plan to handle pieces of lumber that size as it's going to be longer, taller and heavier than any other piece of wood you've dealt with so you'll need several helpers or machinery for the lifting.
