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Questions about shed floor and joist spacing
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:30 am
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:30 am
I have 27 concrete blocks I will be using for footers. I have set some strapping in them by filling with concrete to attach 4x4 posts to. My plan was to have three 24' 4x4 skids attached to these blocks and then a 2x4 floor set on top of that. The shed will be 12' wide, so that is 66.75" or roughly 5.5' between the 4x4 skids. My question is, is 5.5' to long for 2x4 floor joists and will they sag? Do I need to do a 2x6 floor? I will be storing a golf cart and riding mower in it.
Here's a mockup I just created. Click view in 3D.
Here's a mockup I just created. Click view in 3D.
6
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:33 am to VanRIch
No way I would use a 2x4, use at least a 2x6 if not a 2x8. I would use treated wood for all the wood for the shed foundation
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:35 am to wickowick
quote:
I would use treated wood for all the wood for the shed foundation
Yes I plan to. The only reason I was initially considering 2x4s is because of the height. I know another 2 inches isn't a big deal but I'm already 15 inches with the 2x4s, but I'd rather be safe than sorry I suppose.
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:37 am to VanRIch
2x6 minimum for floor joists. 2x6's are good for a 6' span.
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:48 am to VanRIch
If your using 4x4 skids under the 2x4s, then you should be ok. Only thing different I'd do, is use 4 skids as opposed to 3...and space them 4' apart. This will give you a good bit more support and shorten up the spacing between the 2x4s going across.
If you're dead set on using only three 4x4 skids, then I'd go with 2x6s for the floor joists. Generally, the rule of thumb is 2x6s minimum for floor joists on sheds. Also, you may want to consider what you are storing in there. Anything heavy (riding lawnmowers, freezer, etc) and I'd definitely use the 2x6s instead.
If you're dead set on using only three 4x4 skids, then I'd go with 2x6s for the floor joists. Generally, the rule of thumb is 2x6s minimum for floor joists on sheds. Also, you may want to consider what you are storing in there. Anything heavy (riding lawnmowers, freezer, etc) and I'd definitely use the 2x6s instead.
This post was edited on 3/21/19 at 11:53 am
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:49 am to VanRIch
2x4 would be bouncy as hell, even on 16" centers with 5.5' span. you should have no problem using 2x6 on 18" or maybe 24" centers in a normal shed. i would use 3/4" osb subfloor.
but, how heavy is a golf cart? the point loads from all those batteries may make you want to go up in joist size, decrease the distance between joists, or double the joists where the tires will sit.
but, how heavy is a golf cart? the point loads from all those batteries may make you want to go up in joist size, decrease the distance between joists, or double the joists where the tires will sit.
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:51 am to VanRIch
There is not enough meat on a 2x4. 2X6 is a bare minimum for a floor. My little 8x10 shed has 2x8 joists on 16" centers.
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:59 am to LSUperior
Well I have to start this evening and I don't have enough time to make more blocks with the straps for another skid. So I'll go with 2X6s. I'll also double up where the golf cart will go> I'll make some marks on the floor and park it in the same spot every time.
Thanks everyone.
Thanks everyone.
This post was edited on 3/21/19 at 12:00 pm
Posted on 3/21/19 at 12:50 pm to VanRIch
Here's the floor joists and rim joists framing I've installed for a 12'x12 shed. I wanted a very solid base with no sagging. Always use 2x6, and even above ground, go with pressure treated for your floor framing.
Also, I'm trenching out between the outer blocks and installing 1/2 galvanized hardware cloth to the frame then adding concrete in the trenches to hold these in place to keep critters out.
I used arrowhead type earth anchors with aircraft cabling, two at each corner, to secure the frame to the ground. You drive these 3' into the ground, then when you pull up, the arrowhead flattens in the ground and can't be pulled out unless using 3000# or higher pull strength. I bolted these to the framing. Tip* Use the iron arrowheads instead of aluminum in rocky or hard sandstone type soils, and if you can start a pilot hole using a long 18" bit on a hammer drill, it will allow the arrowhead to penetrate. Probably not an issue where you live, but I'm north of DFW and the soil is hard as, well, a rock.
Also, I'm trenching out between the outer blocks and installing 1/2 galvanized hardware cloth to the frame then adding concrete in the trenches to hold these in place to keep critters out.
I used arrowhead type earth anchors with aircraft cabling, two at each corner, to secure the frame to the ground. You drive these 3' into the ground, then when you pull up, the arrowhead flattens in the ground and can't be pulled out unless using 3000# or higher pull strength. I bolted these to the framing. Tip* Use the iron arrowheads instead of aluminum in rocky or hard sandstone type soils, and if you can start a pilot hole using a long 18" bit on a hammer drill, it will allow the arrowhead to penetrate. Probably not an issue where you live, but I'm north of DFW and the soil is hard as, well, a rock.
Posted on 3/21/19 at 1:15 pm to HubbaBubba
Like prevent critters from getting under the shed?
Posted on 3/21/19 at 5:15 pm to VanRIch
quote:? Was I unclear about this?
VanRIch
Posted on 3/21/19 at 5:40 pm to VanRIch
either go with 4x4s or 2x6, the 2x4s will hold the weight for a short time but in 6 months it will be sunken in where the weight sits.
people greatly underestimate how much flex there is in 2x4s
people greatly underestimate how much flex there is in 2x4s
Posted on 3/21/19 at 11:37 pm to VanRIch
A general rule of thumb is the span length in feet is the lumber depth in inches.
So 4’ for 2x4, 6’ for 2x6, 8’ for 2x8, etc.
So 4’ for 2x4, 6’ for 2x6, 8’ for 2x8, etc.
Posted on 3/22/19 at 6:40 am to VanRIch
Minimum 2x6 24" oc. T&g 3/4 ply decking. Solid af.
Posted on 3/22/19 at 10:23 am to HubbaBubba
quote:
HubbaBubba
Your foundation looks very solid. Good call with the earth anchors too.
I had similar problems with a sagging middle b/c it wasn't properly supported so I had to wheel it out on PVC tubing to backfill it.
Posted on 3/22/19 at 1:52 pm to idlewatcher
Thanks 
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