Shop Loft Build - How to Increase the Storage Space in Your Shop
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- The ceilings in my shop are 12 foot high, and that's a lot of wasted space. I decided to add a loft above the work area for storage and to house my dust collector and compressor. I was able to build a space roughly 8' by 12' with a ladder for easy access. This video chronicles that build.
Regards,
Bob
Facebook: / 992853487406788
E-Mail: RJBWoodturner@yahoo.com
Great job! I bet you feel so much better now that you have all that storage.
+Donovan Jaramillo Thank you Donovan,
I sure do and I'm loading it up fast.
Regards,
Bob
Great job Bob, that's going to give you some more elbow room. Thumbs up.
+OG Timbercraft Thank you,
I'm sure hoping to free up some space. Knowing me, I'll just bring home more stuff.
Regards,
Bob
Very informative and well executed build and video. People such as yourself are truly an asset to humanity. First with your knowledge of various and useful skills and second, by your willingness to SHARE and TEACH freely to others! My gratitude and respect to you dear friend. Job well done. God bless your family and home brother. Doug H in N.C.
Thank you Doug.
Regards,
Bob
You did a fantastic job. It came out very nice.
+jajocas Thank you.
Bob
Excellent work as always
+Stephen Mcdowell Thank you Stephen.
Regards,
Bob
Very nice! I'm jealous of your 12' ceiling. Good thinking on leaving that gap on the house wall to prevent noise transference. Now let's hope the drill press and lathe pulled through ok. I'll bet that was a scary moment.
+Wood 'n' Stuff w/ Steve French Thank you Steve,
So far so good on the drill press and the lathe. I got a chance to use both and they seamed ok.
I got really lucky with the high ceilings, I didn't realize the lot sloped so much when I bought it.
Regards,
Bob
This is a great video. Thanks!
Thank you Jeff.
Regards,
Bob
Job well done... enjoyed that video!
Thank you Darrell.
Regards,
Bob
brilliant project and crisp build video. Please wear a cap, when you go up the loft, to provide some protection to your head.
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
our guy from Haggard North® sends his regards
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Great use of space. Be share to add a camera mount up there should be able to get some good shots.
+Mike Fulton Great minds think alike,
That's on my list.
Well done Bob, but that my friend looked like a lot of hard work!
+Lynn Lacey It certainly would have been nice to have had some help. Other than my son helping me lift the sides into the shop, I did it all by myself. It wore my out.
Regards,
Bob
You are really going to enjoy this loft. I have a 25'x12' loft and it is amazing how much you can store there. It really
cleans up your shop. Don't forget to add a couple of outlets. They will really come in handy.
Good build.
+denis daurer Thank you,
I think I will add a couple outlets. I've started loading it up with wood and tools.
Regards,
Bob
That looks good. I would add some cross bracing for rigidity where it won't be in the way.
Thanks David.
Regards,
Bob
Fantastic build, I’m a young instrument engineer/technician.
For my apartment I’m looking to build a loft bed to provide more functional use for the small area I have. The dimensions you have built your loft is very close to the same dimensions I had in mind for building my bed as the room would be 11’1” width and probably around 8feet in length.
I have a couple of questions:
1. I was wondering how much weight you had either calculated would be safe to store across the whole area?
2. Would removing the legs and using purely wall mounted timber greatly effect that previous calculation?
I haven’t run the math. I build the loft like a deck with 2x8’s figuring if that could hold people and furniture, it should hold some stored wood.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner thanks for the quick response Bob. Also I was wondering how would I go about purchasing a pen?! Beautiful work
Hello Oliver,
Thank you. My wed site will be live very soon. It’s ready to go, I’m just uploading photos and descriptions.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you for posting this video! Very helpful as I prepare for my loft build.
Thank you Aaron.
Regards,
Bob
That's a great use of what is normally wasted space. Great video showing all the steps needed. Thanks for sharing!!!
+Kenneth Sievers Thank you Kenneth,
I enjoyed building it and it won't be long till its full.
Regards,
Bob
That will definitely give you a lot more room . I wish I could do that in my shop but I only have 8ft. wall's . Nice job take care.
+glen mckelvey Thank you Glen,
I'm already loading it up with wood.
Regards,
Bob
Did you get a permit for this build or at least get an engineer to check load capacities? Did you check to see if your columns needed footings? The connections from columns to joists appears to be inadequate, they would need more/other support to pass permit requirements in my county.
.
Are you concerned about the electrical panel? looks like the loft covers the top of the panel cover. does that mean you can never remove the cover to replace a breaker switch or whatever?
+SJWoodworks That was a concern initially but there is a gap between the support and the walk that allows the panel to be removed. I did have to leave the top screws out permanently.
RegardsC
Bob
Say, are you from Louisville or was there a sale on tee-shirts?
Nice job on the loft! Really impressed how you built is without any help.
+Geofferson Jefferson Thank you,
I'm originally from Louisville.
Regards,
Bob
Excellent investment & use of space. Is your son camera shy?
Thank you.
No he’s not camera shy, he’s a minor so I’m very selective about his UA-cam/Social media appearances.
Regards,
Bob
Hey Bob, thanks for posting and great job! How did you secure the lag bolts to the studs in the wall without destroying them? Are they wood studs?
Hello,
The studs in my garage wall are 2”x6” wood studs.
Regards,
Bob
Materials cost: $343.50
Includes $99 stairs! Thanks!
😃
My ceilings are 6 foot 1/8th inches high. My loft is the floor joist area 3/8 ths of an inch away from my head. :)
They didn't make very deep basements in the 1890's.
+Cliff Hartle LOL,
I know what you mean, our basements have always had really low ceilings.
Regards,
Bob
Fantastic set of instructions. I will build a loft based on these approach....thanks a lot.
Thank you.
how tall is it from floor to the bottom of loft flooring, then from the floor of the loft to the ceiling?
7’ from floor to bottom of loft.
8” beam thickness
3/4” flooring thickness
4’ from loft flooring to ceiling.
Regards,
Bob
i have a room with a very high ceiling, im thinking of building a bedroom loft, by using the same technic as you, will the floor will be strong enough to support the weight?
I have a ton of wood and other stuff stored up there. Just don’t skimp on the framing, keep it beefy. You might even look at some deck building books for ideas.
Regards,
Bob
Good project Bob! like your videos because you are not afraid to show us your mistakes. Keep doing what you do and sharing it.
+Steve Brown Thank you Steve,
I'm only human and make many mistakes. I want people to know that so they don't get discouraged when they try and it doesn't work perfectly. All of us make mistakes, many just edit them out.
Regards,
Bob
Does it need to be lagged bolted and do you have a spec list on yhe wood dimensions
It was built like a free standing Deck. I used plywood instead of boards for the surface.
I lagged it since it was so high I was worried it may sway to one side or the other.
I built it a long time ago so I don’t have a spec list. I went to the library and checked out a book on deck construction. Except for the plywood, I built it just like the book recommended.
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner thank you for your time
@@RJBWoodTurner I will keep you posted on my progress.
Your a good man my brother everything will be all right sir good job :)
+TJ'S WOODWORKING SHOP Thank you TJ.
Regards,
Bob
No problem my friend :)
I know you are a safety conscious person and I'm hoping you will be adding a railing along the open face. Even if it was only a 1x3 about 2 foot off the deck, attached with a few 2x4s to the deck stringer. I'm not for seeing you falling off the deck but if you were moving boxes around up there and misstepped that would be an insult to injury especially if you had your drill press in the way and landed on it. Also, what type of lighting are you going to use? I would suggest a lot of LED lighting because it's low voltage and no heat. You could use "rope lighting" on every floor joists that way you wouldn't end up with bad shadows.
Are you going to add hooks or tool pockets on the 4x6 upright that face out? I would so nothing lays flat. And one last question ;-) if you attached an long "L" bracket to the bellow the TV connection (on the bedroom side) you would have a place to hang your long pipe clamps without interfering with watching the TV.
Thank you.
I love to see a traveling man practicing his craft
Amon Pimpton yeah, noticed that immediately.
Thank you.
I know you are a safety conscious person and I'm hoping you will be adding a railing along the open face. Even if it was only a 1x3 about 2 foot off the deck, attached with a few 2x4s to the deck stringer. I'm not for seeing you falling off the deck but if you were moving boxes around up there and misstepped that would be an insult to injury especially if you had your drill press in the way and landed on it. Also, what type of lighting are you going to use? I would suggest a lot of LED lighting because it's low voltage and no heat. You could use "rope lighting" on every floor joists that way you wouldn't end up with bad shadows.
Are you going to add hooks or tool pockets on the 4x6 upright that face out? I would so nothing lays flat. And one last question ;-) if you attached an long "L" bracket to the bellow the TV connection (on the bedroom side) you would have a place to hang your long pipe clamps without interfering with watching the TV.
Thank you.
With lagging the loft across the back and one side to the studs the need for the three structural 4x6 posts is not necessary. Doesn’t hurt any and helped in the assembly process but just saying. Multiple ways of building this loft for sure but you did a real nice job by yourself.
A loft in my garage would go from my storage area to “hers”. 😁
Thank you, I used the 4x6’s as the main supports. The whole thing was build free standing. I lagged it mostly as a safety backup and to keep it from moving/shifting.
I wasn’t sure the 2x6 wall construction would hold all that weight.
Regards,
Bob
What size is the loft
8’ deep by 12’ wide.
Lag bolts on 1x6. Was wondering how I'd build my bed loft corners. Nice.
Thank you.
Great build. Just a suggestion - some floor paint on the top, and white primer or paint underneath plus some LED lights just to help on the ever present lighting issues! Enjoy.
+servant74 Great suggestions,
I just got some T8 fluorescent light fixtures. Once I get them installed I may go with the paint idea if there is still a lighting issue. Thank you for the idea.
Regards,
Bob
i plan to build a loft to make the floor a secrete gun cabinet
Very cool idea.
Regards,
Bob
I have 15 foot ceilings and a garage that is 21 feet wide. I want to build a 21 by 10, 210 square foot loft. This video has been very practical.
Thank you Christopher, I used a deck building book from one of the big box stores then beefed it up a little for the weight.
Regards,
Bob
Great video. Thanks for your tips! I was looking to do this by myself too. Great encouragement you've done it with no help!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Very nice Bob, I'm sure that extra space will come in handy in your shop, the dust collector is great to have up top that's where I have it in my shop and love.having the extra room on the shop floor. Great build...
+Joe M Thank you Joe,
I can't wait to move it up there. There's still a great deal of work to be done before that happens.
Regards,
Bob
Nice addition to your shop. Now something to think about is lighting, you can run the led strip under the loft and have great lighting for working. And a stay rail would be a good idea too. Thanks for sharing, take care.
+David Clauson Good morning David,
I'm right there with you. For Fathers Day I got two 8' T8 fixtures and two 4' T8 fixtures. The 8's will go in the open area of the shop the the 4's will go under the loft.
My dad had two 4' fluorescent fixtures that will go on the loft to make it easier to see up there.
Now I just need to make the cash for the copper.
Regards,
Bob
Great loft!! Enjoyed the video, you made it look like it was super easy! Liked that you told the total price.
Thank you.
great job on the build. did you design that out or did you have someone do it for you. also where did you get your lumber from? keep being awesome.
+James Foskey Hello James,
I designed it and I purchased the lumber from Menards.
Regards,
Bob
could you share yhe dimensions of your shop? im looking at building a shed of similar dimensions.
+pewpewkad7 It's 12' x 24' x 12' tall.
Regards,
Bob
Super project! I really enjoy doing stuff like that. The worst part is finishing and not having it to do
+stephen dickinson LOL,
It's been so hot lately that I was glad to get this one finished. Can't wait to spend a few days cooling off in the house.
Regards,
Bob
Great build Bob,sure gave you some needed space
+Opa's Workshop Thank you Opa,
I'm happy for the extra storage.
Regards,
Bob
can you please make a separate video on how to make the foldable ladder
I purchased that ladder from a hardware store. It’s called an attic ladder.
Regards,
Bob
Awesome build! Did you have to report this in any way to the city?
+E MB No,
It's like a big shelf.
Bob
Liked and subscribed! Think you can help a brother out, I wanna build a 16'x30' loft in my hangar and i want to make it strong enough to put sofa love seat and a bar and would love some ideas.
I hit the library and checked out a book on decks. I built this loft just like one of the decks in the book. It also had 25 or 30 different deck designs with plans for each one. You could pick he features you like and totally customize it to your specific needs.
Doing the same 16x 14' can find 6x6beams was wondering if 4x6 s like u used holding up well?
@@mchild1983 I'm also interested in your question.
@@tomasflinger2861 meant CaNT" find 6x6..orci was having trouble finding
Nicely done. I assume you will install some lighting under the storage loft.
+Michael Trent Hello Michael,
Yes, I've already got the lights, I just need to buy the copper.
Regards,
Bob
We added led can lights in the house and got the natural sunlight bulbs. If you have not already committed to lighting, I suggest these lights, it will make a great difference to your turning. (Just my opinion).
Anyway, I know you will enjoy your new loft storage.
+Michael Trent I've tried LED and for some reason I can't see with them. They may be to bright for my eyes. I was meaning to talk with my eye Dr. about that. We have them in all our closets.
Regards,
Bob
Nice build. I don't have that tall of a ceiling but it may can be done in my garage.
+Spencer Brown It is amazing and holds a ton of stuff. I plan to build a second one in the other garage.
Regards,
Bob
My email is scjwe59@gmail.com
I would like to hear about your next deck in other garage.
Spence
Great job! A good thing you don't have any dislike.
+Raphs2k 06 Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
wow. very talented. thanks for uploading
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Awesome work, the loft turned out great. But question, why not have it built into the house during construction?
+Shaun Kennedy I didn't realize the garage would be this tall. It was supposed to have 8' ceilings and because it's on a hill, I got 12'. If I had known that, I would have.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner creating be it art or wood working is the same, you can have it all planned out and still end up with a surprise
+Shaun Kennedy That's the truth. It never seems to work out the way it's planned.
Regards,
Bob
Great build! Thanks for sharing.
+NEB3310 Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you this is very helpful!
Thank you.
Great Video! The end result looks really good and sturdy.
+Sean Gallardo Thank you Sean,
I've been very happy with it.
Regards,
Bob
Where could I find a list of materials? Great work!
I’m not sure that would help you as every space and every loft build will be different.
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner I was looking to make one with the same dimensions as yours. I have a space in my garage, but I'm not sure where to even start looking for the correct materials. I understand how you put it together but I'm not sure that I understand what goes where and why. Thanks!
Thank u, I am setting up a woodworking shop and I got some great ideas from your excellent work, Louie from Northern Ireland
+Louie Smyth Thank you Louie,
I really appreciate you watching. Best of luck setting up your new shop.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks mate, my tablesaw arrives next Thursday so I am excited, thank u 4 taking the time to do the excellent work u do because it creates better ideas for all of us setting up shop, I wish you well in your shop, Louie Northern Ireland
+Louie Smyth Thank you Louie,
Congratulations on the new saw.
Regards,
Bob
Well thought out. Nicely done.
+James Dunkerson Thank you James.
Regards,
Bob
Looks great !~!!!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
That looks awesome Bob! Great work!
+David Thank you David.
Regards,
Bob
Nice work. Do you have a materials list?
I built it so long ago that I don’t have any of the lists I made. I took the measurements to Menards and plugged them into the deck builder app they have. The only change I made was the addition of attic steps. They give you the materials list.
Regards,
Bob
@@RJBWoodTurner Thanks for the info. Did you notch out your posts to fit over your cinder foundation wall?
I did not, I placed the 4x6 against the cinder blocks at the bottom of the wall. Then I used another board between the wall and deck and lagged through both into the wall. Talk with the folks and the building supply store, they can help you with the best way for your specific shop needs as well as help you make sure you are following code for your area.
Regards,
Bob
just a random guess but are you from kentucky ? :)
+XeX Classic originally, I've lived in Indiana for almost thirty years.
Bob
just wondering , saw the shirt :P im from the lexington area .
+XeX Classic Haven't been there for years but I use to spend a ton of time at UK hanging out with friends.
Bob
Great vid. Great loft
Thank you Jorge.
Regards,
Bob
Very nice
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
fantastic
+Marie GabrielDavidPio Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Excellent... !
Cheers...
+Adam Quincey Thank you Adam.
Regards,
Bob
Looks good, Bob!
+Bob Snyder Thank you Bob.
Regards,
Bob
i need this for my shop
Thank you.
Great job
+Jay Gladney Thank you Jay.
Regards,
Bob
Are you planning to add a safety railing up there.
+Brian Binns No,
There will be no railing.
Regards,
Bob
i am no carpenter but would the top weight is stressing on the bolts instead transferring the weight directly to the post?
+Daniel .Coching The shear strength of a 1/2" stainless steel bolt is 120,000 lbs per square inch. There are two 1/2" stainless steel bolts on each side at each post. I also used 1/2" stainless bolts to lag this loft to the wall.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner thanks, i am doing the same thing in my garage, replicating your projects, i would mainly use it for clothes and non equipment stuff. i am assuming you bolted the back to a stud. you think i don't need to bolt the right side to the stud?
+Daniel .Coching Hello Daniel,
The back and the right side are bolted to every stud I could hit. I didn't bolt the left side, I purposely left it 3" away from the wall so as not to transfer any sound or vibrations into the house. My dust collector is going up there soon.
Bob
I don't know if 2 bolts on either end of the beam in the front is enough to support the weight. You should consider adding a 4x4 under it and laminated to the 4x6 post. Also ledger bolts pattern shouldn't all be in line as that promotes splitting of the ledger board along that line.
+Sarit Sotangkur Thank you Sarit.
Regards,
Bob
Sarit, I agree with you. It's not the sheer strength of the bolts you have to worry about, it's how much weight will the beams take before they split. Even a shallow notch on the posts would transfer the weight off what's left of the beams above the bolt holes.