xtal01
Mechanical
- Mar 15, 2012
- 143
I am building a new workshop .... 3500 sq ft ... 1000 sq ft attic ... doing everything myself.
I am a very conservative builder.
For example, I am using 16" TJI's for the attic floor to get a 125 psf rating. I don't think I could ever possible put that much "stuff" up there but I know I have a lot of heavy items and wanted to be safe.
So, I have a problem.
The way it worked out, I have limited head space on the stairway leading to the attic.
In order to get even a standard doorway, I need to reduce the header size.
The opening is 48 " ... minus 3" on one side for a double jack stud ... and 1 1/2" on the other side ( there is actually a pocket in the wall with 3 jack studs ) so 43 1/2" opening.
I only have 5 1/2" for the header.
I was about to use just three 2 x 6's nailed together with two 1/2" spacers (so I would have 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" since I am using 2 x 6 stud walls).
Then I started thinking maybe I should use a 6 x 6 ?
I just keep thinking I was told at some time in my past that individual pieces were stronger as if there is defect, it would not be through as it is in a single piece.
As another possible solution, I could use a piece of 4 x 4 steel tubing (say 3/16 or 1/4 wall) ... if I can find some (local metal yard only likes to sell complete 20 ft sticks).
This opening has a roof truss sitting on it directly in the center (roof trusses are spaced at 24" and this is an intermediate support wall).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks .... Mike
PS ... my wife has been putting up videos of the build ... they are a month or so behind but it gives a food picture of what I am doing Link
I am a very conservative builder.
For example, I am using 16" TJI's for the attic floor to get a 125 psf rating. I don't think I could ever possible put that much "stuff" up there but I know I have a lot of heavy items and wanted to be safe.
So, I have a problem.
The way it worked out, I have limited head space on the stairway leading to the attic.
In order to get even a standard doorway, I need to reduce the header size.
The opening is 48 " ... minus 3" on one side for a double jack stud ... and 1 1/2" on the other side ( there is actually a pocket in the wall with 3 jack studs ) so 43 1/2" opening.
I only have 5 1/2" for the header.
I was about to use just three 2 x 6's nailed together with two 1/2" spacers (so I would have 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" since I am using 2 x 6 stud walls).
Then I started thinking maybe I should use a 6 x 6 ?
I just keep thinking I was told at some time in my past that individual pieces were stronger as if there is defect, it would not be through as it is in a single piece.
As another possible solution, I could use a piece of 4 x 4 steel tubing (say 3/16 or 1/4 wall) ... if I can find some (local metal yard only likes to sell complete 20 ft sticks).
This opening has a roof truss sitting on it directly in the center (roof trusses are spaced at 24" and this is an intermediate support wall).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks .... Mike
PS ... my wife has been putting up videos of the build ... they are a month or so behind but it gives a food picture of what I am doing Link