Shop Project: Additional Lumber Storage

[Jim Becker]

I finally-finally got started with the additional lumber storage racks in the upstairs of my shop building this weekend...something I've planned to do for, oh...about two years now. At this point, I really need to get about 1500 bd ft of air dried poplar inside "real soon now" and need a place to put it. I still have more work to do here (and not during the heat of the day!) but everything you see was built with re-claimed and gifted materials. I do need to buy some more construction material to finish up, but it's a minimum compared to what it would have cost to buy it all.

[Mike Wilkins]

That is a fine way to utilize some awkward space under the roof. Construction lumber and drywall screws is exactly what I used for my own storage rack. Made just like I like it; strong and cheap.

[Robert Payne]

I would suggest that you be certain to add cross ventilation in that space so your lumber doesn't dry too quickly in the higher heat you'll get under the roof. Likewise, I would sticker every layer and tie the stack down to the rack. Otherwise, you may end up with some severe banana boards due to the heat!

[phil harold]

. Construction lumber and drywall screws is exactly what I used for my own storage rack. Made just like I like it; strong and cheap.

Maybe cheap but, not strong!
I would add a few Nails, drywall screws are know to shear while a framing nail will bend

[Jim Becker]

As a rule, I "just say no" to drywall screws...for anything except drywall. For this project, basic construction uses heavy deck screws and nails from my framing nailer to "get it up", but 1/4" lag bolts with heavy washers will come into play before the rack is loaded.

Robert, I tend to use 1/4" stickers for this kind of storage to insure air flow and the space is vented.

[Todd Burch]

Jim, did your 1/4" stickers perhaps start life out as a sheet of ply? I'm fixin' to move my lumber inside a newly build shed, and I don't want to dead stack it right now, but was considering using either 1/8" or 1/4" masonite or cheap 1/4" ply (all ripped to thin strips) as stickers. The wood is well seasoned.

I presume you're comfortable enough with the framing of your shop to be able to hold that new dead load you are introducing.

Todd

[Jim Becker]

Todd, the building is constructed like a proverbial brick outhouse ...engineered joists and so forth. Exterior walls are concrete block. There is also a load bearing wall under the floor to the near end where the stairway is as well as my DC closet under a good part of the rest. No worries with weight bearing.

Many of my 1/4" stickers are hardboard or ply...I've been using them for years.

[Prashun Patel]

Nice cherry(?) flitches, Jim... Whatcha gonna do with them?

Nice rack! (did I just say that to another man?)