How to Build a Shed Loft for Extra Storage

A shed loft is an effective way to maximize space and turn your shed into an efficient multi-use space, be it storage, workspace or relaxing retreat. A loft will make your shed truly exceptional!

Floor joists form the backbone of any shed loft, supporting everything from boxes of old memories to your body as you work or relax in it.

Floor Joists

An extra shed loft can provide extra storage space for lesser-used tools and equipment, freeing up more room on your main floor for frequently needed items. You may even use your loft-equipped shed as an office or relaxing retreat from daily life – but first your loft must be securely supported; floor joists provide support as you ascend or descend the stairs in search of items to store or retrieve.

When selecting floor joists for a shed loft, many factors must be taken into account, including its intended load, shed height and access requirements. If you only intend on storing light items without spending much time in the loft itself, 2x4s may suffice; if heavier objects or using it as a workshop are being stored there however, 2x6s should be used as they offer increased strength.

As well as choosing the type of lumber for your shed floor joists, you must also carefully consider their spacing. Standard spacing for shed floor joists is 16 inches on center to increase strength of your floor structure; however if you intend on using your shed for heavy storage purposes or want the highest load capacity possible then consider spacing 12 inch joists instead.

If you need assistance choosing what size joists to use for your shed, refer to the plans that came with your purchase. Each plan should contain a chart outlining recommended joist sizes based on different uses and heights of sheds. Or reach out to one of Stateline Builders retail store’s customer service representatives for guidance in choosing floor joist sizes that best suits your shed’s design.

Once you have determined a suitable joist size, installation in your shed can begin. Each joist must be attached at both ends – to the plate at one end and floor joists on the opposite side – using joist hangers – simple metal straps which secure both ends of a joist. Each manufacturer provides engineering specifications on their hangers which allow users to determine how many nails or screws should be used on them.

Ladder

A shed loft is an effective way of expanding storage capacity in any shed, providing more room for lawn and garden equipment, workbenches or tools. However, in order to avoid collapsing this structure you should always make use of sturdy ladders which can support its weight as well as those using it.

As part of creating a shed loft, the first step should be installing floor joists. For this step, measure and mark out where each joist needs to go before cutting lumber for them and positioning. 2×6 joists may be preferable because they’re thicker and can support more weight.

Once the joists are set in place, you can then attach plywood flooring. When placing it over the joists it should be perfectly level and secured against them for best results. Cross bracing may also help provide added support; especially important in wider sheds where joists tend to twist more easily.

One excellent option is a gambrel roof shed. These sheds boast wide interiors that make them suitable for full or partial loft spaces, plus come equipped with double barn doors that give larger openings for loading and unloading equipment.

If your shed will be used for heavy-duty activities like repairing machinery or serving as a hobby shop, consider building an overhead loft to allow safe movement around and the setup of workbenches without fear of their weight.

Stairs

A shed loft can be an effective way to store lesser-used items, freeing up floor space for tools and equipment you use more frequently. Furthermore, many shed owners opt for full shed lofts big enough to serve as both cozy retreats or home offices.

To ensure a shed loft can withstand its weight, it’s essential that its structure can bear the additional stress. If your loft will hold heavy items or is larger in scale, consider including cross-bracing between the joists to provide extra support and avoid twisting under pressure.

Your shed loft should also have an access method you prefer; for smaller lofts, this could include using a ladder as it’s portable, easy to install and doesn’t require permanent alterations to your shed. For lofts with more expansive loft spaces that you plan to use as work areas however, an elevated staircase might be more suitable.

If you prefer not to build your own stairs, there are numerous pre-assembled options available for purchase. Simply choose a kit that matches the dimensions and ceiling height of your shed loft opening and ceiling height. Once selected, follow manufacturer’s instructions to install them; when ready, test by climbing up and down several times prior to regular usage so as to get an understanding of their ease and safety of use. Moreover, secure them to joists using brackets or metal L-clips for additional stability.

Roof

A shed loft offers you additional storage space. By placing items overhead, you can free up floor space for frequently-used tools and equipment. A lofted shed also makes converting it into a home office or workshop much simpler; just be sure that its roof can support such an addition first!

Sheds with lofts come in two main styles: barn style and A-frame. Barn-style sheds feature traditional gambrel roofs to provide additional headroom in the loft area; A-frame sheds feature standard utility roofs with low slopes. Lofted sheds can add additional storage without increasing your overall square footage footprint.

Before beginning to construct a shed loft, it’s essential that the roof can withstand the extra weight of storage materials. A crucial step is making sure that joists are adequately supported by rafters and trusses so you can begin building it.

Once your shed frame is completed, it’s time to add the plywood floor for your loft. Measure its dimensions – length, width, depth – in order to determine how much plywood to buy and cut to size using either a circular saw or jigsaw before attaching it securely via screws into its joists.

Stairs are an integral component of any shed with a loft, providing access to extra storage space while simultaneously offering convenient ways of storing taller items. When selecting your stair kit, ensure it matches both dimensions of the loft opening and ceiling height in your shed before following manufacturer instructions for assembly and testing before regular use.

A shed with a loft is an affordable storage solution, ideal for when extra space is needed for gear. Plus, you can customize it further with features like double doors, windows and pressure-treated flooring!