I want to convert my roof space primarily into a storage area. The attic floor consists of wooden joists spaced one meter (3.3 feet) apart. I plan to screw OSB panels onto them. The sales assistant at the hardware store recommended a panel thickness of 22 mm (7/8 inch).
He saw no issue with some of the panel joints lying directly between the joists. That seems a bit weak to me, but I also don’t want to always align the joints exactly on a joist for better stability. What do you think? Are the panels strong enough? I also want to store some heavy furniture in the attic.
He saw no issue with some of the panel joints lying directly between the joists. That seems a bit weak to me, but I also don’t want to always align the joints exactly on a joist for better stability. What do you think? Are the panels strong enough? I also want to store some heavy furniture in the attic.
M
MODERATOR25 Jul 2012 13:51Butt joints between the joists are not advisable, as this will cause instability; furthermore, a spacing of 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) is too wide for most floor panels, definitely for a 22mm (7/8 inch) thick panel.
I consulted a load capacity chart for OSB panels: with a support spacing of 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) and a panel thickness of 25mm (1 inch), the maximum allowable live load is 1.0 kN/m² (20.9 psf). This is barely sufficient to consider an attic floor walkable.
For storage purposes, this is not adequate. Based on balcony live load standards, I would expect a requirement of around 4.0 kN/m² (83.5 psf), which your floor structure would need to meet.
It is best to contact an OSB panel manufacturer and describe your project; they will certainly advise you on the best option regarding panel type, thickness, and support spacing.
I consulted a load capacity chart for OSB panels: with a support spacing of 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) and a panel thickness of 25mm (1 inch), the maximum allowable live load is 1.0 kN/m² (20.9 psf). This is barely sufficient to consider an attic floor walkable.
For storage purposes, this is not adequate. Based on balcony live load standards, I would expect a requirement of around 4.0 kN/m² (83.5 psf), which your floor structure would need to meet.
It is best to contact an OSB panel manufacturer and describe your project; they will certainly advise you on the best option regarding panel type, thickness, and support spacing.
R
Ricardo-117 Feb 2015 10:09Hi,
I have a similar idea and am therefore looking for possible solutions. That’s why I inquired about these OSB boards. They are a good and cost-effective option. These OSB boards are well suited for interior construction. Here, I am using the OSB2 board.
I have a similar idea and am therefore looking for possible solutions. That’s why I inquired about these OSB boards. They are a good and cost-effective option. These OSB boards are well suited for interior construction. Here, I am using the OSB2 board.
H
herrmann-110 Aug 2015 13:09I also used these OSB panels for the attic. I chose a thickness of 22 mm (7/8 inches). I placed some furniture on the floor, and I believe this thickness is the right choice.
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