Modern 2x4s are probably stronger than you think. Under optimal conditions, a single 2×4 can support about 1,000 pounds, or half a ton vertically.
similarly, How thick should Plywood be for garage shelves?
IMO you should get the best quality 3/4 plywood you can find (as many plys as possible) rip it to width, then glue 2 layers of that plywood together to make a 1 1/2″ thick shelf. If desired, you could cap the cut ends with solid wood.
on the other hand, Are two 2×4 stronger than one 4×4?
When used vertically, 4x4s are stronger than two 2x4s. However, if you need a horizontal surface, two 2x4s will be stronger than one 4×4. A 4×4 should not be used horizontally for anything structural. Always be sure that you’re using the proper size and strength of lumber.
also, How much weight can a 2×4 stud wall support? Depending on the length of wall, a 2×4 wall could support 20,000–30,000lbs. This wall would obviously contain a lot of studs, but that is still a ton of weight.
Is a 2×4 stronger on its side?
2xs are always stronger on edge, consider how a header is constructed. Obviously it’s easier to drill thru the flat side. You might consider using both flat and on edge – connected together.
Which plywood is best for garage shelves?
We use 1/2″ plywood for the 16″ width shelving – perhaps go up to 5/8″ or 3/4″ if you do 24″ wide shelving or have especially heavy loads destined for these shelves.
Is MDF good for garage shelving?
Because it’s inexpensive and fairly durable, medium density fiberboard s a good choice for practical projects like shelving and storage cabinets. … MDF is basically sawdust and glue, fused together under pressure and heat.
How deep should I build garage shelves?
For a garage, 16” depth is ideal for the storage of large items and 12” depth is ideal for smaller items. Adjustability is very important to maximize the use of space. Ideally, shelves should be 6” to 1′ off the floor to keep the items stored on them clean and dry.
Are two 2×4 as strong as a 2×8?
Your statement about 2- 2×4 not being as strong as one 2×8 or one 2×10 is technically correct because the height is different for each one (not apples to apples). Referring to the code tables is a little misleading. Double stacked beams (not glued together) each carry half the load.
Is 2 2×6 or 1 4×6 stronger?
A 4×6 joist is theoretically stronger than a doubled 2×6 joist because it’s 1/2″ thicker, but the actual strength depends upon the knots and other inherent weaknesses of any particular piece of lumber (#2 lumber can have some nasty spike knots or large not-so-tight round knots or wane).
How far can you cantilever a 2×4 deck?
The distance your joists can safely cantilever or overhang a drop beam is determined by the size of the joists, the wood type and grade of the lumber and the spacing between joists. Many building departments limit joist cantilevers to 24″ maximum.
Can a 2×4 wall support a second story?
I’d definitely feel much better about doing it if it had 2×6 studs, but can 2x4s support a second story? Yes..the are millions of two story homes with 2×4 walls on the first floor. That is never an issue even if you use 2×6 walls for the second floor…non issue.
How far can a 2×4 span without support?
Generally, 2x4s can extend for up to 20 feet, but a number of issues have to be considered. For instance, the 2×4 would not noticeably sag under its weight at 10 feet.
How much weight can 2 2×4 hold horizontally?
Depending on the length of wall, a 2×4 wall could support 20,000–30,000lbs. This wall would obviously contain a lot of studs, but that is still a ton of weight.
How far can a 2×4 span without sagging?
Generally, 2x4s can extend for up to 20 feet, but a number of issues have to be considered. For instance, the 2×4 would not noticeably sag under its weight at 10 feet.
How much force does it take to bend a 2×4?
A 10 foot long 2×4 carrying a uniform load of 40 pounds per foot (400 lbs total load) will have a maximum bending moment at the center of the span of 1000 ft-lbs. The same 10 foot long 2×4 with a point load of 400 lbs at the center will experience a maximum bending moment of 500 ft-lbs.
How far can a 2×4 span laying flat?
If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches.
Is OSB strong enough for shelving?
OSB is a great sheathing material but I certainly wouldn’t use it anywhere it would be visible. Even painted, it will not be a smooth surface and it will delaminate if it gets wet. The big box plywood gets a bad rap but for shelving, if a hardwood face is attached, it will work fine.
Can you use brad nails on MDF?
Puckers and mushrooms are less likely to occur in molding-grade MDF because the less-dense material at the site of the nail head allows for more material expansion. Slim, “needle-style” 18-gauge brad nails work best in pneumatic nailers. … You can, of course, use screws with MDF.
What are the disadvantages of using MDF?
What are the downsides of MDF?
- Engineered wood is easy to damage. One of the main differences between solid and engineered wood is the surface. …
- MDF is heavier. …
- MDF is vulnerable to extreme heat Remember that engineered wood is made out of wax and/or resin-like compounds. …
- MDF can’t support too much weight.
What is a good shelf depth?
The shelves shouldn’t be too deep.
The standard depth of most shelves is 16 to 20 inches deep. The highest shelf should be shallower, like 12 inches deep, to make those items easier to access. If you find that stuff seems to get pushed to the back and forgotten about, you should consider even shallower shelves.
How wide should Garage Shelving be?
Make shelves either 12″, 16″, or 24″ deep. From experience- 16″ works best. 12″ is too shallow except for the small stuff; 24″ is too deep and stuff gets lost in the back. As for hgt- I’ve taken my all the way to the ceiling- going vertical is the only choice when it comes to garage space.
Can you use a 2×4 as a joist?
you don’t use 2×4’s for floor joists.
How far can a 2×8 span without support?
In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2×8 up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet. The larger the deck, the larger the joists.
Is 1 2×8 or 2 2×6 stronger?
In bending, a joist composed of two 2×6’s (true dimension 1.5 inches x 5.5 inches) are slightly stronger than a single 2×8 true dimensions 1.5 inches by 7.25 inches. 2x6s are generally used for ceiling joists, esp since you said 24″ oc and reallllly short spans only (5 or 6 feet ). …
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