a little help please.

[sue denim]

My workshop is eleven metres square and six metres to the apex. At this time of year it is impossible to heat and thus I cannot work in comfort let alone the problems with glues etc. I have decided to build a block wall to divide the shop down the centre and then put a lid on one side to help keep me warm.

The big question is ...If I want to span over five metres what is the best and most economical way of creating a ceiling / floor.
I wish to use the area above for storage. I considered steel 'i' beams but they seem expensive. Is there a box beam construction I could use and what sort of depth / thickness would be required ?

Thanks in advance 'Sue'

 

[JonnyD]

You would only need 1 steel joist down the middle and a support leg and then you brace to the sides with 8x2's I did it this way in my workshop and the main span is about 10metres its very strong and we have had cast iron saws and planers up there along with a load of timber. This is a pic of of mine under construction.

There's plenty of timber engineered beams to consider as well

Cheers

Jon

 

[psm]

wow youve some work on there,all by your self?

 

[andersonec]

Google 'Posi Joists'

Andy

 

[sue denim]

thanks to the above for the suggestions.

I think that I will put two timber box beams in and then joist between them. I believe this will be the most economical solution and easiest for me.

Next question. There seems to be little on the internet regarding spans / depths thickness etc of these beams. Anyone had any experience or know of a source of info I could tap into ?

looking forward to the responses.

'Sue'