You also need to ensure that the joist spacing is adequate.
Attic joist spacing.
This sample table gives minimum floor joist sizes for joists spaced at 16 inches and 24 inches on center o c for 2 grade lumber with 10 pounds per square foot of dead load and 40 pounds of live load which is typical of normal residential construction.
Standard joist spacing for the installation of attic flooring materials is 16 inches on center oc meaning the distance from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist is 16 inches.
Joist dimensions are only part of the equation.
The minimum finished ceiling height of living space varies from town to town but often falls between 6 8 and 7 6.
Given that 2x8s are actually 1 inches wide it works out to be 14 inches between each joist.
New homes install i beam shaped joists.
This means from the center of one upright joist to the center of the next.
When joists spacings are wider they should be deeper as well to limit stress and deflection under the load.
Common spacing for trusses on this type of building is often between 2 and 4 feet but trusses built with advanced designs may allow spacing as great as 8 or 12 feet.
Normally floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart on center.
Joist spacing and attic use the joist spacing in some attics is 24 inches and 1 2 inch sheets will sag and possibly break when spanning that distance.
Know the difference between your ceiling and floor joists.
So the space between rafters can be greater without reducing the maximum span.
Attic flooring panels are easy to install with their interlocking edges.
Redesigned to fit either 16 or 24 on center joist spacing supports up to 250 lbs making it easier than ever to get those cluttered spaces organized.
Further explanation of those factors that can limit the headroom of your finished attic and other code considerations are explored below.
You need 3 4 inch plywood.
How to install attic flooring on joists.
Builders can adjust their choice of lumber size and spacing depending on circumstances.
The same concept holds true for roof trusses.
With some structures floor joists are required to be 12 or 24 inches apart on center.
A single 4 pack covers approximately 10 sq.