Q & A Sketch for Another Hometalk User

SawHorse Design Build
by SawHorse Design Build
2 Materials
$150
6 Hours
Easy

Another Hometalk User ask how to create an 8 x 12 platform in their garage that could be removed at a later date.


I cannot get the link to the other post to work so here


Ali. Here are a couple sketches/ videos to help you with your project. Was using phone to record so the orientation is a little bit off...


Once you get what you need from this- I'll probably delete this post since it is really not a completed project that I did.


Here are the step by step instructions to go along with the video of my rough sketch.


  1. Start with (2) 2 x4 x8 studs (or pressure treated if you are not putting plastic down first
  2. Mark both of them use a tape measure 16" on center. If you are wanting to see where the edge of the joist will line up, then substract 3/4" from each measurement and mark that. ie- first mark will be at 15 1/4" so the edge of the joist will align with the mark and the center will be right at 16" from the edge.
  3. The 2 x 4 x 12 piece will need to be trimmed by 3" if they are exactly 12 feet long. They will need to be 11' 9" when the 2 x 4 x 8 pieces are added to either end the total width will be 12 feet. This is important so the plywood lines up perfectly.
  4. You will have (7) 2 x 4 x 12's in total that need to be cut down. Do not cut the 2 x 4 x 8's
  5. Once they are cut screw through the 2 x 4 x 8 into the 2 x 4 x 12 based on the marks that you put 16" on center. I would recommend at least 2 screws per side into each piece so that would be 14 on each side.
  6. Once the platform is assembled, you will need to make sure that it is square. If is exactly 12 feet by 8 feet then measure the diagonal (hypotenuse) and it should be about 14' - 5". Measure both diagonal and push into place until they are both the same measurement.
  7. Once it is square you may need to level the framing. Use a level and the shims at least every 4 feet until the platform is level in each direction. Since it is a garage it should have started with a slope towards the doors.
  8. Once it is level, add the plywood to the platform. Since it is not going to be permanent, do not glue the plywood like you would a regular sub-floor. I would add a screw every 16 - 24 inches. You can use the same screws that you bought for the framing of the platform.


I know that I did not show how to build the platform in the video so if you need for me to demonstrate on a smaller scale, I can do so next weekend.


The videos that I attached show the layout of the 2 x 4's and the plywood and how I came up with the quantities.

Suggested materials:
  • 2 x 4
  • 2 x4
Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Ali Ali on Dec 16, 2019

    By the way, is this platform able to hold large amounts of weight? I plan on making this into a lifting platform so the platform should be able to hold around 500-800 lb.


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 1 comment
  • Ali Ali on Dec 16, 2019

    Thank you very much this is great. I will analyze and make a plan and see if I want to move forward with this idea. Thanks for all the effort and time!

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