Q & A Sketch for Another Hometalk User
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.
- Start with (2) 2 x4 x8 studs (or pressure treated if you are not putting plastic down first
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- 2 x 4
- 2 x4
Frequently asked questions
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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.