Thread revival time! I can't believe how long ago I started this thread and it's one of my favorites so I figured I'd bring it back rather than start a new one.
So my new place has no garage shelves, obviously and I want to fix that. I originally wanted to start shelving on the wall opposite the garage door on the 2 car side but decided I should probably wait until I get tools and stuff situated before messing with that space.
So I came to the conclusion that overhead is the ticket for now- just to get nonsense storage stuff out of my face. So... I need some advice from others that have built out overhead storage/lofts. The space is just a hair over 20' wide, just over 3' from ceiling to the top of the chain and "this" side of the beam hanging down 3" is ~5' making it a pretty simple 20'x5' shelf/loft.
Most of the storage items will likely be totes but of course random crap will end up there too. I'm bummed the height isn't more like 4' so I could stack totes but it is what it is. I think I'm happy with the 5' depth so it's more reasonable to get stuff from the back without having to climb all the way up there. I could of course make it significantly deeper so I'd like some advice based on experiences others have had with similar space.
Now on to the technical portion. For me to run a 20' length like that, would 2x6 construction be gravy? I really wish 2x4 would be up to snuff but I just don't see it. The studs above the door and the beam above the front of the shelf really make upright supports simple so I'm pleased about that.