DIY Network

Garage Loft From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-104

Chuck has a problem with space. He has run out of it. He and his wife enclosed their garage to create more room for a home office, kids play area and storage. Now all three areas are on top of each other resulting in chaos.

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Breaking Down the Project

• The room is measured 24'x24'. The ceilings measured 12'4". The room was a garage that had been converted into an office/living space. The traditional garage door has been replaced with an all glass garage door. Access to the new loft will be by the existing landing at the door to the house. 100' of space will be added with the loft.

• It's important to think about how are you going to use the space. Will it be for work? Will it be for your kids? Also, determine how big of a loft you would like to create. Make sure that is big enough to serve its purpose, but small enough that it won't take up your garage. Lofts are a great way to have another room, without taking up space. Plus, it will give you storage space underneath.

Nail boards into the wall by using a framing nailer. It's best to place the nails 6' to 8' apart.

Materials:

4x4 posts
3/4 Advantec T&G flooring
subfloor screws
fasteners, screws, nails, subfloor glue
brackets
lag bolts
joists
masonry anchors
12 24x24 carpet squares
primer and white semi-gloss paint
double-sided tape
hammer
circular saw
framing nailer
gloves
utility knife
framing square
miter saw
pry bar
masonry bit
nail gun
drill
tape measure
chalk line
painter's tape

Anchor Loft

1. Cut 2x10 ledger boards with a miter saw.

2. Place ledger boards along the back wall and nail them into the studs to anchor the new loft.

Tips:

• You will always want to check the walls for wires and pipes in addition to studs using a stud-finder.

• Vents and ducts can be easily rerouted.

	Screw the post into the bracket.
	Set in the next ledgers from the wall to the post, and make sure they are level. Nail the ledgers to the post.

Corner Post

1. Measure from each wall to find the spot for the post.

2. Place painter's tape on floor to mark where the bracket will go.

3. Cut out a piece of the carpet so the bracket lays flush on the concrete.

4. Use a masonry bit to drill into the floor.

5. Use masonry anchors to drill in the bracket.

Tips:

• A post can be added to an existing floor using a galvanized anchor.

• Wrap tape around bit to show how far down it needs to go. Painter's tape works great for this and is easy to remove. Also, use tape as a fan to blow dust away as the drill spins.

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