The mudroom project is coming along nicely. Last week, I left you with the picture below after showing you the plan for this corner of the garage... Our mudroom. :)
You can check that post right HERE.
Today's post is all about building the platform to gain access to the house. Very similar to what we had before, only that this time it's a bit bigger and higher.
Let's continue right where we left off...
-We were using the old steps to get in and out of the house, but that top step was a serious hazard! 😬
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Installing The Ledgers:
The first task was to install the 2x10 ledgers alongside the walls.
-Check my previous post to determine how high or low to install those ledgers.
Ensure they are level and that you're driving the screws or nails onto the studs on the wall.
NOTE: At this point, we used our DeWalt framing nailer to speed things up. using 3 1/2" nails. However, two 1/2" lag bolts were driven into each stud later on, to better support the intense load.
Checking and double-checking that everything was level.
Once happy with the layout, it was time to install the posts.
Another reason to use the 6 x 6 posts is that I didn't want too many obstructions under the decking area, since the plan is to use that area for storage. ;)
The 6 x 6 posts were cut to size and clamped to the joists. We used a 1/2" -very long- drill bit to drill the holes for the 1/2" x 9" carriage bolts we used.
Looking good!!
Here, Stan was having fun with the Impact wrench, driving the lag screws into the wall.
The 2 x 8 joists were cut to size. Then, we temporarily attached a metal T to the top ends of each joist, so they sat flush with the ledgers while we attached the metal hangers.
Nothing better than using this RIDGID palm nailer to install those joist hangers!
Let's take a moment to talk about the materials I used. Compared to the structure we had in here previously, these new posts and joists seem bulkier and stronger.
The previous platform was done with 2 x 6 joists and the supports were made out of 2 x 4's.
This time around, I'm using 2 x 10 joists and 6 x 6 posts. Both platforms are OK. The old platform was only used for getting in and out of the house, while the new one will support walls, windows, a door, strong flooring, and cabinets with ample storage. That's why we made it stronger.
Installing The Posts:
Two carriage bolts on each post, with their corresponding washer and nut.
And I can't stop emphasizing the importance of using the right tool for the job! In this case, the Milwaukee Impact wrench was the perfect tool for easily securing those posts.
INSTALLING THE JOISTS
The next step was to install the joists. They were installed every 16" on center. We used Simpson Strong-Tie 2x8 joist hangers.
Driving those nails goes fast.
The 4 X 8 OSB sheets were cut to size.
The tools for this job... A circular saw and drill to drive the screws later on.
And here is my happy face with the progress! :D
As we started planning the framing of those walls, we placed the windows where they would go and had to decide whether to use one or...
Two windows!
What do you think? Well, that's going to be cleared up during my next post.
Stay tuned!
INSTALLING THE SUBFLOOR
| OSB |
Liquid Nails were applied to the top of the joists before installing the OSB.
Mark the center location of each joist on the outside of the ledgers and on the wall. Those marks will help guide lines for driving screws to secure the OSB to the joists.
Here you can see how the platform looked at the end of the day. The old staircase was brought in one more time to help us get up there.
The next step is the framing of this little room, and that's going to be my next post. But I want to leave you with these two pictures below.
A few weeks ago, I went looking for windows at The Community Forklift here in Maryland. They have tons of used, reused, and vintage construction materials. Without a set plan for this little room, I bought two of those huge Jeld-Wen windows for a fraction of their real cost.
What do you think? Well, that's going to be cleared up during my next post.
Stay tuned!
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Here are all the projects that were tackled during this mudroom build:
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I would recommend only using 1. The reason you have put all this work into this space so you can utilize it as a mud room. If you have two large windows that kind of defeats the purpose :)
ReplyDeleteDefinetely! Yes, I only installed one. Wall space/storage is a necessity on both sides.
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