Stand build advice

[jelly]

I am constructing a stand in my garage to span the back wall. It will be 17.5' by 3' deep and about 30" high. I am using 4x2 for the construction. It will support one 8'x 2' x 30" and one 6' x 2' x 30"

My question is whether I can span a gap of 5' between the uprights as I would like to utilise the space below.

Thanks

 

[Knowdafish]

With a 5' span I would double up on the 2x4's or use 2x6's. Better safe than sorry. Are you going to use any plywood?

 

[jelly]

I am using 18mmm Ply with a 255mm sheet of polystyrene.

 

[Knowdafish]

With that thickness of plywood you could just double up on the perimeter 2x4's. Use plenty of glue.

 

[jelly]

Thinks Knowdafish.

When you say double up the perimeter, do you mean vertically floor to top or horizontally accross the span, Do you mean creating a 4 x 4 or an 8 x 2.

 

[Knowdafish]

Horizontally creating a 4 x 4 for your 5' span

 

[andres]

What type of wood?
2x4's should hold it just fine.

If you want to be safe double them, but I would argue its not needed.

Strong corners and design is far superior than too much lumber.

 

[jelly]

The four corners will be attached to the walls, all vertical support will be 4 x 4 mainly because of the amount of bits of wood it needs to have sitting on top of it.

 

[andres]

Honestly, if you are attaching it to the wall and using 4x4 posts your 2x4 beams should hold just fine. Its only 5 feet.

Putting it on the wall will make sure it is far sturdier than anything. Just make sure its level.

If you're worried about weight use lags or bolts instead of screws, don't double the wood.

 

[Austin]

is there a reason most people use doubled up 2x4's instead of 4x4's for the corners and such