Joist span for storage area

[retiredmarine]

I've got a bit of space above my bathroom and closet that is like to take advantage of for storage. Nothing major, I'll have to carry anything up and down a ladder, maybe seasonal cloth or Christmas decorations. If like to use the smallest 2x I can. I see the span tables star at a 2x6 but the load will not be anywhere near 20psf. I can't stand up in the space due to the roof but I'll kneel/sit up there occasionally. The bath is 5x9 and the closet is 9x9. Thoughts? 2x4 with joist hangers (I have to look and see if they even make 2x4 hangers) on 12 centers and 7/16 osb?





EDIT:  corrected typo in topic title for better readability. MD

[Don_P]

I can't really visualize what you are doing so just some general comments. A non storage ceiling uses 10psf for dead load, I wouldn't use less than another 10psf for very light storage.

Look at the grade stamp, never lay a "stud" stamped timber down horizontally. a stud is a #3 with #1 edges, it is a vertical column only. Look for #2 or better stamps.

With your species and grade info and loads;
http://www.timbertoolbox.com/Calcs/ddsimplebeam.html

[retiredmarine]

I can't really visualize what you are doing so just some general comments. A non storage ceiling uses 10psf for dead load, I wouldn't use less than another 10psf for very light storage.

Look at the grade stamp, never lay a "stud" stamped timber down horizontally. a stud is a #3 with #1 edges, it is a vertical column only. Look for #2 or better stamps.

With your species and grade info and loads;
http://www.timbertoolbox.com/Calcs/ddsimplebeam.html

Don,
I can't believe you can't read my mind!  lol yea that was a lousy description and set of pictures.  Lets try again

The first pic is the closet (left) and bath (right) what I want to do is use the space above then two rooms and below the vaulted ceiling for storage.  The second picture is the tops of those rooms (on the left the closest is the closet and the furthest is the bath. What I'm wanting to do is use 2x4 joists 12 inches on center over both rooms and cover them in OSB to make a storage area. Does that make any more sense?

[Migraine Craftsman]

Hey RM check this out https://www.awc.org/codes-standards/calculators-software/spancalc

Kind of give you an idea on things.

If you are using the area for storage I can't see why you wouldn't be able to use 2 by 4 on 12oc. If you wanna feel better go with 2by6 and call it a day would be no problem at all/