Need help! Read please.

[Sir Kenyth]

I want to say in advance, thanks for any help I get!

Here's the deal. I live upstairs in a two level. I'm putting in a weight bench. I used to work out downstairs with him, but he got married, his wife is in her last trimester, etc. It's just not the best time to be tromping in every second day to lift. Anyway, I need to know if the floor can handle the weight of the bench, me and the maximum weight I will be lifting. All together, the weight may occasionally hit just under 700 lbs. Usually it will be just under 600 lbs. The support beams are 2x6 hardwood boards spaced 12 inches apart. The main posts and beams are 6x6. I've been told that this floor can easily support 60 lbs. per sq. foot, but I want to make sure. Does anyone have experience in floor load capacities? I've scoured the internet and found nothing substantial.

Help me! I don't want to fall through the floor and squish my neighbors! Especially with a big weight on top that will squish me too!

edit: I goofed! The joists are 2x8 not 2x6. I had to find a spot in the ceiling to get through. I had poor light, and apparently I ran the tape measure against a 2" block somewhere in the murky dark. Probably used for an old light fixture or something.

[ 02-20-2002: Message edited by: Sir Kenyth ]

[Beaumanoir]

LOL! An Unusual Problem Kenyth! But You'd Have To Ask A Specialist! Not Me!

[MILAMBER]

I believe the person you would want is LofA. Personally I don't think it'd be a problem. Why don't you just get a gym membership?

[Sir Kenyth]

quote:

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Originally posted by Beaumanoir:
LOL! An Unusual Problem Kenyth! But You'd Have To Ask A Specialist! Not Me!

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Leave it to me to ask the hard questions beau!

[Sir Kenyth]

quote:

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Originally posted by MILAMBER:
I believe the person you would want is LofA. Personally I don't think it'd be a problem. Why don't you just get a gym membership?

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Beleive it or not. One year worth of membership fees will pay for a bench and 300lbs. of weights. Not to mention the conveinience of a bench at home. I also am going to have to work out early in the morning and a gym may not be open.

[Beaumanoir]

quote:

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Originally posted by Sir Kenyth:


Beleive it or not. One year worth of membership fees will pay for a bench and 300lbs. of weights. Not to mention the conveinience of a bench at home. I also am going to have to work out early in the morning and a gym may not be open.

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Hmmm, Yes. But You Would Get Access To All The Other Machines Like Rowing Machine, Cycling Machine, Treadmill Etc. But If Bench Presses Are All That You Do, Then Just Buy One!

[Sir Kenyth]

quote:

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Originally posted by Beaumanoir:


Hmmm, Yes. But You Would Get Access To All The Other Machines Like Rowing Machine, Cycling Machine, Treadmill Etc. But If Bench Presses Are All That You Do, Then Just Buy One!

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I prefer going outside to do the cycling and jogging. Except in freezing weather. Machines make you feel too much like a hamster. I've got a cycling machine, just in case. A bench and barbells/dumbells can be used for a lot more than just bench pressing. The back is also adjustable. The bench has the curl and leg attachment as well as an extending rack for squats. I don't like squats though. Very hard on the knees and lower back. Much better to save the legs for aerobic stuff.

[Sir Kenyth]

Really though, I'd like to stay as close to the topic as possible. Does anyone have knowledge of house building or construction who could give an opinion? I'm fairly certain it will be OK, but for some reason there's a nagging worrywort in the back of my head.

[Lord of Alcohol]

Your in luck, I build houses (thanks Milamber!) I can honestly say 2x6 floor joists would never pass code in this country but since it hasnt fallen down yet its likely ok, especially at 12" oc. I'm assuming a plywood or osb flooring over the joists. The plywood is stronger material. Anyway back to your question, while I doubt your weights would cause the whole floor to crash down onto the first floor the legs of the weight bench possibly could put a hole in the floor (and cause a bit of a hazard to you if you have to slam the bar down). An easy solution is put something under each leg, thereby distributing the weight. A 2x block, or if that makes it too high a 12"x12" piece of plywood under each leg should take care of any fears you have about taking the house down [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Sir Kenyth]

quote:

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Originally posted by Lord of Alcohol:
Your in luck, I build houses (thanks Milamber!) I can honestly say 2x6 floor joists would never pass code in this country but since it hasnt fallen down yet its likely ok, especially at 12" oc. I'm assuming a plywood or osb flooring over the joists. The plywood is stronger material. Anyway back to your question, while I doubt your weights would cause the whole floor to crash down onto the first floor the legs of the weight bench possibly could put a hole in the floor (and cause a bit of a hazard to you if you have to slam the bar down). An easy solution is put something under each leg, thereby distributing the weight. A 2x block, or if that makes it too high a 12"x12" piece of plywood under each leg should take care of any fears you have about taking the house down [img]smile.gif[/img]

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Thanks LOA! The bench will have a "T" base. I've already got plywood to go over the floor, and carpet to go over the plywood. The weight of the bench should be well distributed over about 30 sq/ft. The floor itself is tongue/groove boards, but they look a little weak from age and sun, thus the plywood board. I've put the bench over a main support beam, just in case. This particular main beam also runs over a closet, so there are additional 2x4s holding things up from the closet door and walls. It's a little more awkward placed in this area, but definately safer. I always was a worrier about stuff like this.