If it feels sketchy, it probably is. Sheds aren’t cheap, but neither is repairing a compromised roof structure.
This is exactly what’s been on my mind. I keep looking at our attic and thinking, “Maybe just a few boxes?” but then I remember how little headroom there actually is. Plus, I’m not sure how to tell if my roof is even built with storage in mind. Is there a simple way to figure out if you’ve got attic trusses or regular rafters? I’d love to use the space, but not if it means risking the ceiling caving in down the line. Anyone ever had a contractor come out just to check?
- Totally get the temptation to stash a few boxes up there.
- Quick check: if your attic has a flat “floor” and big open triangles, that’s usually attic trusses (meant for storage). If it’s just angled rafters and you see lots of diagonal supports everywhere, probably not built for much weight.
- Had a contractor look at mine last year—wasn’t cheap, but gave me peace of mind. Turns out my old 1960s rafters weren’t up for the job.
- If you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution. Repairing drywall isn’t fun or cheap... learned that the hard way after a ceiling crack.
- Sometimes sheds really are the less risky option, even if they feel like overkill.
I get the caution, but is a shed always the safer bet? I mean, if you’ve got those classic 2x6 or 2x8 joists in the attic—even with rafters—it might actually hold light stuff like holiday decorations or old clothes. Not saying stack bricks up there, but sometimes people underestimate what a rafter setup can handle if you’re careful about weight distribution. I’ve seen a few older houses where folks just put down some plywood and kept it pretty minimal, no issues for years. Guess it depends on how much you want to store and how often you’re up there messing with boxes...
Title: Figuring Out Roof Support: Choosing Between Rafters and Trusses
I’ve wrestled with this exact question since moving into my place last year. The attic’s got those old 2x8 joists, and I was tempted to just throw some plywood down for storage. Ended up doing a bit of research (and pestering a contractor friend), and it turns out there’s a lot of gray area here.
For me, the biggest factor was what I actually wanted to store. Holiday stuff, a couple boxes of winter clothes, maybe some camping gear—nothing crazy heavy. I did lay down a few sheets of 3/4" plywood, but only over the joists, and I made sure not to bridge any gaps or overload one spot. It’s held up fine so far, but I’m always a little paranoid about overdoing it.
One thing that surprised me: the difference between rafters and trusses is bigger than I thought. My neighbor has trusses in his newer house, and he was told flat-out not to store anything up there because the bottom chords aren’t designed for load. Rafters with beefy joists seem to have more wiggle room, but even then, it’s not like they’re meant for heavy-duty use.
I get why people default to sheds—less risk, easier access, and you don’t have to worry about insulation or stepping through the ceiling (which I almost did once... not my proudest moment). But if you’re careful about weight and stick to light stuff, an attic with solid joists can be pretty useful. Just wouldn’t trust it for anything valuable or super heavy.
Curious if anyone else has run into issues with old houses and attic storage. Sometimes it feels like every place is built a little differently, especially around here where nothing’s quite square or standard.
That “almost stepping through the ceiling” moment hits way too close to home… I’ve seen more than a few patch jobs in attics where someone’s foot went right through the drywall. It’s wild how much variation there is, even in houses built the same year. Sometimes those old 2x8 joists are solid, sometimes they’re barely holding up the insulation.
I always wonder—did the original builders actually expect anyone to use the attic for storage, or was it just a happy accident? And with trusses, it’s like they’re practically daring you to try and put anything up there that weighs more than a feather. I’ve seen some folks reinforce their attic floors, but then you start getting into “how much is too much” territory. Ever notice how adding a little storage turns into a full-blown project?
Curious if anyone’s actually had a structural issue crop up from attic storage, or if most of us are just being overly cautious. I guess I’d rather be paranoid than patching drywall again…
