Building a second story floor or deck is easier and much more affordable if you do it yourself. If you’re willing to invest some time and effort, you’ll be able to construct a safe, solid deck that will last a long time.
Building a second story is a great way to add square footage to your home. Here are the steps necessary to build a strong second story floor that meets code and allows you flexibility in finishing out the room.
With a little planning and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, you can add an entire second floor to your home. Just follow our step-by-step guidelines for how to build a second story floor, and before you know it, you’ll be able to turn your one-story ranch house into a two-story colonial.
Install ceiling joists.
Install ceiling joists.
What is a ceiling joist? A ceiling joist is a horizontal beam that sits directly on top of another beam or the foundation of your home. It supports both the drywall and any other material used to finish off an attic space, such as insulation and roofing shingles.
How do I install ceiling joists? The best way to install these beams is with a hammer drill, which will make it easier for you to bore holes into concrete slabs or poured foundations that are not yet hard enough for nail guns or screws. Be sure to measure twice before drilling once. You don’t want your new floor to be crooked because you didn’t take enough time measuring beforehand.
What are the benefits of installing them myself? There are many benefits from doing this project yourself instead of hiring someone else: firstly, installing them yourself means saving money (especially if time spent working equals hourly wages). Secondly, buying materials can be much cheaper than paying someone else for their services (since most contractors charge by the hour). Finally – -if something goes wrong during construction–you won’t have any problems contacting someone else since all contractors require contracts signed before work begins–which often include clauses stating how long after completion date amends could occur if necessary.
Install wall furring strips.
Install wall furring strips. A wall furring strip is a vertical structural member that runs along the bottom of a wall and provides support for the subflooring. It is typically 1/2″ thick, and it can be made from either solid wood or plywood. The top edge of this piece should be flush with the top edge of your finished subflooring, while the bottom edge should be even with your first floor joist (the end joist). If you’re using plywood, you may need to notch out sections so that they fit around pipes or electrical boxes located in your walls. Once these pieces are installed, they provide a surface for installing floor joists that rest on top of them as well as an attachment point for your ceiling joists (which will span between two parallel walls).
Measure and mark off floor joist locations.
Measure and mark off floor joist locations. To begin, you need to measure from the existing floor joists in order to determine how far apart your new ones should be. For example, if there are 2 inches between each of your first-story floor joists (1 inch on either side), then you’ll want to space out your second-story floor joists at 3 inches from each other (1 inch on either side).
Next, mark the locations for your new second-story floor joists on both sides of all walls where they will be installed—this will ensure that there is enough room for them when it comes time for installation.
Cut new floor joists from 2×10 lumber, stabilizing the pieces in a sawhorse.
Cut the new floor joists from 2×10 lumber, stabilizing the pieces in a sawhorse. Using a circular saw, cut each joist to length as shown on the plan (A). Use a square to make sure that all four corners of each piece are cut straight. Then switch to your miter saw for cutting off one end at 45 degrees; this will create an easier fit when installing each piece later on.
Attach floor joist hangers along the top of the existing wall frame to secure the new joists in place.
Next, you’ll need to attach the floor joist hangers along the top of the existing wall frame. The number of hangers needed will depend on your specific project and where you’re building. Hanging these correctly is crucial for ensuring that your floor will be level and sturdy once it’s finished.
When installing these hangers, follow these steps:
- Make sure that each new joist is level with its neighbor by using a straight-edge or level tool.
- Check if all of your new joists are plumb by measuring how far they stick out from the wall (from left to right). If any one of them isn’t straight up and down, tap it into place with a rubber mallet before continuing with step 3 below; otherwise leave them alone until step 3.
- Make sure that each new joist is square by measuring its distance from both sides at once (again using a straight-edge or level tool). If any one of them isn’t perfectly perpendicular with either side, tap it into place with a rubber mallet before continuing with step 4 below; otherwise leave them alone until step 4.
Install 2-by-4 blocking between each of the newly installed joists to add strength to the second story floor framing.
Next you will need to install 2-by-4 blocking between each of the newly installed joists to add strength to the second story floor framing. If your joists are spaced at 16 inches on center, it is a good idea to place two 2x4s between each pair of adjacent joists. The end result will be three continuous rows of 2x4s that span across your entire second story floor and provide added support for whatever load you decide to put on this level.
Place sheets of plywood or oriented strand board parallel to one another across the newly installed joists.
Next, place sheets of plywood or oriented strand board parallel to one another across the newly installed joists. Use a cordless drill and deck screwdriver bit to drive screws through each board, into the floor below it, and into each of its neighboring boards.
Secure the boards with galvanized deck screws driven through each board, into the floor below it, and into each of its neighboring boards using a cordless drill and deck screwdriver bit.
To secure the boards, use a cordless drill and deck screwdriver bit. Drive two galvanized deck screws through each board, into the floor below it, and into each of its neighboring boards. Use a drill bit that is the same size as the screws you are driving into place. Make sure you have enough screws to fit in all of these holes so that your wood does not split when you drive them in.
Building a second story addition is not as difficult as you might think!
It’s easy to think that building a second story addition is an extremely complex and difficult process, but in reality it’s quite the opposite! The steps are easy to follow, the materials are easy to find, and you’ll be able to use simple tools that anyone can use. If you have any doubts about whether or not this project is right for you, don’t worry—the finished product will make all your hard work worth it.
Final words
Building a second story addition is not as difficult as you might think! With these tips, you can get started on your own project.
