Need to build a solid platform for 2 50 gal water storage

[Mattl22]

I have my sump in a closet next too my tank I'd really like to build a rodi and salt storage mixing station !
Basically I need to build a platform or heavy duty shelf above my sump it doesn't need to look great cause its in closet but needs to be solid hold a bunch of weight and the hard part will be working around the sump and plumbing that's in already ,
Please lmk how you would go about this?
Here is closet I'm a talking about the wire shelving will be comming out!

 

[duke62]

How much space do you have on each side of the tank? What you can do if not alot of space is remove small patches of drywall and attach 2x4s on existing studs the use 3/4 plywood

 

[n3hihz]

What he said ^^
That room is ~ 6'x3' from what I remember. You can prob bring use a stud finder. Run 2x4 all the way around and put 1/2 ply wood. Home Depot will cut the pieces for you if you measure it out. If you need help lmk

How's the baby btw

 

[edd]

your looking at about 800lbs on that shelf. i would put a solid deck with a frame and legs.

 

[Mattl22]

It's gonna be tough u could install legs but if possible to do it with out I'd rather do that!
How would I attach the 2x4 drill a hole and use threaded rod and washers ?

 

[edd]

It's gonna be tough u could install legs but if possible to do it with out I'd rather do that!
How would I attach the 2x4 drill a hole and use threaded rod and washers ?

then use 2x6 so you can get 2 bolts per beam. i wouldn't remove sheet rock as mentioned. use a stud finder, drill pilot holes and 1/4" lag bolts to secure 2x6.

 

[Mattl22]

Hi edd thanks ur help can u describe a bit more how too attach the 2x6 " would drill pool it holes use 2 lag bolts per stud I find use the 2x6 almost like a ferring strip like u would on a sm shelf?

 

[Mattl22]

Pilot

 

[edd]

you need to figure out the length of the bolts you will use. also use flat washers. it should tell you the size pilot hole on the package.
yes the same as a small shelf just heavier.
first i would find how many studs you can catch.

 

[Mattl22]

Ok sounds like a solid plan
Then just lay a pice 3/4" ply wood on top ?
Do u think I should Run some 2x4 across first then ply wood?

 

[Mattl22]

Also I drill pilot to find stud how do I find center of stud drill a few pilot holes and soo the math?
How r these closets usally framed out?

 

[n3hihz]

Wouldnt the middle in the front not have enough support. The plywood onto will eventually bend?

As to the frame I believe it's every 16" there should be a stud. might be wrong there.

 

[Mattl22]

Ill check also see what the bolts r rated for hopefully around 100lbs each

 

[Mattl22]

I hear what ur saying I gotta get A 2 x6 running across the front of closet also I guess try grad studs before and after the door way If I can do that i think a few 2 x4s across then ply wood on top
?????

 

[edd]

yes i would run 2x4 and then 3/4 ply on top.
if thats a 6' span you might want to go heavier or double 2x4 or 4x4 or 2x6.
you should buy a stud finder only about $20.00, they come in very handy.

 

[n3hihz]

The problem I would think of, from what I remember your pipes ran from the right to the back wall kind of close to the wall, which might be a problem for you when you try to fit it around and attaching to stud. You might end up having to build away from that, unless you want to redo the plumbing. If that's the cause build a huge frame. something like this without the cross beams on the bottom and us triangles on the legs so it wouldn't sway.

 

[Mattl22]

Nope not touching plumbing !
Want it to be leg less !!
Nice build btw looks sturdy !

I think if I can grab 6-8 studs with lag bolts I should be good

 

[duke62]

I wouldnt do it the way others are saying JMO. I would open small openings by each stud and attach 2x4s to each stud running left to right and then attach a 2x4 to each side. making a frame. You can just use deck screws no need for lag bolts. Finding the center for each lag bolt will be a crap shoot you wont know if its center just guessing. It will be just like building a stand.

 

[cono]

^^^^^
what duke said is the best way imo

 

[Mattl22]

Anyone here a carpenter deck builder??
Duke I here u and ur way probably better but the other way would be much neater gotta see how many studs I cAn find Ill find the center of the stud using pilot holes then measuring