I'm thinking about using these for floor support

[Dom]

Currently, my largest tank sits against a wall where the beams are perpendicular to the tank. But I am unhappy with the tank location; it would look better up against the back wall of the room. Unfortunately, this means the tank will be parallel to the beams, and will only have (2) 2x8 beams supporting it. So I want to reinforce the floor before moving the tank.

I've calculated the weight to be not more than 3000 pounds.

I was thinking about using 6 of these, 3 on each 2x8 instead:

Tiger Brand Jack Post JS-36 1'7"-3' (15 Ga)​

Each jack is rated at 16,000 pounds, so ONE would be enough in terms of weight.

I thought six; 3 on each beam under the tank.

Thoughts?

Thank you,
Dom

 

[exnisstech]

I can't see the image. I reinforced my floor but only used two jacks. I think three is overkill but too much can be just enough IME I made my beam out of two 2x10s

 

[Dbichler]

I would personally feel good with two connected to a 4x4 ran perpendicular to your floor joists which your tank will be on

 

[Dbichler]

lol pic above my last post posted at same time

 

[Dom]

I can't see the image. I reinforced my floor but only used two jacks. I think three is overkill but too much can be just enough IME I made my beam out of two 2x10s

Is that beam parallel to the beams in the ceiling?

 

[Dom]

I would personally feel good with two connected to a 4x4 ran perpendicular to your floor joists which your tank will be on

That was the original plan; to build frames and install them under the floor, one every 36 inches. But its a lot of lumber and a lot of work. I like the floor jacks; you can put them up under the existing 2x8s and be done with it... I think...

 

[exnisstech]

It is not so probably a poor example now that I reread your post

 

[Dom]

I would personally feel good with two connected to a 4x4 ran perpendicular to your floor joists which your tank will be on

I agree; perpendicular is the better way to go. But then I'll have all that weight being supported by (2) 2x8s.

 

[phillyb614]

I think you are on the right track using the jacks. If I were you, I would "sister" some 2x8s on either side of the existing floor joists that you plan to attach the jacks/posts to. This will give a wider footprint on your joists to help carry the load from joist to jack/post.

 

[Dom]

Below is a picture of the underside of the floor. In the center of the picture toward the back, you can see a 6 foot frame that I built to support the tank. That position is along a side wall of the room and runs perpendicular to the floor beams.

The back wall is where I want to relocate the tank.

 

[Dom]

I think you are on the right track using the jacks. If I were you, I would "sister" some 2x8s on either side of the existing floor joists that you plan to attach the jacks/posts to. This will give a wider footprint on your joists to help carry the load from joist to jack/post.

Yes... I thought about this. But I have to work from under the floor and am working solo. If I could double sister each of the 2x8s that will have the tank, I don't think I would need jacks, but would put them in anyway.

 

[phillyb614]

Yes... I thought about this. But I have to work from under the floor and am working solo. If I could double sister each of the 2x8s that will have the tank, I don't think I would need jacks, but would put them in anyway.

Unless you are going to run your sister boards from one point load (where your joists actually make contact with your foundation) to point load, I would definitely still use the jacks. 3000 lbs is a ton of weight and you want the load to carry all the way down to your foundation, as evenly spaced as possible. I am a carpenter by trade and a Construction Superintendent as well. Been around wood framing my whole working career. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Dburr1014]

You really only need 4 posts.
One on each corner, Er, maybe in a tad.
Beams across will help.

 

[Dom]

Unless you are going to run your sister boards from one point load (where your joists actually make contact with your foundation) to point load, I would definitely still use the jacks. 3000 lbs is a ton of weight and you want the load to carry all the way down to your foundation, as evenly spaced as possible. I am a carpenter by trade and a Construction Superintendent as well. Been around wood framing my whole working career. Better safe than sorry.

That would be the way to go, I agree.

I would need (2) 12 foot 2x8s so that they reach across the entire span. But this isn't something I can do alone and don't have the help.

This is why I thought of using frames that run perpendicular to the joists.

What are your thoughts on using 2 floor jacks to support a 4x4 installed perpendicular to the joists?

I'm thinking (3) 36 inch 4x4s installed perpendicular and supported by 2 jacks each.

 

[phillyb614]

That would be the way to go, I agree.

I would need (2) 12 foot 2x8s so that they reach across the entire span. But this isn't something I can do alone and don't have the help.

This is why I thought of using frames that run perpendicular to the joists.

What are your thoughts on using 2 floor jacks to support a 4x4 installed perpendicular to the joists?

I'm thinking (3) 36 inch 4x4s installed perpendicular and supported by 2 jacks each.

Yeah, that would absolutely do the job IMO.

 

[Dbichler]

That was the original plan; to build frames and install them under the floor, one every 36 inches. But its a lot of lumber and a lot of work. I like the floor jacks; you can put them up under the existing 2x8s and be done with it... I think...

I don’t think you understand what I was saying. I would use the two floor jacks with a 4x4x however many joists your crossing with your tank probably 2 or 3 and set the jacks perpendicular to those in the middle of the tank. X2 16000 lb jacks will still be overkill and only one 4x4 needed. Even better would be 2 2x4 screwed together or 2 2x6 screwed together but a little more work.

 

[Dom]

I don’t think you understand what I was saying. I would use the two floor jacks with a 4x4x however many joists your crossing with your tank probably 2 or 3 and set the jacks perpendicular to those in the middle of the tank. X2 16000 lb jacks will still be overkill and only one 4x4 needed.

Yes, I don't think I'm getting ya....

Are you saying (1) 4x4 that runs the length of the tank placed between the joists and right up to the sub floor supported by 2 jacks?

 

[Dbichler]

If you look at your picture where you built the 6ft frame that’s the same as adding the jack stands but only to the strength of the wood. If your tank is going to the right of your frame just add 2 jacks and whatever wood combination you want to span the same length of tank half way in between your tank.

 

[redfishbluefish]

......

What are your thoughts on using 2 floor jacks to support a 4x4 installed perpendicular to the joists?

I'm thinking (3) 36 inch 4x4s installed perpendicular and supported by 2 jacks each.

I like this idea with the following exceptions:

1. Don't use 4x4's....the most unstable pieces of wood you can buy, especially at one of the big box stores. Instead make your own cross beam with three two 2x6's nailed (or screwed) and glued together. (In this picture I used four, but three should do it for you.)

2. Straddle at least 3 joists on either end.
3. I think I'm seeing blocking....if not, blocking greatly helps in transferring load to adjoining joists...use it....even up to 5 or 6 joists away!

 

[Dom]

I'm getting a headache... LOL

If you look at your picture where you built the 6ft frame that’s the same as adding the jack stands but only to the strength of the wood. If your tank is going to the right of your frame just add 2 jacks and whatever wood combination you want to span the same length of tank half way in between your tank.

Please... I'm not trying to be difficult, but I'm feeling a bit thick-headed at the moment (lol). I'm just crunching the information and waiting for it all to click.

If you look at my picture, the frame is the current tank position which places the tank perpendicular to the joists. The new position would be to the LEFT of the existing frame and would be along the back wall of the foundation, supported by (2) joists.

It is to these two joists that I want to reinforce to support the new location.