Expert: Dan Griffin - 3/13/2009

Question
I'm getting a full sized vending machine for my home and at full capacity it weighs 880 lbs. Will the first floor of my house be able to hold this weight? is this dangerous at all? my home was built in 1860.

Answer
Dan, that is a substantial load to concentrate on a small area.  I'm seeing abut 79#/SF, probably pushing on four small feet.  The good thing is that you are probably planning on putiing it against a wall.  Make sure that the wall you use is a load bearing wall with a clear path for the loads to get to the structure, If you are thinking out mid span on the joists somewhere you will need to make other arrangements - as in going below and bracing the joists to deal with the loads.  It would probably still be best to use a piece of steel plate or similar to distribute the load and prevent the feet from overpowering the flooring.

I know this is not a definitive answer, but without seeing the issues, I've given you what I can.  It would be best to contact a structural engineer who can stop by to see the issues.