Expert: Dave Johnson - 8/3/2009

Question
I want to buy or build a utility shed to keep a golf cart, riding lawn mower etc..  A golf cart with batteries, golf equipment and an average size driver weighs approximately 1,100 lbs.  The shed I'm looking at has 2"x6" floor joist on 16" centers topped by 5/8" plywood.  Is this adequate to hold the golf cart.  If not, what would you suggest?

Answer
Hi Eddie,
The 2"x6" are fine as long as they are no more than 8' long. Anything longer and you'll need to go to a 2"x8".
FYI: even with 5/8" plywood, a heavy load sitting a long time on just 4 points will tend to make a sag... so when putting the cart away for the winter or any long periods, park it so that the wheels are on a joist or lay a 2"x6" under the wheels.

Best of luck,

Dave