To take full advantage of the 14-foot ceiling height in our double garage, we designed and built a custom overhead attic-style storage loft that adds massive usable square footage without sacrificing floor space. The platform spans the width of the garage and extends 4 feet deep, providing ample space for large storage bins, seasonal decor, and bulkier household items.

The attic platform sits more than 6 feet above the garage floor, allowing for full standing height on top—perfect for walking around, organizing items, and accessing storage comfortably. We used kiln-dried 2x4 lumber throughout the frame, with joists spaced and reinforced to support significant weight capacity.

Vertical 2x4 support posts rise from the attic deck and are securely fastened into ceiling joists above. Each vertical connection is reinforced using metal joint supports for maximum strength and lateral stability. The ceiling ties aren’t just cosmetic—they anchor directly into structural framing to eliminate sway or flex, especially when the platform is under load.

The underside of the loft remains open and accessible, preserving the original garage shelving and workspace. For added functionality, we also installed a motorized winch hoist system mounted to the ceiling, which lifts heavy bins straight into the loft with ease—no ladder lifting required.

This DIY garage attic project is a game changer for organized storage, turning wasted vertical airspace into a practical, walkable attic that’s strong, safe, and built to last.