I am getting ready to finish and insulate my 24x32 detached garage.
The joists are 24" on center and are 2x4 construction. Everything I read says use 5/8" in this case. Right now I have a fair amount of "stuff" stored up in the in the ceiling. Nothing very heavy and I try to keep everything spread out. Will 2x4s support the 5/8" sheetrock and some light to moderate rate storage? The weight and amount of stuff stored up there will probably decrease once I lose the convenience of the open ceiling and everything has to go through 1 or 2 access holes. i want to store items up there after finishing, so I was thikign of saving weight by going with 1/2' sheetrock, but I don't want todeal with sagging in a few year either. It is only a garage, so it doesn't have to be pretty (I am not even planning on taping and mudding)but I don't it to look liek a hack job either.

I assume 1/2' would be ok for the walls though, correct?
Thanks, Ben

Another idea I just read - One site suggests adding 2x2 strips to the ceiling joists prior to hanging sheet rock. They suggested that for colder climates so that you could use a thicker insulation. I live in Michigan, about 3 hours north of Detroit. Plans for heating are a 45K Reznor heater and keeping the garage around 50-55 during the winter.
Any thoughts on this also.

Ben

You should not have anything on the 2x4 ceiilng joists. They are not there to hold up storage. Without the storage the sheetrock will be fine. If you can rock all the way up to the roof line on the inside where it meets the house with firecode rock, you can get away with 1/2" on the rest. At least they allow it where I live. Some towns sill want everything at least 5/8 thick. With one coat of mud closing the seams and nails.
But remove the storage or the combined weight will end up being an issue. Remeber even though the "stuff" is light, combine all the stuff and it can get pretty heavy quite quick.

If it is a un-attached garage 1/2" will be fine.