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2x6 or 2x8 floor joist

by Leo Crist Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The most common option for your floor joist is your standard 2×6. A 2×8 will provide a few additional benefits and have some advantages, but overall, the 2×6 is the most commonly used and budget-friendly option for constructing your shed floor.

Full Answer

What is the maximum span for a 2x8 floor joist?

What is the maximum span for a 2x8 floor joist? In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2x8 up to 12 feet; 2x10 to 15 feet and 2x12 to 18 feet. Click to see full answer. Considering this, what is the maximum span for a 2x6 floor joist?

How far can you span a 2x6 floor joist?

The maximum span for a No. 1 quality 2×6 floor joist made from southern pine with a maximum load of 40 psf at standard 16-inch spacing is 10 feet 9 inches, according to the International Residential Code. When we break this down, the variables determining floor joist span are joist spacing, load, wood species, and lumber quality.

How much weight can 2x8 floor joists hold?

With an evenly distributed live load of 30 psf, which the tables show the floor is able to support, the total weight on the floor would be about 3,360 pounds. Increasing the total weight on the floor to 4,480 pounds, however, results in a live load of 40 psf, which is beyond the floor's load capacity.

How do I choose the correct floor joist size?

The tables provide the following information on them:

  • Floor Joist Spacing in inches (12, 16, 19.2, 24)
  • Species and Grade of Lumber
  • Various Lumber Size Options (2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12)
  • The maximum floor joist span based on the lumber size, species/grade, and spacing used.

What is the stiffness of a 2x8?

How does stiffness vary?

What does bouncy floor mean?

Are 2x6 OK for floor joists?

2x6s may be used for floor joists, ceiling joists, or rafters and have differing spans for the same grades and species. Loads are divided into live or snow loads and dead load considerations. A plank used for a floor joist commonly has different load factors than a ceiling joist or rafter.

Should deck joists be 2x6 or 2x8?

You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9'0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9'10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).

Are 2x8 OK for floor joists?

Floor or Deck Joists The span for a 2×8 floor joist can range from 7' 1” to 16' 6”. In addition, floor and deck joists have to support a fairly high live load because they provide support underneath living areas. You may find that a 2×8 does not offer the necessary support on its own.

How far can a 2x6 span as a floor joist?

Max. Live Load 30 lbs/ft2 (1436 N/m2)Maximum Span (ft - in)Nominal Size (inches)Joist Spacing Center to Center (inches)Lumber Grade2 x 61212' - 0"1610' - 11"249' - 7"10 more rows

How far can a 2x8 joist span without support?

In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet. Based on all factors though, a 2×8 joist span is 7'-1” to 16'-6”, and a rafter 6'-7” and 23'-9”. In this guide, we'll explain what span means in terms of construction, factors that impact the span, and how much weight a 2×8 can support.

What size should floor joists be?

Typical Floor Joist Size In Residential Construction Floor joists range from 2×8 to 2×12. It is less common to see joists that are 2×6, even though they are included in joist span tables. Older homes are more likely to use 2×6 for joist framing.

How do you strengthen a 2x8 floor joist?

The best way to strengthen floor joists from underneath is to make a supporting mid-span beam or wall beneath the wobbling joists. Using jack posts or 6×6 posts and 2×10 or 2×8 beams perpendicular to the joists will solve any wobble and ensure your joists never move again.

Are 2x10 OK for floor joists?

Common uses for 2x10s are floor joists and roof rafters. 2x10s are still the most commonly used floor joists in residential applications simply because they are still, on an individual basis, cheaper than any other option on the market.

How long can floor joists be without support?

With 16” spacing, a floor joist can span up to 14' as long as it is not cantilevered and terminates with support on either end. If the joists are 24” apart, then one 2×10 joist can span up to 11' 5”.

How much load can a 2x6 support?

According to the Codes, a 2×6 on edge with the weight pressing through 5.5” of wood will support approximately 53lbs per linear foot. So, an 8-foot length will support about 424lbs. However, a short span 2×6 on edge can support between 600 and 900lbs depending on wood species, grade, and other factors.

How much weight can a 2x8 beam hold?

Weight supported by a double or triple wood headers.Span (feet)Weight Supported (lb)2 x 2" x 6"3 x 2" x 8"422505850616804690839903 more rows

Do floor joists need cross bracing?

If your floor seems bouncy or saggy, you may need to consider cross bracing your floor joists. Floor joist bracing is often necessary in older homes where the existing joists may have worn out over time.

What is the maximum span for a 2x8 floor joist? - AskingLot.com

Also Know, how far can a double 2x10 span without support? When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on.. Thereof, how much weight can a 2x8 joist hold?

Maximum span for (2) 2x6 beam - DoItYourself.com Community Forums

Carpentry, Cabinetry and Interior Woodworking - Maximum span for (2) 2x6 beam - I need to determine what the maximum span is for a double 2x6 beam that will support 2x6 ceiling joists. The joists will have a span of 12', be 12 O.C., and hang from a ledger on one side and the beam on the opposite side. The beam will

How wide is a 2x8 joist?

So you need a joist that is minimum 8 inches wide. That does not mean 2x8 because modern 2x8's are actually 1 1/2" x 7 1/2", so you need the next size up (though realistically, you could probably use 2x8 safely, though it's always better to overbuild when possible).

What is the size of a 2x8?

That does not mean 2x8 because modern 2x8's are actually 1 1/2" x 7 1/2", so you need the next. That all depends on the length of the clear (unsupported) span the joists have to make. Without that number, this question cannot be answered as asked.

How long can a 20ft 2x10 span?

That theory seemed safe enough for me to adopt as a personal rule; a 20ft length could safely span 30ft and a 22ft 2x10 could safely span 33 ft, although 2x12 is much preferred for spans beyond 24ft. Today and for a long time now 2x12 materials are used to resolve any speculations.

What is lumber grading?

Lumber grading allows for a certain amount of these splits (checking) at the ends of boards, and in the middle. More is allowed at the ends than the middle. Grading is more of a general indication process, and there is quite a lot of variability in what you get as a stamped “#2 or better” piece of dimensional lumber.

What is the best timber for a deck?

The type of timber for the framework. The best durable timber for external framework is hardwood (HWD). Therefore the dimensions of the timber sizes will be considerably less than for softwoods.

Can you build a deck without springing?

Using this formula you will meet legal requirements to build your deck without any ‘springing’. If you decide to remove the center row of piers you will need to increase the size of your bearers. However by doing this you may cause the deck to be ‘spongy’ or springy’ over unsupported spans.

How many inches between 2x8 joists?

While most residential construction uses 2x8 joists with 16 inch spacing, there are many other factors you need to consider when determining the proper joist span length. Joist span and spacing is set by your local building code. You should check with your local building department for construction requirements in your area.

What are the most important design choices to consider when building a home?

The most important design choices to consider when building a home are the species and grade of wood that is being used as well as joist size and spacing. These elements will greatly affect how far you can span your joists.

How far can a 2x8 span?

What is the maximum span for a 2x8 floor joist? In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2x8 up to 12 feet; 2x10 to 15 feet and 2x12 to 18 feet. Click to see full answer.

How far can a 2x10 span without support?

Also Know, how far can a double 2x10 span without support? When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on.

What is the stiffness of a 2x8?

The cube of 1.3636 is 2.5357, so the stiffness value of the 2x8 by itself is 2.5357 times the stiffness value of the 2x6. Add that to the stiffness of the original 2x6 and you get a total stiffness of 3.5357.

How does stiffness vary?

Stiffness varies directly with the width of the joist. Sistering another 2x6 doubles the width, and therefore the stiffness. Deflection varies as the inverse of stiffness, so doubling the stiffness cuts the deflection in half, for a 50% reduction. Stiffness varies as the cube of the (vertical) depth of the joist.

What does bouncy floor mean?

A bouncy floor means the joist needs more meat towards the middle of the span. The ends of the span are much less important. I've sistered bouncy joists and rafters without the sister even bearing at the ends, and it's worked perfectly. A notched joist splits because a stress point is created.

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