what is the maximum span for a 2x6

Maximum Span (ft - in)

Nominal Size (inches)	Joist Spacing Center to Center (inches)	Lumber Grade
2 x 6	16	10' - 11"
2 x 6	24	9' - 7"
2 x 8	12	15' - 10"

Jun 18 2022

Full Answer

How many 2x6 do you need to frame 20x20?

2x6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16". Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12" on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.

How many feet will a 2x6 span?

A general rule of thumb for joist span is 1-1/2 times a board’s depth in feet, however, it’s not that simple. The distance a 2×6 can span is determined by the species, grade, location, use, load, and spacing. Based on building codes, a 2×6 can span anywhere from 2’-1” to 20’-8” depending on the affecting factors.

How far can you span a triple 2x6?

For normal deck loads, a triple 2x6 beam over a span of 10' feet should be enough. The maximum span is 9' feet for a single 2x6 #2btr yellow pine. You should be fine with triple 2x6. How far can a 2x8 joist span without support?

How much weight can a 2x6 support?

A 2×6 can support up to 50 pounds per square foot of weight without sagging with a maximum span of about 12 feet when spanning a distance horizontally, with the 2×6 standing in a vertical position. This number includes both live and dead weight. Keep in mind that the span length is a significant factor when determining how much weight the 2×6 can support.

How far can a 2x6 ceiling joist span?

Example: The highlighted cell (below) shows that a 2" x 6" Douglas Fir joist, with a grade of #2, spaced 24" apart, can have a maximum span of 10 feet - 8 inches (10-8).

How long can a 2x6 floor joist span?

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

Can you span 16 feet with a 2x6?

2-grade 2×6 joists can span up to 10 feet 9 inches from beam to beam when spaced the standard 16 inches apart with a maximum live load of 30 inches per square foot. In comparison, No. -1 grade lumber can span slightly further to 10 feet 11 inches under the same parameters.

How far can a 2x6 span without sagging?

A general rule of thumb for joist span is 1-1/2 times a board's depth in feet, however, it's not that simple. The distance a 2×6 can span is determined by the species, grade, location, use, load, and spacing. Based on building codes, a 2×6 can span anywhere from 2'-1” to 20'-8” depending on the affecting factors.

How far can a 2x6 span?

A two-ply 2×6–2x6s are typically doubled up when used as support beams–length of yellow pine can span up to 6 feet 8 inches from post to post on a deck with joists that span 6 feet from beam to beam. Cedar and redwood, in comparison, can only span up to 5 feet 2 inches on a deck with 6-foot joist spans.

What is span in lumber?

Span refers to the distance a piece of dimensional lumber can cover before it needs to be supported by a foundation or support post. When span guidelines are given, they refer to the distance between the center of one support to the center of another. So, in the case of deck beams, span refers to the distance between the center ...

What is rafter span?

When framing a roof, rafter span is determined by how far dimensional lumber can travel from the top of a wall plate to the roof peak and still provide adequate support for the roof.

Can you use 2x lumber as a beam?

Keep in mind that to use 2x dimensional lumber as a beam, it should be bolted together with an identical piece of 2x lumber to create a 2-ply beam. It’s also possible to attach three pieces together, creating 3-ply lumber to increase span maximums.

Is 2x6 decking stronger than 5/4?

A 2×6 is much stronger when placed on edge. This makes sense when you consider that the board has 5.5 inches of wood to provide support for downward forces when placed on edge versus 1.5 inches when laying flat. That said, using a 2×6 as opposed to standard 5/4 decking does offer advantages in the span.

Does a 2x6 span increase or decrease weight?

Keep in mind that the span length is a significant factor when determining how much weight the 2×6 can support. A greater span will decrease that weight, while a shorter span will increase it.

Do 2x6s support more weight?

Depending on use, some 2x6s must support more loads than others. A joist on a deck or floor may support more weight than a roof rafter because it must handle a greater load. A rafter, however, in northern climates may need to be stronger to support heavy snow loads.

How far can a 2x6 span without support?

Regarding this, how far can a double 2x6 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.

How far can a 2x12 beam span?

A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on. Likewise, how far can a floor joist span without support? Joist Spans A live load of 60 pounds per square foot demands more support and shorter spans. Spaced at 12 inches, the joist may only span 16 feet 8 inches.