A 2×10 beam is meant to hold up to 40 psf of live load and 10 psf of dead load, just like a joist. An SYP 2×10 single-ply beam can hold 144 pounds per lineal foot (plf). A double-ply beam of the same species can hold 288 plf and a triple-ply can hold 488 plf. The definition of a gallon is 10lb of water.

How much weight can a triple 2×10 hold?

Thus, if you have a tripled 2×10 beam and a span of 8′, with a deck that is 8′ wide, then that means you have an 8×8 deck. Multiply to find the square footage, which is 64 square feet. Multiply 64 by 50 (live load plus dead load) and you get 3200 pounds per square foot. Your beam can hold 3200 pounds.

How far can a 3 ply 2×10 beam span?





Dimensional Lumber Deck Beam Span Chart

Joist Spans
Southern Pine 3-2X10 8′-9″
3-2X12 10′-6″
Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir, Redwood, Cedars, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine 3X6 OR 2-2X6 3′-7″
3X8 OR 2-2X8 4′-7″

How much weight can a 2×10 plank support?

Each 2×10 will support 1,200 lbs.

Can you use 2×10 for load bearing wall?

So, 2×10 joists at 16” on center will support say live load (people and furniture) of 40 lbs. per square foot plus a dead load (framing, ducts, etc.) of 10 – 14 lbs. per square foot, depending on the species and grade of lumber.

Can a 2×10 span 16 feet?

Douglas fir 2-by-10 joists graded as “Structural Select” allows joist spans up to 21 feet for a live load of 30 pounds per square foot when spaced 12 inches apart, 19 feet 1 inch for 16 inch spacing and 16 feet 8 inches for 24 inch spacing.

How far can a triple 2×10 span without support?





How Far Can a Triple 2×10 Beam Span? A triple #2 – 2×10 beam of Southern pine can span between 7′-6” and 13′-0” with a live load of 40PSF depending on the joist span. Using DF-L, Hem-Fir, or SPF and the span changes to 7′-2” and 12’6” under the same conditions.

How far can a doubled up 2×10 span?

10 feet

A double ply beam can span in feet if there is no overhang beyond it. A double 2×12 beam can span 12 feet, a double 2×10 can span 10 feet, and so on.

How far can a 2×10 span for a deck?

Deck Joist Span Chart

Joist Spacing (o.c.) 16″
Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir 2×10 13′-7″
2×12 15′-9″
Redwood, Western Cedars, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine 2×6 8′-0″
2×8 10′-7″

How far can a 2×10 span on a load bearing wall?



A double 2×10 or 4×10 size of header made of #2 grade of Douglas fir- larch can allow span upto 7 feet far distance for one floor building and upto 5 feet for 2 floor in load bearing exterior windows & door opening or interior wall when building width is no more than 20 feet wide.

What size header do I need for a 6 foot span?

Since the architects and engineers who designed the houses had calculated that 2×12 headers were deep enough and sturdy enough to span the longest (6-ft.)

HOW FAR CAN 2 2×8 header span?

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 beam do I need to span 12 feet?



Thus, for a 12 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×10 or 6×10 size of wood beam. For a 12-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 10 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×10) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

How far can a 2×12 header span?

12 feet

A double 2×12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2×10 can span 10 feet and so on.

What size beam do I need to span 15 feet?

Thus, for a 15 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×12 or 6×12 size of wood beam. For a 15-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 12 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×12) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

What size load bearing beam do I need for a 16 foot span?



For a 16 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×14 or 6×14 size of wood beam. Thus, a 3 nailed 2×14 or 3-2×14 or 6×14 wood beam can allow to span 16 feet. For a 16-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 14 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×14) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

What size LVL Do I need to span 14 feet?

What size LVL header size for 14 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines for a 14 foot span, size of LVL header or GLULAM should be 14 inches deep and 3.5 inches wide, thus you need something like 2- 1.75″× 14″ (2- 1 3/4″× 12″) GLULAM or LVL header to span upto 14 feet.

How far can you span a 2×10 on a pergola?

Although it depends on the species and grade of wood. How far can you span a 2×10 for a pergola:- as per thumb rule and general guidelines, for a pergola, 2″×10″ size timber you can span it upto 16 feet in length. Although it depends on the species and grade of wood.

How big can a pergola be with 4 posts?

Support Posts



For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work. For anything larger, though, the 6×6 stock will not only offer a beefier look and greater carrying capacity, but 6×6 also resists the twisting associated with the more spindly 4x4s.

How far can a 4×4 span without sagging?

By itself, with no load, a 4×4 will span 8 feet without noticeable sag.