If you assume a conservative 1400psi allowable bending stress, a single 6×6 with 12′ span can support about 2000 lbs. So your double 6×6 can support at least 4000 lbs (possibly more if you do a good job bonding the two members together so that there’s no slip between the faces).

How long can a 6×6 post be?

A 6×6 softwood beam may be able to span 20′ with limited loads. However, for structural building and compliance with Building Codes, the span ranges from 3′-5” to 8′-6” depending on a variety of factors.

How much weight can 2 6×6 posts hold?





The load capacity of a 3-foot #2 grade 4×4 is 17,426 pounds, and a similar 6×6 is 20,834 pounds or 16% better. However, an 8-foot 4×4 supports 6468-pounds and 2339-pounds at 14-feet, while a 6×6 is 18032 and 10550-pounds respectively – or 64% and 78% more load capacity.

Can you make a beam out of 2×6?

So a built-up beam made from two 2×6’s is actually just 3 inches wide. If you’re supposed to use a 4×6 timber, you might not be able to substitute a built-up beam made from two 2×6’s. Using built-up beams made from doubled up or tripled up dimensional lumber is an everyday framing method.

Can you use a 6×6 for a beam on a deck?

First, the IRC only allows certain dimensional lumber to be used for deck beams. In the past, 4x4s and 6×6 lumber could serve as beams, that is no longer the case. You must use 2x material bolted together to create a deck beam, or use metal or engineered lumber.

How far can you span between 6×6 posts?

The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.

How much weight can a 6×6 post support horizontally?





A 6×6 with 12′ span can support 2000 lbs. if you assume a conservative 1400psi bending stress. If you do a good job bonding the two members together, your double 6×6 can support more than 4,000 lbs.

Which is stronger 2×6 or 4×4?

Unless you are supporting it with columns every 4′, neither is strong enough to help much. A 2×6 has more vertical support than a 4×4. Is that correct? The 2×6 is stronger than the 4×4 when it comes to vertical loads.

Why are my 6×6 posts splitting?

While extreme loading can cause a wood beam to split and would indicate a sign of impending disastrous collapse, usually the splits or cracks found in wooden posts and beams are due to shrinkage as wood dries, occur along the grain, and do not raise a structural concern.

Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 for pergola?

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.

What size beam do I need to span 18 feet?



Thus, for a 18 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×16 or 6×16 size of wood beam. For a 18-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 16 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×16) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

How big of a beam do I need to span 16 feet?

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.

How far apart should deck beams be?

Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support wider 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 far apart should roof posts be?



Common Post Spacing
In general, the maximum span for a 4-by-6 beam is 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts. If you move up to 4-by-8, you’re usually allowed to span up to 10 feet between posts. A 4-by-10 can usually span up to 12 feet between posts.

What is the maximum distance between pergola posts?

As per thumb rule, for a pergola beam, 2″×12″ size timber you can span it upto 20 feet, 2×10 can span upto 16 feet, 2×8 can span upto 12 feet, 2×6 can span upto 10 feet and 2×4 can span upto 6 feet.

How far can you span a triple 2×10 beam?

Joists

Joist Size Spacing Spruce or Pine fir
2×10 12” OC 17′-3”
16” OC 15′-5”
24” OC 12′-7”
2×12 12” OC 20′-7”

HOW FAR CAN 2 2×10 span?

How Far Can a 2×10 Beam or Header Span? A 2×10 beam – made up of two 2x10s nailed together – can span up to 11′ without support beneath a deck that is 4′ wide. For a more normal-sized deck, the same beam can span 8′, supporting a deck that is 8′ wide.

How far can a double 2×10 LVL span?



As per general thumb rule and guidelines, a double 10″ lvl beam can allow span upto 16 feet far distance used for residential building or projects.

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 double 2×8 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”. What is this?

What’s the maximum span for a 2×10 floor joist?

Max. Live Load 60 lbs/ft2 (2873 N/m2)

Maximum Span (ft – in)
Nominal Size (inches) Joist Spacing Center to Center (inches) Lumber Grade
2 x 10 12 16′ – 8″
16 15′ – 2″
24 13′ – 3″