My rule of thumb for simple loads is, no more than 4′ span, use a 2X4, up to 6′ span, use a 2X6, and up to a 8′ span, use a 2X8, which is what I would recommend in your case.

How much weight can a 2x4x8 support horizontally?

While a standard 8-foot 2×4 can support about 1,000 pounds vertically and up to 300 pounds horizontally (when placed on edge), It’s important to remember that not all 2x4s are the same.

How much weight can a 8-foot 2×6 hold horizontally?





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 2×8 hold vertically?

A 2×8 will adequately support a dead load of 20 psf and a live load of 40 psf depending on some factors, including allowable span. This equates to a total load of 60 psf. Therefore, for a 2x8x10, the total load would equal 600 pounds per lineal foot.

How much weight can a horizontal 2×6 hold?

A single SPF#2, 9′ x 2×4 that’s restrained by sheathing or blocking can support 1820 lbs and a similar 2×6 that’s not restrained can support 7061 lbs.

How much weight can a 8 foot 4×4 hold horizontally?

An 8-foot 4×4 can typically carry 1,000lbs horizontally along its length without excessive sag, or 500lbs in a center load.

How much weight can a 2×10 support horizontally?





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. These are for 10′ spans.

Can a 2×6 span 8 feet?

A double 2×6 southern pine beam can span a maximum distance of 6 feet 8 inches when supporting joists that span 6 feet, according to International Residential Code.

How far can a 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? 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.

How much weight can a 2×12 support horizontally?

One 2×12 can support about 180 lbs.

How much weight can a 6×6 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.

How far can a 2×10 span flat?

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 much weight can a 4×4 beam support horizontally?

4×4 can hold up to 4,000 pounds when laying horizontally with the right support. Vertically, a 4×4 should support 4300 pounds but can hold significantly more. The amount of weight that a 4×4 can hold depends on several factors like wood grade, species, and load type.

What is stronger 4×4 or 2 2×4?



When used vertically, 4x4s are stronger than two 2x4s. However, if you need a horizontal surface, two 2x4s will be stronger than one 4×4. A 4×4 should not be used horizontally for anything structural. Always be sure that you’re using the proper size and strength of lumber.

Is a 4×4 stronger than a 2×6?

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.

What is the maximum span of a 4X8 beam?

Dimensional Lumber Deck Beam Span Chart

Joist Spans
Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir, Redwood, Cedars, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine 4X6 6′-2″
4X8 8′-2″
4X10 9′-8″
4X12 11′-2″

What is stronger 4X6 or 2×8?

A good 2×8 will support as much as a 4×6. From Professor Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor: The grain direction (flat or vertical) has essentially no effect on the strength.

How much weight can a 16 foot 2×6 hold?



A 2×6 will hold 4 pounds per linear foot horizontally and 53 pounds per linear foot on its edge. Vertically, a 2×6 will hold between 662 and 998 pounds or over 7000 pounds when in a blocked and sheathed wall.

How far can a triple 2×6 beam span?

As per general rules and guidelines, #2 grade southern pine of a triple 2×6 deck beam can span upto 8 feet, (3) 2×10 can span 13 feet, (3) 2×8 can span 11 feet and (3) 2×12 can span 15 feet.