The main reasons to select 2x instead of 4x lumber are that it’s cheaper, lighter weight, and easier to cut. According to engineeringtoolbox.com/… a PT 4×6 at 12ft weighs 84 lbs. Not light, but plausible to handle even as a solo worker.

Is a double 2×4 stronger than a 2×6?

So if a double 2×4 has bending strength of (3″)*(3.5″)^3 = 128.6, then a single 2×6 has (1.5″)*(5.5″)^3 = 249.6. This means a single 2×6 is almost twice as strong in bending as a double 2×4.

How far can a double 2×10 beam 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.

Is 2×8 or 4×6 stronger?

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.

Is 4×4 stronger than 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.

How big of a beam do I need to span 20 feet?





For a 20-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 16 inches in depth and 8″ in width (4-2×16) used for residential building 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.

Can a 4×6 be used as a beam?

Obviously, the larger the beam, the greater the distance it can span between posts. A Redwood 4×6 beam should span no more than 6′ between supporting posts.

What is stronger 2×4 or 1×6?

1×6 weighs about a quarter less than 2×4, but is almost identical in strength. It does not have to be legged or faced when used for a 6″ ride.

How far apart can 6×6 posts be?



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.

Can a 6×6 span 14 feet?

What is this? A #2 S-P 6×6 will span between 7′-0” and 8′-6” for joist spans of 6-feet, and 4′-2” to 4′-11” with joist spans of 18-feet depending on loads.

What is the longest 6×6 you can buy?

Product Specifications

Size & Dimension 6-inch x 6-inch
Length 22-ft
Size & Dimension .15
Wood Treatment Treated
Wood Specie Yellow Pine