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 big of a beam do I need to span 12 feet?

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

How far can a 6 inch beam span?





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 far can a 2×6 deck beam span?

Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches.

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.

How far can you span a 4X10 beam?

Dimensional Lumber Deck Beam Span Chart

Joist Spans
Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir, Redwood, Cedars, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine 4X10 9′-8″
4X12 11′-2″
3-2X6 7′-1″
3-2X8

How far can 2×6 ceiling joist span?





The maximum distance a 2×6 can span, according to the 2018 IRC, for a floor joist, is 12′-6”, ceiling joist 20′-8”, rafter 18′-0”, deck board 24”, deck joist 9′-11”, deck beam 8′-3”, and 6′-1” as for header.

How far can a 2×6 beam span without 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.

How much load can a 2×6 support?

A 2×6 joist can support 53 pounds per linear foot of uniform load, substantially more than the 4 pounds per linear foot when laid flat. Therefore, a 10 foot 2×6 will support 530 pounds of uniform weight. This weight can fluctuate based on the various factors, but on its edge is the strongest orientation for 2×6 lumber.

Can I use 2×6 for deck joists?

You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9’0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9’10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).

How far can a 2×6 header beam span?



For normal deck loads, a triple 2×6 beam over a span of 10′ feet should be enough. The maximum span is 9′ feet for a single 2×6 #2btr yellow pine. You should be fine with triple 2×6.

How far can a 2×6 span for a metal roof?

You’ll see there’s a maximum span of 16′-4″ for 2×6’s spaced 12″ – so you might get away with it.