How far can a 2x6 span without sagging?

Author: Coby Donnelly  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

“A 2×6 spaced 16 inches apart can span a maximum distance of 13 feet 5 inches when used as a rafter, 10 feet 9 inches when used as a joist, and 6 feet 11 inches when used as a deck beam to support joists with a 6-foot span.”

How far can a 2x6 span be unsupported?

A 2x6 floor joist can typically span up to 12 feet and 6 inches without support. However, the distance a joist can span depends on several factors, including the spacing of the joists and the type of wood used: Spacing: For example, a 2x6 redwood or cedar joist can span eight feet if spaced 16 inches apart.

Are 2x6 strong enough for floor joists?

For best long-term durability, use pressure treated lumber as floor joists in your storage shed. If you want the strongest floor joists to hold the highest weight capacity, select 2x6 floor joists in your storage shed. For average storage use, 2x4 16" O/C is a standard floor joists with good strength.

How far can a 6x2 span for decking?

so a 6x2 will span 8ft at 400 centres max.

What is the span strength of a 2x6?

Typically, a 2x6 deck board can support around 50 pounds per square foot (psf) when spanning 16 inches on center (OC). However, as the span decreases, the weight capacity per square foot increases. For example, if the span is reduced to 12 inches OC, the load capacity can increase to around 75 psf.

How far can a 2x6 span without support?

How far can a 2x6 span without sag?

For example, a 2x6 joist would have a 12-foot, 6-inch maximum span, and a 2x10 joist would have a 21-foot maximum span. Additionally, wood species and grading determines how far apart floor joists can be spaced. Harder woods can be spaced farther apart, and can be cut into larger joists.

What is the load-bearing capacity of a 2x6?

If you don't care about deflection at all, the ultimate load of a 2x6 is probably a lot higher than you think it is. 400 lb or more.

What is the maximum span for a 2x6 deck?

For instance, a 2x6 redwood or cedar joist can span eight feet at a spacing of 16 inches. On the other hand, a 2x6, 16- or 18-gauge steel joist can span 16 feet, 4 inches if the spacing is 12 inches.

How long can joists be without support?

A 2x6 floor joist can typically span up to 12 feet and 6 inches without support. However, the distance a joist can span depends on several factors, including the spacing of the joists and the type of wood used: Spacing: For example, a 2x6 redwood or cedar joist can span eight feet if spaced 16 inches apart.

Are 2x6 strong enough for a deck?

Here's why using thicker decking boards like 2×6 can be a good option for softwoods: Increased Strength and Durability: Thicker boards inherently have more mass, which can translate to increased strength and durability.

Should I use 2x6 or 2x8 floor joists?

2x8: They're often used for mid-range floors, such as those in living rooms or dining rooms. They can span up to 10 feet and have a higher load-bearing capacity than 2x6 joists.

Does sistering joists increase load capacity?

When builders need to increase the load-bearing capacity of floor joists, they often use a process known as “sistering.” This process involves attaching a new joist alongside an existing joist to increase its strength.

How far can I span a 2x6 ceiling joist?

2x4 11'-6" 2x6 17'-0" 2x8 21'-8" 2x10 25'-7" 24" O.C.

How far can a 2x6 span lean to?

You can easily go 12 feet with 2x6's on a metal roof with a 4:12 pitch. Even 2:12, but then you start to push the limits of what it can shed during a heavy rain without leaking. If you are going with shingles, then that additional weight means you need to stay at 24 inch centers and you have to be 4:12 or steeper.

What size board to span 10 feet?

For sizing the beam, use a joist length of 10' (8'+2”) and a post spacing of 10'. The beam table indicates that the beam may be either two 2X10's or two 2X12's, depending on the wood used.

How far can a pressure treated 2x6 span without support?

The distance a 2×6 can span is determined by the species, grade, location, use, load, and spacing. Based on building codes, a 2×6 can span anywhere from 2'-1” to 20'-8” depending on the affecting factors. Ceiling joists don't normally have the same load restrictions, and so can span greater distances.”

Do joists sag over time?

Sagging floor joists can be more common in older homes, although they can occur in newer constructions as well. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon: Aging: Over time, wood can weaken and lose its structural integrity.

What is the longest span without support?

So, the longest unsupported span possible using LVL would be 80-feet. Typically, though, it is common for a continuous LVL span to be between 20' and 30'.

Does joist tape trap moisture?

Deck joist flashing tape is an affordable and effective way to protect your deck's wood substructure. 1. It helps prevent moisture penetration 2. Helps protect lumber from rot 3.

How far can a 2x6 cedar span?

2×6 Cedar Boards: These can span up to 9-10 feet when supporting a deck or similar structure. 2×8 Cedar Boards: Capable of spanning 12-14 feet for heavier loads, such as floor joists or roof rafters.

Can I use 2x6 for joists?

Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10.

Can you use 2x6 for load-bearing wall?

The Intertek-listed LPB/WPPS 60-01 2x6 exterior load-bearing wall assembly helps meet these demands and achieves three major objectives: fire code compliance, sound reduction and higher R-values than most 2x4 assemblies.

How do you calculate allowable bearing capacity?

How can one calculate bearing capacity? The bearing capacity of soil is calculated using the formula: qf = c'Nc + γDNγ + 0.5γBNγ. Here, qf is the ultimate bearing capacity, c' is the cohesion of soil, Nc, Nq, and Nγ are bearing capacity factors, D is the depth of footing, and γ is the unit weight of soil.

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