What is the safe span of a 2x6?

Author: Prof. Maverick Gulgowski  |  Last update: Thursday, February 12, 2026

“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 without sagging?

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.

How wide of a span can a 2x6 support?

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.

Will a 2x6 span 10 feet?

Example: The highlighted cell (below) shows that a 2" x 6" Douglas Fir joist, with a grade of #2, spaced 24" apart, can have a maximum span of 10 feet - 8 inches (10-8).

How far can you span a 2x6 for a lean to roof?

A 2x6 can typically span up to 10-12 feet for a metal roof, depending on factors such as load, spacing, and local building codes.

Science of Simple Spans of Floor Joists

What is the maximum span for a 2x6 ceiling?

For 2X6 Douglas-fir Larch — grade 2, Ceiling joist (20 PSF Live and 10 PSF death), dry, 24 inches on center. The maximum is 10′4″ span.

Can I use 2x6 for roof rafters?

The most common available lumber sizes used in roof framing include 2″×6″, 2″×8″, 2″×10″, 2″×12″, and 2″×14″ used in roof framing. There's also a 2″×4″ lumber, but it's not commonly used in building. In general, a 2″×6″ lumber may span from 10 to 15 feet, while a 2″×8″ lumber may span from 13 to 19 feet.

How far can a 2x6 span dead load?

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.

What size board for 10 ft span?

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

How far can a 2x6 deck joist span without support?

How far can a 2x6 deck joist span? The span of a 2x6 deck joist depends on your deck joist spacing and material. 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.

Can you span 8ft with a 2x6?

Refer to the Joist Span Table. For an 8' joist span,either 2X8's at 24” O.C. or 2X6's at 16” O.C. are acceptable. For sizing the beam, use a joist length of 10' (8'+2”) and a post spacing of 10'.

What size joist for 10 foot span?

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.

What is the free span of a 2x6?

“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.”

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.

Will a 2x6 sag?

The 2×6 joists will sag, no doubt, says DanH. “They will probably not collapse, and the load will probably not compromise the structure.

How long of a span can a 2x6 support?

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

How far can I joist span 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.

What size lumber for 12 span?

With a 12' deck span, the beam may be either two 2x8s or two 2x10s, depending on wood used.

Can I use 2x6 for deck joists?

Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.

What is the span of sistered 2x6?

per square foot. 2x6's at 16” o.c. that support 42 psf can span about 11' - 12' depending on species and grade of wood. 2x8's sisters to 2x6's at 16” o.c. Can support 42 psf can span about 16' - 18' depending on species and grade.

What is the difference between a rafter and a joist?

A rafter is a structural member that supports the roof deck. They are almost always not horizontal. A joist is a structural member that supports a structural portion of a building; usually a floor or a ceiling. They are almost always horizontal.

Should trusses be 2x4 or 2x6?

The vast majority of trusses utilize 2x4 dimensional lumber but webs can vary from 2x3 up to 2x12 lumber depending on the design. The grade and species of lumber used for webs is typically different from the chords of the truss to drive economic efficiency.

Previous article
How many smoke detectors should a home have?
Next article
How to remove limescale from pipes?