I am building a addition it is 20' x 40' on the bottom floor I am using 20' 2x12x20's but on the top floor I need to know how far I can spand them without using a support beam. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. If you know you can help me if you would like give me your contact info so I can get more info.
2006-08-14 14:07:39 · 7 answers · asked by Mi M 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
If you use a product called sturdi floor you can span when also using LVL(laminated veneer lumber) as your headers.You can span upto 36 to 48 feet when spaced on 16in center.Also sturdi floor is much lighter then dimesional lumber its basiclly I-beam made of OSB and 2x3 laminated together..
2006-08-15 12:39:15 · answer #1 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As suggested, ditch dimensional lumber and use an engineered beam (LVL - Laminated veneer lumber). Those baby's can span anything using the proper size.
You should really get an engineering study done and spec this out properly. Perhaps one of the LVL manufacturers can direct you to a web site or local who can spec it out quite quickly and easily (readL cheaply). LVL can be ordered in any size, but would obviously require a lead time.
This Old House (.com) directs us to gp.com for more info.
2006-08-15 00:00:22 · answer #2 · answered by PittCaleb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
General rule of thumb to get you started....
you can span a live load (usable upstairs) the same distance in feet as the height of the lumber in inches,
so a 2x12 would span 12'
a 2x4 would be 4'
2006-08-14 22:55:48 · answer #3 · answered by fireandice707 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to describe your dead and live loading conditions, as well as the joist spacing interval, and type of wood (#1, #2, etc.) you will use.
Western Wood Products Assoc (wwpa.org) has design info for all of their wood products.
Publication 572, Western Wood Span Tables, describes floor, ceiling and wood joist span tables. I think you have to register in order to download the documents.
It's listed under Tech Notes area.
2006-08-14 21:42:18 · answer #4 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go with an engineered wood beam rather than dimensional lumber you can span a much larger area.
2006-08-14 22:01:27 · answer #5 · answered by Gitchy gitchy ya ya da da 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a Home Depot and ask. Don't take any risks with building support.
2006-08-14 21:12:55 · answer #6 · answered by Brutal honesty is best 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Oh man....now I gotta lood it up....what kind of wood are you using?
2006-08-14 21:15:36 · answer #7 · answered by Don 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋