I need to know if 2" X 10" X 29' joists will work.?

Question

I need to know if 2" X 10" joists will work.
I recently bought a new home, and on the property is an outbuilding which measures (inside)
28'8" wide, 72'3" long and floor to where the ceiling would be (the rafters) 25'10". I want to make a second floor, but maintain the clear span on the main floor. Will 2" X 10" joists be sufficient for the almost 29' span?

Answer 1

no! a 2 x 10 yellow pine can only span 16'1" as a floor joist......

a 2 x 12 can only span 17'5"......

u will need to use TJI's or "I" joist.....or regular eng. floor joist....

another idea, u can install LVL's, load bearing beams, and break the span up into allow spans for the 2 x 10's.....

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 2

Even if a 2x10 would work, I doubt if you could find any that are 29' long. Your lumberyard would probably advise you to use engineered lumber like an I-joist, which is available in the length you need. The link below gives application information from Weyerhaeuser for their TJI Trus Joists for residential applications. The thickness of the floor does not seems to be an issue, so using a 16" joist, the data on page 4 shows that a TJI 560 Trus Joist spaced 16" on center will give about 3/4" maximum deflection (L/480 criteria). This product measures 3 1/2" wide by 16" deep. If you'll accept a 1" maximum deflection (L/360, the minimum allowed by code), either a 14" TJI 560 Trus Joist or a 16" TJI 360 Trus Joist could be used. You might want to price out the alternatives.

In new construction, you would probably rest the joists on top of the double plate for your first floor walls. This may not be an option since you are adding a floor to an existing structure. Instead, you may need joist hangers or a ledger on both walls to support the joists. I don't have enough information to suggest a design, nor would I presume to do so. You should consult a structural engineer.

A building permit should be obtained. This not only ensures that the design is correct, but that the construction is properly performed. It may also save you from countless problems in the future if you are selling your property and it becomes known that an unapproved modification was made to your outbuilding.

Answer 3

You need to use an engineered floor joist for a span that great, if you want to leave it clear span.

You have a couple of choices in the type of engineered joist to use...

http://www.rushwood.ca/floortrusses.html
http://www.ilevel.com/floors/f_TJI_joists.aspx

Contact the manufacturer, or dealer, of your choice of manufactured joist type, and ask them what size you need for your span.

Have Fun

Answer 4

No, You will want to use an engineered truss or a TGI. A TGI is basically a wooden I beam and is very strong. Consult a local building supply house and they will be able to tell you what code it. Follow code and maybe a little more so. If they recommend 18 inch centers, so 12-16 with whatever they recommend as a building material and you'll be fine.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

no you need bar joist or floor trusses

Answer 7

I recommend consulting a licenced engineer or architect. What you want to do will most likely require a permit (or should) and you'll need sealed drawings to obtain it. If you don't need the permit, you should still have a professional design it for you. 2 X 10's are far too small for the span you are describing.