What Size Floor Joists Are Used In Residential Construction
Joist span and spacing is set by your local building code.
What size floor joists are used in residential construction. In joist sizes the larger size such as 6 inches represents the height of the joists while the 2 inch size represents the. Builders can adjust their choice of lumber size and spacing depending on circumstances. Just don t go smaller further apart or a longer span.
The larger the deck the larger the joists. 2x10 to 15 feet and 2x12 to 18 feet. A 2x8 up to 12 feet.
In general terms joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1 5 times in feet their depth in inches. Floor joists span between walls and or support beams and are installed parallel with one another at regular intervals such as 16 or 24 inches. This sample table gives minimum floor joist sizes for joists spaced at 16 inches and 24 inches on center o c for 2 grade lumber with 10 pounds per square foot of dead load and 40 pounds of live load which is typical of normal residential construction.
While homeowners may be able to repair minor joist problems most are best left to a professional. The table excerpt above is simply a sample and may not be valid for your region. Below is a table giving the minimum size floor joists needed for 16 and 24 on center o c spacing when using 2 lumber with 10 pounds per square foot of dead load and 40 pounds of live load.
While most residential construction uses 2x8 joists with 16 inch spacing there are many other factors you need to consider when determining the proper joist span length. Looking at this table you will see there is a choice in the size of floor joist 2 x 6 2 x 8 2 x 10 or 2 x 12 and there is a choice in the joist spacing 12 16 or 14. These include the length of the span as well as the type and grade of the lumber being used.
Two by 6 inches is a joist size frequently used in both indoor floors and as deck joists. Choosing the correct floor joist size depends on your building application joist spacing and several other factors. You can always use bigger lumber closer spacing or a smaller span.