DIY Builds
Photo by Erik Mclean Pexels Logo Photo: Erik Mclean

What size lumber do you need to span 16 feet?

What size lumber for a 16 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 16 foot span, you will need atleast 2×10 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 16″ apart. Thus, a 2×10 size of lumber can allow to span 16 feet.

What happens when a live wire touches metal?
What happens when a live wire touches metal?

If the live wire touches the metal casing accidentally, current will flow through the casing and the user touching the casing will get an...

Read More »
What is a portico porch?
What is a portico porch?

A portico is a porch leading to the entrance of a building, or extended as a colonnade, with a roof structure over a walkway, supported by columns...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

What size lumber for 20′, 16′, 18′, 10′, 12′ & 22 feet span | lumber size for a 10 foot span | lumber size for a 16 foot span | lumber size for a 20 foot span | lumber size for 30 foot span | lumber size for 24 foot span | what size lumber to span 20 feet, 16 feet, 12 feet, 18 feet, 14 feet, 10 feet, 24 feet and 22 feet. There are different depth of lumber as a floor joist are used in floor construction such as 2×6, 2×8, 2×10 and 2×12, made of different species of wood (southern yellow pine & Douglas fir) and different grade such as grade – 1, grade – 2, grade – 3. Southern yellow pine is strongest species of wood/ lumber that can span more distance compared to other species of wood. Grade 1 lumber have higher strength than other grade Lumber due to fewer knots. Floor joists can be define as several small beams. Floor joists are typically a horizontal structural member that runs across an open space of building on supporting wall or studs. Their function is similar as beams, except floor joists are supported by wall, foundations, or beams framing. Floor joists usually run between walls or rafters to support a ceiling or floor. They transfer the dead load of the subfloor and floor finishes and live load of people, furniture and furnishings to beams, walls, headers, or foundation walls. It is like the skeleton/ framing of a building that supports the load which the floor is built to bear. Joists are technically beams that typically spans relatively short distances compared to beams and are made of wood, steel, or engineered wood or lumber. What size lumber for 20′, 16′, 18′, 12′, 22′, 24′, 25′, 26′ & 30 feet span as floor joist depending on different size of Lumber, species of wood, grade of wood, spacing between the joist, expected dead and live load of structure that coming to joist. The loading includes dead load of the weight of the frame structure & fixed weight and live load of People, furniture, appliances and a snow on the roof. Not all the type of species of wood/ lumber created equally strong and type of tree used to make joist affects the span allowed. Southern yellow pine is strongest species of wood that can span more distance compared to other species of wood. Grade 1 lumber have higher strength than other grade Lumber due to fewer knots. Spacing between floor joist for different sizes of lumber are kept at 12 inches, 16 inches and 24 inches apart. The joist which are kept at lower spacing can allow longer distance to span as compared to joist spaced further apart. Standard spacing between floors joist is 16 inches.

What size mini split for a garage?
What size mini split for a garage?

A small one-car garage requires a 6,000 or 9,000 BTU mini-split, but the higher the garage's dimensions, the larger unit is required. Two-car...

Read More »
Can you get battery powered heaters?
Can you get battery powered heaters?

Yes, you can purchase 12 volt resistance heaters that create about 150 watts of heat and draw about 20 amps (so it needs a 20amp fuse). A 150 watt...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

What size lumber for 20′, 16′, 18′, 12′, 22′, 24′, 25′, 26′ & 30 feet span What size lumber for 20′, 16′, 18′, 12′, 22′, 24′, 25′, 26′ & 30 feet span as floor joist depending on different size of Lumber, species of wood, grade of wood, spacing between the joist, expected dead and live load of structure that coming to joist. The loading includes dead load of the weight of the frame structure & fixed weight and live load of People, furniture, appliances and a snow on the roof. What size lumber for a 20 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 20 foot span, you will need atleast 2×12 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 16″ apart. Thus, a 2×12 size of lumber can allow to span 20 feet. For a 20-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 12 inches in depth used as floor joist. What size lumber for a 10 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 10 foot span, you will need atleast 2×6 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 16″ apart. Thus, a 2×6 size of lumber can allow to span 10 feet. For a 10-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 6 inches in depth used as floor joist. What size lumber for a 12 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 12 foot span, you will need atleast 2×8 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 16″ apart or 2×6 lumber at 12″ spaced. Thus, a 2×8 size of lumber can allow to span 12 feet. For a 12-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 6 inches to 8 inches in depth used as floor joist. What size lumber for a 14 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 14 foot span, you will need atleast 2×8 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 16″ apart. Thus, a 2×8 size of lumber can allow to span 14 feet. For a 14-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 8 inches in depth used as floor joist. What size lumber for a 15 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 15 foot span, you will need atleast 2×8 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 12″ apart. Thus, a 2×8 size of lumber can allow to span 14 feet. For a 14-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 8 inches in depth used as floor joist.

Should I insulate my outdoor shed?
Should I insulate my outdoor shed?

Wall insulation provides your shed with better thermal performance and improved acoustics, making your structure both a warm and a quiet place....

Read More »
Is adding a garage a good investment?
Is adding a garage a good investment?

And if you wanted to convert your existing garage into a living space and build a larger garage, consider this: a garage addition delivers a low...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

What size lumber for a 16 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 16 foot span, you will need atleast 2×10 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 16″ apart. Thus, a 2×10 size of lumber can allow to span 16 feet. For a 16-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 10 inches in depth used as floor joist. What size lumber for a 18 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 18 foot span, you will need atleast 2×10 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 12″ apart. Thus, a 2×10 size of lumber can allow to span 18 feet. For a 18-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 10 inches in depth used as floor joist. What size lumber for a 22 foot span:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, for a 22 foot span, you will need atleast 2×12 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 12″ apart. Thus, a 2×12 size of lumber can allow to span 22 feet. For a 22-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 12 inches in depth used as floor joist.

How far can a 2×10 ceiling joist span without support

How far can a 2×6 ceiling joist span without support

How far can a 2×10, 2×12, 2×8 & 2×6 span for a pergola

How far can a 2×8, 2×6, 2×10, 2×4 & 2×12 pergola Rafter span?

What size lumber for 20′, 16′, 18′, 10′, 12′ & 22 feet span

Conclusion:-

For a 20 foot span, you will need atleast 2×12 size of lumber/ floor joist when spaced at 16″ apart. Thus, a 2×12 size of lumber can allow to span 20 feet. For a 20-foot spans, the lumber has to be at least 12 inches in depth used as floor joist.

Can you put flooring in a Tuff Shed?
Can you put flooring in a Tuff Shed?

No matter what you plan to store inside your shed, a more temperate interior is always a great addition. Our floors are already ideal examples of...

Read More »
What can I buy and sell to make money?
What can I buy and sell to make money?

Here are 15 things you can sell to make money today: TV and Movie Memorabilia. Sports Cards. Clothes. Sneakers. Yard Equipment. Furniture. Video...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Why put a plastic bag over a plant?
Why put a plastic bag over a plant?

Plastic bags are commonly used to cover plants because they provide protection from pests, disease, excessive moisture, and even frost. When a...

Read More »
How do you dispose of an old wooden shed?
How do you dispose of an old wooden shed?

If you can dismantle and remove your own shed from your garden, and you can fit it into a vehicle, there's every chance you can get rid of it at...

Read More »