How far apart do floor joists need to be?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 10, 2026
Some brands recommend 16 inches at the centre for 90 degrees angle. And also,14 inches on the centre for 30-degree angles and 12 inches for 45-degree angles. For residential decking, the joist space should not exceed 16 inches, as measured in the centre.
How far can you span a 2x6 floor joist?
2-grade 2×6 joists can span up to 10 feet 9 inches from beam to beam when spaced the standard 16 inches apart with a maximum live load of 30 inches per square foot. In comparison, No. -1 grade lumber can span slightly further to 10 feet 11 inches under the same parameters.
How far apart should joist be for floor?
In most homes, the common standard is 16 inches on-center. This means from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist there is a measurement of 16 inches. This spacing can be as much as 24 inches apart if you are using a higher grade (therefore stronger) lumber or if your span is very short.
Can deck joists be 24 inches on center?
Decking manufacturers may recommend anywhere between 12 and 16 inches for commercial decks and 12 to 24 inches for residential decks.
What size floor joist do I need for a 12 foot span?
Thus you will need a 2×6 (2-by-6) size of floor joists for 12 foot span at standard 12 inches spaced.
28 related questions foundHow far can a 2x12 floor joist span without support?
A 2×12 (2-by-12) floor joists can span up to 23 feet 3 inches, 2×10 (2-by-10) up to 19 feet 1 inches, 2×8 (2-by-8) up to 15 feet & 2×6 (2-by-6) up to 11 feet 4 inches at 16″ spaced by using southern yellow pine graded as #1 when live load of 30 lbs/ft^2 & dead load of 10 lbs/ ft^2.
How many joists is 12 feet?
A 12-foot long deck with joists 16 inches on center will require 10 joists.
Are 2x6 strong enough for deck joists?
You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9'0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9'10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).
How far can a 2x10 joist span without support?
How Far Can a 2×10 Beam or Header Span? A 2×10 beam – made up of two 2x10s nailed together – can span up to 11' without support beneath a deck that is 4' wide. For a more normal-sized deck, the same beam can span 8', supporting a deck that is 8' wide. You can also triple a 2×10 beam.
How far apart are floor joists in old houses?
Building codes specify the minimum joist depth and spacing (typically 12 or 16 inches on center) for spans up to 20 feet, but those requirements are intended to prevent plaster ceilings from cracking, not to eliminate springy floors.
Are 2x6 OK for floor joists?
2x6s may be used for floor joists, ceiling joists, or rafters and have differing spans for the same grades and species. Loads are divided into live or snow loads and dead load considerations. A plank used for a floor joist commonly has different load factors than a ceiling joist or rafter.
How far can a 2x8 joist span without support?
In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet. Based on all factors though, a 2×8 joist span is 7'-1” to 16'-6”, and a rafter 6'-7” and 23'-9”. In this guide, we'll explain what span means in terms of construction, factors that impact the span, and how much weight a 2×8 can support.
Can I use 2x8 for floor joists?
Floor or Deck Joists
The span for a 2×8 floor joist can range from 7' 1” to 16' 6”. In addition, floor and deck joists have to support a fairly high live load because they provide support underneath living areas. You may find that a 2×8 does not offer the necessary support on its own.
Should deck joists be 2x6 or 2x8?
For upper-level decks, 2x10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 2x6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards.
How far apart do you put deck joists?
How Far Apart Should You Space Deck Joists? The short answer: deck joists are typically spaced either 12 inches or 16 inches apart, on center.
Can I use 2x4 for deck joists?
The short answer is yes. 2x4s can work for deck joists. However, they aren't ideal for spanning long distances without bending or breaking, so you have some limitations. Choosing 2x4s for a low-sitting deck is perfect for keeping your feet out of the mud.
How many joists is 16 feet?
Nine joists will be needed for the 16-foot width. (I prefer to double the outside joists, as do some deck builders, which adds 2 joists, for a total of 11.
How many joist do I need for 16 foot span?
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.
How big of a beam do I need to span 16 feet?
For a 16 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×14 or 6×14 size of wood beam. Thus, a 3 nailed 2×14 or 3-2×14 or 6×14 wood beam can allow to span 16 feet. For a 16-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 14 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×14) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.
Can a 2x12 span 24 feet?
In general terms, joist or beam which spaced 16 inches apart on Centre can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2×16 can span upto 24 feet.
What size lumber can span 20 feet?
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 beam do I need to span 14 feet?
Thus, for a 14 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×12 or 6×12 size of wood beam. For a 14-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 12 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×12) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.