What is the standard distance between floor joists?

The spacing of floor joists is just one of the components used to determine the minimum size of the floor joist. Per the prescriptive tables found in Chapter 5 of the International Residential Code (IRC), the standard floor joist spacing used is 12, 16, 19.2, and 24 inches on center.

Can floor joists be 24 inches apart?

24″ o.c. You can always use bigger lumber, closer spacing, or a smaller span; just don’t go smaller, further apart, or a longer span. In other words err on the side of caution rather than pushing the envelope.

What is code for floor joist?

Floor Joist Building Code Requirements The joist must have a minimum of 1 1/2″ riding on the wall or beam. If the joists are lapped, then they must be lapped at least 3″. Maximum end notches for 2 x 8, 2 x 10, and 2 x 12 respectively are 1 13/16″, 2 5/16″, and 2 13/16″.

How do you measure floor joist spacing?

Joist spacing is commonly given as “on center” (o.c.), which means the spacing is measured from the center of one joist to the center of the next one. The most common joist spacings are 12, 16, and 24 inches on center. Watch out: nobody with any sense actually lays out joists by measuring to their center.

How far can a 2×6 floor joist span without support?

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.

What is the maximum span for a 2×6 floor joist?

Can I use 2×6 for floor joists?

A 2×6 spaced 16 inches apart can span a maximum distance of 13 feet 5 inches when used as a rafter, 10 feet 9 inches when used as a joist, and 6 feet 11 inches when used as a deck beam to support joists with a 6-foot span.

What wood is used for floor joists?

Common species used in-house framing include: Southern yellow pine and Douglas fir have high bending strength. Hemlock, spruce, and redwood have medium bending strength. Western red cedar, Eastern white pine, and ponderosa pine have low bending strength.

How far can a 2×6 header span?

Figure B: Example of Calculating Header Size

Header Size Maximum Span Number of Trimmers
Double 2×6 4 ft., 0 in. One
Double 2×8 5 ft., 0 in. Two
Double 2×10 6 ft., 2 in. Two
Double 2×12 7 ft., 1 in. Two

How far can a 2×10 floor joist span without support?

Douglas fir 2-by-10 joists graded as “Structural Select” allows joist spans up to 21 feet for a live load of 30 pounds per square foot when spaced 12 inches apart, 19 feet 1 inch for 16 inch spacing and 16 feet 8 inches for 24 inch spacing.