Is it ok I use 2x6 wood for floor joist.

Matthewandbrand · 11-01-2012, 11:36 PM

I am tryin to build my wife and i a small apartment and have built a cinderblock stem wall foundation with dementions 26x28ft.

I have finished the blocking and layed the 6mil sheeting on ground , my sill sealer foam and pt sill plates along the perimeter. I have spot piers evenly spaced in the inside (every 7 ft length wise by every 6 ft width wise.) I am currently about to install my beams (4x10). My question is if it is ok to use 2x6's as my joists for the floor. The span to the beams will be at 7ft and I will be going 16" on center spacing.

I am a first timer at this and would like all the help I can get. Any help or advise is greatly appreciated. Thank you

Matthewandbrand · 11-02-2012, 12:02 AM

I will post more pictures as I take them. Thank you

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Daniel Holzman · 11-02-2012, 09:02 AM

The size of joists, beams and most other standard framing elements are usually dictated by code. If you have a custom designed house, the architect will typically specify the required size of the framing elements, usually assisted by a structural engineer. In some communities, you do not need a permit to build, and therefore you can size your framing elements based on any code you prefer, fundamental analysis by an engineer or architect, or simply by guesswork or copying the size used in other houses.

You did not indicate where you were building, if you are planning to follow code, or you have some other basis of design. Do you have plans for the apartment? If you describe your design basis, it would be possible to discuss if the selected joist size is OK. You also need to know the species of wood you plan to use, as that affects the allowable span.

joed · 11-02-2012, 09:12 AM

Floor joist span table I can find on line do not even include 2x6. They start at 2x8 with 12' spans maximum.

hand drive · 11-02-2012, 09:22 AM

I think a 5' span is pushing it for 2x6 joists so 7' would not work imo. I feel comfortable at about a 4' span between bearing points with 2x6 joists. this is with spf standard framing lumber...

AndyGump · 11-02-2012, 09:43 AM

According to the IRC 2009 for 16" centers, 20 lb. dead load, 40 live.
You can span about 9' with your 2x6, if you care.

Andy.

joecaption · 11-02-2012, 09:49 AM

If you do not mind a bouncy, squecky floor then 2 X 6's will "work".
I'd go with 2 X 8's/
Also please tell me your not going to use a solid beam that size.
Always better to gang up 2X's then to use a solid beam.

DannyT · 11-02-2012, 11:24 AM

i wouldn't plan on installing any tile floors.

mae-ling · 11-02-2012, 12:03 PM

8' is the length I am comfortable at. very rarely used 2x6. Only in a small porch, and never going to be tiled just lino. (carpet would be ok too)

GBrackins · 11-02-2012, 01:18 PM

This link will provide you with span tables from the 2009 International Residential Code. As Daniel said it is unclear what code if any you are or are not required to build by. These tables will provide you with the maximum spans for various size joists, wood species and lumber grades.

Hope this helps

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/ic...9_5_par020.htm

this is span tables from the American Wood Council. these tables are the basis for those contained in the IRC.

http://awc.org/pdf/STJR_2012.pdf

Good luck!

ptarmigan61 · 11-02-2012, 02:21 PM

Our old cottage has 2 x 6 floor joist on just slightly over 7 foot spans. The floor is a bit bouncy (compared - say - to the 2 x 10's on 10 foot spans in our house), but is has been OK and has been there since 1974. The thing we notice most in the cottage is less the bounce and more the way things shake if someone stomps or runs across the living room.

Matthewandbrand · 11-02-2012, 02:24 PM

Thanks everyone! I will be going to get some 2x8's today.
Also, I did not run solid beams but built them out of 2x10s . I am building this in the east Texas piney woods area. In the country so no codes or limitations.
Another question though.... If I go with the 2x8's will I be able to put ceramic tile down or do I need to go bigger to allow for these.

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Matthewandbrand · 11-02-2012, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthewandbrand

Thanks everyone! I will be going to get some 2x8's today.
Also, I did not run a solid beam but built them out of 2x10s . I am building this in the easy Texas piney woods area. In the country so no codes or limitations.
Another question though.... If I go with the 2x8's will I be able to put ceramic tile down or do I need to go bigger to allow for these.

Sent from my iPhone using DIY Forum

Sent from my iPhone using DIY Forum

tony.g · 11-02-2012, 02:54 PM

[quote=Matthewandbrand;1043306. If I go with the 2x8's will I be able to put ceramic tile down or do I need to go bigger to allow for these.

Sent from my iPhone using DIY Forum[/quote]

To improve stiffness, try spacing the joists a little closer (say 14"). That way, each joist will be carrying less weight and will therefore deflect (and bounce) a little less.
Also, solid bridging between the joists at mid span helps to stiffen the whole floor by spreading the weight over several joists.

GBrackins · 11-02-2012, 02:57 PM

what will be the span of your joists? what is the species and grade of your lumber?

11-01-2012, 11:36 PM	#1
Matthewandbrand Newbie Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 7	Is it ok I use 2x6 wood for floor joist. I am tryin to build my wife and i a small apartment and have built a cinderblock stem wall foundation with dementions 26x28ft. I have finished the blocking and layed the 6mil sheeting on ground , my sill sealer foam and pt sill plates along the perimeter. I have spot piers evenly spaced in the inside (every 7 ft length wise by every 6 ft width wise.) I am currently about to install my beams (4x10). My question is if it is ok to use 2x6's as my joists for the floor. The span to the beams will be at 7ft and I will be going 16" on center spacing. I am a first timer at this and would like all the help I can get. Any help or advise is greatly appreciated. Thank you Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Matthewandbrand; 11-02-2012 at 12:00 AM.

11-02-2012, 12:02 AM	#2
Matthewandbrand Newbie Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 7	Is it ok I use 2x6 wood for floor joist. I will post more pictures as I take them. Thank you Sent from my iPhone using DIY Forum

11-02-2012, 09:02 AM	#3
Daniel Holzman Civil Engineer Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 3,585	Is it ok I use 2x6 wood for floor joist. The size of joists, beams and most other standard framing elements are usually dictated by code. If you have a custom designed house, the architect will typically specify the required size of the framing elements, usually assisted by a structural engineer. In some communities, you do not need a permit to build, and therefore you can size your framing elements based on any code you prefer, fundamental analysis by an engineer or architect, or simply by guesswork or copying the size used in other houses. You did not indicate where you were building, if you are planning to follow code, or you have some other basis of design. Do you have plans for the apartment? If you describe your design basis, it would be possible to discuss if the selected joist size is OK. You also need to know the species of wood you plan to use, as that affects the allowable span.

11-02-2012, 09:12 AM	#4
joed Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Welland, Ontario Posts: 6,104	Is it ok I use 2x6 wood for floor joist. Floor joist span table I can find on line do not even include 2x6. They start at 2x8 with 12' spans maximum. __________________ Do not PM with questions that can be asked in a forum. I will not respond.

11-02-2012, 09:22 AM	#5
hand drive AHH, SPANS!!! Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Durham NC Posts: 1,229	Is it ok I use 2x6 wood for floor joist. I think a 5' span is pushing it for 2x6 joists so 7' would not work imo. I feel comfortable at about a 4' span between bearing points with 2x6 joists. this is with spf standard framing lumber...

Is it ok I use 2x6 wood for floor joist.