Teak floor joist spans

tropic home · 11-14-2006, 10:23 PM

I am building my home in Costa Rica. US code shows a 9'9" span with 2x6 select treated pine @ 12" centers and 7'9" @ 24" centers. I will be using 2x6 (a true 2" X 6") teak joists and wanting to span 12' @ 24" centers. Will this work. I want a safe floor, sturdy and no deflection. The room above is a bedroom. The floor will be 3/4" teak tongue and groove. Anyone know if this is a safe span?

North Country · 11-15-2006, 12:33 AM

According to the American Wood Council, for a 12' span at L/360 deflection, 40psf live load and a 10psf dead load, you would need 2x8's on 16" o.c spacing or 2x10's on 24" o.c spacing. This is the calculation based on Southern Yellow Pine #2 grade. There is no listing for teak as a structural joist.

dougrus · 11-15-2006, 06:28 AM

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I am not familiar with teak construction but I can tell you, for a floor with any other type of lumber, 2"x6" (even if they are true) on 24" centers and a 12 ft span is not very good for what you want.
If you want a sturdy floor, I would go with at least 2x8's with 16" centers on a 12' span. Minimum.
I suppose you could "get away" with the floor you prepose, but I wouldnt...you only get one chance to build the house.

concretemasonry · 11-15-2006, 10:35 AM

I am not familiar with teak, but the fact you have full 2x6s is substantial. Teak is a wonderful wood for boats, but that does not always transfer to structural (stress and deflection) applications.

From a flexural stress standpoint, full 2x6s will give you 60% more strength than nominal 2x6s with the same type of wood.

Just because it is strong enough, does not mean it will be adequate. Deflection is also a big "feel" factor.

Without a lot of calculations, it seems like your 24" spacing is too great. I would reduce the spacing to something more conventional, even if it is done that way in Costa Rica.

What kind of flooring do you propose to span the 24"? - You will have better performance and options with 16"" or 12" on center.

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tropic home · 11-15-2006, 11:52 PM

Thanks. I think I will look into 2x8s