[tjbingha]

Is there specific guidelines to go by or a table available for ceiling joists sizing for carrying drywall only? I have a span of about 10 ft and would like to use 2 x 4's if possible, however I am just not sure if these will be strong enough to carry the weight of the drywall and do not want any future problems.

Tom

 

[joecaption]

Go with a minimum of 2 X 6's, 8's would be even better.
2 X 4's will just sag and cause cracks.

 

[JonM]

http://www.wclib.org/pdfs/SimpSpanTbls.pdf

But call your local building department for specifics. ie live/dead loads

 

[GBrackins]

This depends on your local building code (if any), and the type of attic space your have. Live loads can range from 10 pounds per square foot for attics with limited height to 30 pounds per square foot for attics that can be accessed by fixed stairs. It is also dependent on the wood species used.

See pages 11 and 12 of the American Wood Council's "Span Tables for Joists and Rafters". These table are found in the International Residential Code.

Kiln dried 2x4 spruce-pine-fir "could be" used at a 10' span with 10 psf live load at a spacing of 16" o.c., however that would be at the outer limits of the allowable span. As Joe stated you'll have more sag than if you framed using 2x6 or 2x8. I would probably recommend a 12" o.c. spacing should you decide on the 2x4's.

Again framing size and spacing is determined by the actual live load of the attic space and species of wood used.

Hope this helps! Good luck! :thumbsup:

 

[tjbingha]

This will not have attic space and will not be carrying any snow/roof load. Only the weight of the drywall/recessed cans (two of them). I feel very stupid but I have a difficult time in reading these span tables provided. I have an engineer coming in again on Saturday to confirm this and another few items, I just wanted to get an idea and order the wood so that I can complete on Sunday.

Thanks for all your help guys...

Tom