[Cookster]

what size joist do I need to spand a 16ft area without support

 

[Cookster]

someone tried to contact me but I could not get to it. please try again

 

[sixeightten]

The answer is... It depends.

Where are you, what are the joists supporting, etc.

 

[Cookster]

I'm in Idaho and it will be a storage area in a garage, partial second floor in rafter area, I have vaulted ceiling truss

 

[thomasjmarino]

I would go with 2x10
I think 2x8 is good to 12'
If it's floor joist make sure you solid block at 8'

 

[sixeightten]

If you are going to load it with heavy stuff I would go 2x12 at 16"oc

 

[Cookster]

Can I use 4x8's

 

[Clutchcargo]

http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/calc/timbercalcstyle.asp

 

[sixeightten]

I may get toasted by an engineer here, but if you already have the 4x8's I think they could work. Maybe don't load them as much until you see what they can handle.

 

[Cookster]

Thanks to everyone for your imput