Can 2×6 Be Used For Rafters?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

2×6 shed roof rafters are

enough for nearly any type of shed a homeowner wants to build

. While a 2×6 might be nearly double the cost of a 2×4, you can likely space the 2x6s further apart, negating the added expense of increasing your lumber width. An SYP 2×6 rafter at 24 O.C. can span up to 13’4”.

What is the normal spacing between rafters?

But they do tend to space rafters in one of several industry-standard increments, typically either

12, 16 or 24 inches apart

. These spacing intervals are measured “on center,” meaning that the measurement is taken from the center of one rafter’s horizontal surface to the center of the next rafter.

How far apart should 2×6 rafters be?

How Far Can a 2×6 Rafter Span? A 2×6 rafter can span 14 feet 8 inches when

spaced 16 inches apart

with No. 1-grade southern pine lumber on a roof with a 3/12 slope or less with a maximum live load of 20 pounds per square foot and a dead load of 15 psf.

How far can a 2×6 truss span?

For instance, a standard truss for a 2/12 roof can span only around 24′ while the same truss spanning a 7/12 roof can reach

nearly 48′

. If you consider trusses with 2×6 lumber, a truss for a 7/12 roof can span much more than double the length of the same type of truss for a 2/12 roof.

What is code for rafter spacing?

Typical rafter-spacing codes will specify a minimum spacing of

16 inches, 19.2 inches or 24 inches

. The closer the rafters are to each other, the stronger the roof will be.

How far can a 2×6 Rafter 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.

How far can a 2×6 span without support?

The maximum distance a 2×6 can span, according to the 2018 IRC, for a floor joist, is

12′-6”

, ceiling joist 20′-8”, rafter 18′-0”, deck board 24”, deck joist 9′-11”, deck beam 8′-3”, and 6′-1” as for header.

What is standard truss spacing?

Truss Spacing: this is the distance between trusses. The standard roof truss spacing is

2′

. Almost all residential trusses use this spacing. There is a misconception that spacing trusses every 16” on center is better because it will be strong than the average 2′.

What is the spacing for joists?

Floor joists are typically

12”, 16”, or 24” apart

in a home. Most common spacing for floor joists is 16” o.c. You’ll notice that the joist span tables also include 19.2” on center as an option. This spacing is typically for I-beam and truss joists since the tops of those types of joists are wider.

How far can a 2×4 span without support?

2×4 is suitable when the range is

less than 5 feet

. If the span was 4 or 5 feet (maximum) before being supported by a joist, a 2×4 should be fine. Because the detour would be short because the curls are so short.

How far can a floor truss span without support?

A floor truss can be designed to span

30 or more feet

with ease. The truss manufacturer can build them so strong that there’s no bounce to the floor at all.

How big of a beam do I need to span 20 feet?

For 20 foot span, size of continuous beam for 2-3 storey residential building, using thumb rule, is

about 9′′×12′′ in

which beam width is 9′′ and beam depth is 12′′ providing with 2nos of 12mm bar at top, 2nos of 16mm bar at bottom and 2nos of 12mm crank bar of Fe500 with stirrup

[email protected]

′′C/C and M20 grade of concrete ratio (1 …

What size should rafters be?

Nominal Size Spaced (o.c.) Species / Grade ( 20# Live Load – No Finished Ceiling) 2′′ x 6′′ 16 12-10 24 10-5
2′′ x 8′′

12 19-4
16 16-10

How far can a double 2×8 beam span without support?

A rule of thumb is 1.5 times a joist’s depth but in feet when spaced at 16” centers. In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so

12-feet

.

What size wood do you use for rafters?

Maximum Span (ft – in) Nominal Size (inches) Rafter Spacing, Center to Center, OC (inches) Lumber Grade
2 x 6


12


16′ – 4”
16 14′ – 11” 24 13′
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.