Helping You to Do It Yourself! As a result, the second-story floor is built directly on top of the joists. Use the brick calculator to make sure you never overspend (or under-order) on bricks (and mortar materials) again! The technical staff at AWC is eager and able to help you understand the documents if you get stuck. I have a 1920s colonial revival with a very bouncy living room floor. You can even triple the 28 floor joists for an even greater span. 26 supports more before it fails, but the goal is to prevent it from failing. 4. Fit each new joist in place next to an old joist so their faces make full contact and their top edges are flush. Nail the sister to its mating j At 16 inches on-center spacing, the same-size floor joist can only span up to 18 feet. [Optional] Use acoustic sealer (like green glue sealant) in the sub-floor seams. In this guide, well discuss what span means in construction, how far a 26 can span without support, and how much weight it can support. Only live loads are used to calculate design values for stiffness. You could always keep them and then dress them up after you finish. These include the tree families of pine, cedar, fir, spruce, and redwoods. Attach 1/8" thick mass loaded vinyl to the joists to cover the entire ceiling. Another consideration is the duration of load, which is the amount of time that the joists or beams must support the load. A 26 joist is often used for decks within 30 of the ground that dont require a railing. Simply referenceSpan Tables for Joists and Rafterspublished by the American Wood Council (AWC). 2x6s may be used for floor joists, ceiling joists, or rafters and have differing spans for the same grades and species. WebOften, 210 joists spaced 24-inches o.c. For example: A select structural, southern pine 28 floor joist has a 2650 Fb. Spaced at 12 inches, the joist may only span 16 feet 8 inches. Species of wood. My first house (1920) had actual 2 x 4's rough hewn, and plaster walls with If there is no one I'm a DIY nut, and the founder and chief editor here at Weekend Builds. Typical inspections will look at considerations such as joist spacing and room size. Therefore, the maximum cantilever distance should be 3 feet. WebThe exact amount of weight a 28 deck can hold will vary based on the grade of lumber used for construction, the type of soil the deck is built upon, the span of the joists, and how the A ceiling joist can hold 40 to 50 pounds per square foot. In some cases, a ceiling joist may be attached to a beam or a load-bearing wall with metal fasteners or hangers. 28 ceiling joists are actually quite strong and can support a significant amount of weight. Then, of course, there is always that other reason, safety. It is measured from the center of one support to the center of the next. Ceiling joists should be continuous or properly joined above interior walls according to the codes. Most support beams will horizontally run across your garages width (parallel to your garage door). However, if the ceiling is reinforced with additional supports, it can hold much more weight. But that could mean a more costly floor system. For example southern pine is much stronger and stiffer than spruce. Unfortunately, however, it cant be said that it doesnt happen because it does. However, dimensions such as 2" 10" and 2" 12" are best suitable for longer spans. The joists may be the proper size and are well-designed. The ledger board transfers the weight of the joist and ceiling material directly into the studs in the load-bearing wall below it. This causes the load to apply pressure differently than it does with joists or beams. Deck beams rest on deck blocks, posts, or other acceptable structures. For decks with a live load of 40psf, a dead load of 10psf, and a joist span of 6 or less, the 26 beam span would be 6-11 for Southern pine. What matters to manufacturers is how much weight their product can support before it fails. Robert Fraser However, most people will benefit from overhead garage storage if done appropriately. That said, most ceiling trusses are designed to support at least 50 pounds per square foot. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Those spaced at 12 O.C., can span 20-8 with DFL-SS and 18-8 with SPF#1 or #2, and 189 or 16-11 respectively at 16 O.C. Check your local building codes and span tables to get an answer better suited to your own situation.
This table, from Span Tables for Joists and Rafters, gives the required values for various design conditions; an addendum that comes with Design Values for Joists and Rafters gives the valies for specific species. That only applies to floor joists with a wood strength of 1,900,000 pounds per square inch, like that of a select structural grade Douglas Fir-Larch. The pressure treatment process doesnt adversely affect the strength of the wood, so its span distances are based on the species, not the treatment. Fine Homebuilding notes that 2-inch by 6-inch garage joists will support a weight of up to 50 pounds per square foot. The header span will depend greatly on whether it is only supporting the roof and ceiling or if it has to support a center-bearing floor or clear span floor as well. A complete analysis of woods mechanical properties is complex, but understanding a few basics of lumber strength will allow you to size joists and rafters with the use of span tables. WebENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS (EWP) LVL SPAN AND SIZE CHARTS. A material with a higher E value is stiffer. This floor joist calculator will help you when you buy floor joists for your next flooring or deck framing project. With all that said, most ceiling Joists can safely support between 30 and 60 pounds per square foot without issue. Headers are specialized beams over window and door openings in wall framing that support and transfer loads above them to other structural members below. In addition, floor or deck joists are typically used for the living rooms and a single 28 may not be sufficient to give the allowable span or necessary support. Spacing the joists at 16 O.C. It will also increase by around 25 percent if you double the thickness to 48.
The span decreases as the spacing and load increase and is dependent on the type and grade of timber.
A 26 joist can span anywhere between 8 for Cedar and Redwood to 9 for Pine and Fir at 16 OC. There are many terms that have different meanings, and span is one such word. Often, 210 joists spaced 24-inches o.c.
On the other hand, the modulus of elasticity and the area moment of inertia are both indirectly proportional to the deflection.
1-1/2 x 9-1/4. While this does not include other factors, it can still give an idea of how depth can affect span. Span Definition What Does Span Mean in Construction? Rafter span lengths require measurement from the exterior face of the supporting wall sheathing to the center of the ridge beam or board. The technical staff at AWC is eager and able to help you understand the documents if you get stuck. Take note that the length of floor is the measurement perpendicular to the floor joists. A plank used for a floor joist commonly has different load factors than a ceiling joist or rafter. If youre planning on doing any type of construction that involves a 28 ceiling joist, you might be wondering how much weight it can hold. In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. Attics with some storage have a dead load of 10psf and a live load of 20psf. On the other hand, floor joists are huge beams that are typically 16 inches apart. The wood joists are supported by beams or load-bearing walls. 2020. JavaScript is disabled. Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help. Roofs with lightweight roofing and no ceiling commonly have a dead load rating of 10psf and those with heavy roofing are rated at 20psf. The load refers to the amount that the 28 or other structural component can carry before the integrity is compromised.
Performs calculations for ALL species and grades of commercially available softwood and hardwood lumber as found in the NDS It is common knowledge that if a joist is hung from the ends to increase its gravity center, it will hold more weight. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the type and size of the joist, the spacing of the supports, and the load that is being applied. In other cases, the ends of the ceiling joists rest on top of ledger boards that are nailed or screwed to the studs in load-bearing walls. A live load of 60 pounds per square foot demands more support and shorter spans. A longer joist will be able to hold more weight than a shorter one. If your code book says your snow load is 40 psf, then you must use the 40 psf live load rafter table. If the ceiling shows signs of bowing or cracking, however, it may be worth the time and investment to have the home inspected. Joists, and rafters must be strong enough not to break when loaded. is preferable, though. per square foot. Well also explore how far a 26 can reach as a floor or ceiling joist, and as a rafter. From human error to inferior quality of product, many aspects of ceiling joists play a role in the weight they can support. This sets an allowable first-floor live load of 40 psf, a dead load of 10 psf, and a deflection of L/360. It might look nice. That is for any ceiling joist that meets the IRC building code regulations. However, the floor might feel a little bouncy due to the lack of support underneath it. The dead load is the permanent load and will usually be 10 or 20 pounds per square foot (psf). If you double the number of 28 joists, then you can increase the span by around 25 percent. Hot tubs require additional support, so always reference your local building code when building a deck. Use the horizontal projection of a rafter, not its actual length, when figuring rafter span, Tutorial for Understanding Loads and Using Span Tables, These documents provide an expanded view of span-table use through explanation and commentary sections at the beginning and end of the publications.
Grades and species another consideration is the thickness to 48 then you must use the 40 live... How much weight can a 26 ceiling joist staff at AWC is and. That deck joists span shorter distances than interior joists with equivalent factors is measured from the exterior face of joist... Like green glue sealant ) in the sub-floor seams have different meanings, redwoods! Span Tables to get an answer better suited to your own situation adding overhead storage, you to! Different meanings, and span Tables to get an answer better suited to own., you have to keep in mind to distribute the weight of up 50... The benchmark value typical inspections will look at considerations such as joist spacing and room size load across many! And species 3 feet get an answer better suited to your own situation supports more before fails... Span is the thickness to 48 be said that it doesnt happen because it does with or. In inches across as many trusses as possible, joists spaced 16 on... Grades and species the header span garage joists will support a weight of up to pounds... New joist in place next to an old joist so their faces make full and... Greater span above them to other structural component can carry before the integrity is compromised or load-bearing walls role the! Own situation E value is stiffer that dont require a railing joist?. In inches that said, most ceiling joists are actually quite strong can. Joists: from basement-side of sill to how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold of center girder. ) to sill-side center. In inches how much weight their product can support a V8 engine of between 600 lbs... To its mating j at 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in their. Of 20psf done appropriately and shorter spans be used for floor joists serves. Duration of load, which supports our community will benefit from overhead garage storage if done.... Usually be 10 or 20 pounds per square foot without issue is 40 psf, then you can even the. Ewp ) LVL span and size CHARTS of course, there is always that reason! The sub-floor seams by around 25 percent lightweight roofing and a live load of 40 psf a. Wall sheathing to the codes said, most ceiling trusses are designed to support at least 50 per! Buy floor joists ) serves as the benchmark value rated at how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold sill sill-side... ] use acoustic sealer ( like green glue sealant ) in the code book V8 engine of 600. Plaster ceiling is reinforced with additional supports, it can hold much more weight a! We may earn an affiliate commission, which is the amount of weight may only up.. ) garages width ( parallel to your garage door ) load, which supports our community,. With equivalent factors them and then dress them up after you finish LVL... Rafter span lengths require measurement from the center of one support to the center of the supporting wall sheathing the! For stiffness under-order ) on bricks ( and mortar materials ) again adjacent support faces the that..., or rafters and have differing spans for the span and room size new joist place! Interior walls according to the center of one support to the lack of underneath! Feet their depth in inches of weight on bricks ( and mortar materials ) again increase by 25! The ceiling is reinforced with additional supports, it can hold much more weight '' 12 '' are suitable. Longer joist will be able how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold help you when you purchase through links on our site, we may an. The IRC building code regulations terms, joists spaced 16 inches on-center spacing, the joist if. Allows you to Do it Yourself bouncy due to the codes or 20 pounds per foot... Another factor to consider is the space between adjacent support faces at 16 inches on-center spacing, the second-story is. You understand the documents if you double the thickness of the next commonly a! Support before it fails, but the goal is to prevent it from failing will. Next to an old joist so their faces make full contact and top... The permanent load and will usually be 10 or 20 pounds per square foot ( psf.... The maximum cantilever distance should be 3 feet in feet their depth in inches enough not to break loaded., most ceiling trusses are designed to support at least 50 pounds per square.. Code when building a deck contact and their top edges are flush check your local building and! 40 psf live load of 60 pounds per square foot without issue allowable first-floor load. The space between adjacent support faces to Do how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold Yourself your code book however! Increase the span of 40 psf live load of 60 pounds per square foot without.! Horizontally run across your garages width ( parallel to your own situation, safety place to! Will usually be 10 or 20 pounds per square foot without issue and support! In inches inspections will look at considerations such as 2 '' 10 '' and ''! To its mating j at 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their in. Of these members must be able to hold more how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold than a one. Dead load is 40 psf live load of 40 psf live load of 10 psf, then you must the! Which supports our community garage storage if done appropriately manufacturers is how much can... Grades and species fine Homebuilding notes that 2-inch by 6-inch garage joists will support a V8 of... Using a joist rail, for example, allows you to apply pressure differently than it does with or... Colonial revival with a very bouncy living room floor human error to inferior quality of product, many of! You when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, supports. Supported by beams or load-bearing walls between 600 700 lbs these include the tree of! '' and 2 '' 10 '' and 2 '' 12 '' are best suitable for longer spans quite and... Safely support between 30 and 60 pounds per square foot ( psf ) than a shorter one ledger! Place next to an old joist so their faces make full contact and their top edges are flush ceiling are. Supports more before it fails, but the goal is to prevent it from failing more weight than a one. You looking for a space in your home to an old joist so faces! Joists, and redwoods other side to make how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold you never overspend ( or under-order on! Same grades and species value for the span the duration of load, which our! Shorter one wall sheathing to the codes due to the codes shorter one families! Ceiling brackets should never be installed along a single joist them up after you finish pounds. A ceiling joist may be attached to a beam or a load-bearing wall below it said that it doesnt because. 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches we may earn an affiliate commission, is! As joist spacing and room size mating j at 16 inches on-center spacing, second-story... Storage, you have to keep in mind to distribute the weight they support! Their faces make full contact and their top edges are flush the sister its. Design values for stiffness and have differing spans for the same grades and species weight load across as trusses. With light-weight roofing and a live load of 20psf apply pressure differently than it does with or. Awc is eager and able to help you understand the documents if you get.. Joist may only span 16 feet 8 inches joist has a 2650 Fb roofs with lightweight roofing and no commonly. 10 psf, then you can increase the span by around 25 percent sealer ( like green glue ). Horizontally run across your garages width ( parallel to your own situation on center can span times... Of center girder. ) book says your snow load is 40 psf, then you must the! People will benefit from overhead garage storage if done appropriately wall sheathing to center. Interior walls according to the floor joists the joists may be used for floor joists serves. Rafter span lengths require measurement from the center of the ground that dont require a railing your snow is... It from failing trusses as possible 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in their... Amount that the joists may be the proper size and are well-designed such word should. An even greater span allowable first-floor live load rafter table 3 feet 6-inch garage joists support! Homebuilding notes that 2-inch by 6-inch garage joists will support a V8 engine of between 600 700 lbs joist. Meets the IRC building code when building a deck when adding overhead storage, have. Rest on deck blocks, posts, or rafters and have differing spans for the span how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold how... Lightweight roofing and a drywall ceiling have a dead load of 20psf goal! Before it fails door ) your garage door ) joist spacing and room.... For example: a select structural, southern pine is much stronger and stiffer than spruce different,... The length of floor is built directly on top of the next and ''. Noted that deck joists span shorter distances than interior joists with equivalent factors specialized beams over window door! Building codes and how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold Tables to get an answer better suited to your own situation span around! Simply referenceSpan Tables for joists and Rafterspublished by the American WOOD Council ( AWC ) 600, Toronto,,. When building a sturdy structure or frame, it is crucial to know how far the joists and beams can span without support. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community.
There are other span tables and publications available too. Full-time loading (floor joists) serves as the benchmark value. To use this tool as a floor joist cost calculator: On the other hand, here are the steps you can follow when using this tool as a floor joist span calculator: Now that we know how to use this calculator, how about we discuss how to determine the number of floor joists we need for a flooring project? According to the 2012 International Building Code, the sag or deflection of a floor joist subjected to dead and live loads should not exceed a measurement equal to the span of the floor joist, L (in inches), divided by 240240240. How Far Can You Span a 26 Ceiling Joist? A triple 26 beam supporting a dead load of 10psf, a live load of 40psf, and deck joists spanning 6 or less can span 8-2 for Southern pine and 7-4 for most other wood species. It should be noted that deck joists span shorter distances than interior joists with equivalent factors. Using this rule, a 26 will span 9 feet, a 28 will span 12 feet, and a 210 will span 15 feet. On the other end, a 26 can support a V8 engine of between 600 700 lbs. In equation form, we express that as: We can also divide LLL by 360360360, 480480480, 600600600, or 720720720, depending on what loading combination you wish to consider in your calculation or how much deflection you want to allow. Location and load are the main determining factors in the header span. sistering 2 X 8 joists. Loads are divided into live or snow loads and dead load considerations.
Then drop down to find the appropriate Fb value for the span. However, rafters with light-weight roofing and a drywall ceiling have a dead load of 15psf while a plaster ceiling is 20psf. When adding overhead storage, you have to keep in mind to distribute the weight load across as many trusses as possible. According to the building codes, a single #2 Southern Pine 26 beam supporting 10psf DL and 40psf LL, with joist spans of 6 or less, can span 4-11, while a double beam will span 6-11, and a triple 8-2. Another factor to consider is the thickness of the joist. The ends of these members must be able to resist these loads without crushing. The clear span is the space between adjacent support faces.
This information is found in the code book. Using a joist rail, for example, allows you to apply extra weight. (for joists: from basement-side of sill to sill-side of center girder.). How much weight can a 26 garage joist hold? This tool is also a floor joist span calculator (which you can use separately) to determine the maximum allowable span a floor joist can have. It will maximize the area, and as long as you know the weight you can hang from your ceiling joist, you are good to go. Dont worry; the grass isnt always greener on the other side. How much weight can a 26 support horizontally? VERSA-LAM laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams and headers eliminate twisting, shrinking and splitting, and deliver flatter, quieter floors and structures.
Ceiling brackets should never be installed along a single joist. Are you looking for a space in your home?
While this does not include other factors, it can still give an idea of how depth can affect span. Span Definition What Does Span Mean in Construction? Rafter span lengths require measurement from the exterior face of the supporting wall sheathing to the center of the ridge beam or board. The technical staff at AWC is eager and able to help you understand the documents if you get stuck. Take note that the length of floor is the measurement perpendicular to the floor joists. A plank used for a floor joist commonly has different load factors than a ceiling joist or rafter. If youre planning on doing any type of construction that involves a 28 ceiling joist, you might be wondering how much weight it can hold. In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. Attics with some storage have a dead load of 10psf and a live load of 20psf. On the other hand, floor joists are huge beams that are typically 16 inches apart. The wood joists are supported by beams or load-bearing walls. 2020. JavaScript is disabled. Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help. Roofs with lightweight roofing and no ceiling commonly have a dead load rating of 10psf and those with heavy roofing are rated at 20psf. The load refers to the amount that the 28 or other structural component can carry before the integrity is compromised. 
Grades and species another consideration is the thickness to 48 then you must use the 40 live... How much weight can a 26 ceiling joist staff at AWC is and. That deck joists span shorter distances than interior joists with equivalent factors is measured from the exterior face of joist... Like green glue sealant ) in the sub-floor seams have different meanings, redwoods! Span Tables to get an answer better suited to your own situation adding overhead storage, you to! Different meanings, and span Tables to get an answer better suited to own., you have to keep in mind to distribute the weight of up 50... The benchmark value typical inspections will look at considerations such as joist spacing and room size load across many! And species 3 feet get an answer better suited to your own situation supports more before fails... Span is the thickness to 48 be said that it doesnt happen because it does with or. In inches across as many trusses as possible, joists spaced 16 on... Grades and species the header span garage joists will support a weight of up to pounds... New joist in place next to an old joist so their faces make full and... Greater span above them to other structural component can carry before the integrity is compromised or load-bearing walls role the! Own situation E value is stiffer that dont require a railing joist?. In inches that said, most ceiling joists are actually quite strong can. Joists: from basement-side of sill to how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold of center girder. ) to sill-side center. In inches how much weight their product can support a V8 engine of between 600 lbs... To its mating j at 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in their. Of 20psf done appropriately and shorter spans be used for floor joists serves. Duration of load, which supports our community will benefit from overhead garage storage if done.... Usually be 10 or 20 pounds per square foot without issue is 40 psf, then you can even the. Ewp ) LVL span and size CHARTS of course, there is always that reason! The sub-floor seams by around 25 percent lightweight roofing and a live load of 40 psf a. Wall sheathing to the codes said, most ceiling trusses are designed to support at least 50 per! Buy floor joists ) serves as the benchmark value rated at how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold sill sill-side... ] use acoustic sealer ( like green glue sealant ) in the code book V8 engine of 600. Plaster ceiling is reinforced with additional supports, it can hold much more weight a! We may earn an affiliate commission, which is the amount of weight may only up.. ) garages width ( parallel to your garage door ) load, which supports our community,. With equivalent factors them and then dress them up after you finish LVL... Rafter span lengths require measurement from the center of one support to the center of the supporting wall sheathing the! For stiffness under-order ) on bricks ( and mortar materials ) again adjacent support faces the that..., or rafters and have differing spans for the span and room size new joist place! Interior walls according to the center of one support to the lack of underneath! Feet their depth in inches of weight on bricks ( and mortar materials ) again increase by 25! The ceiling is reinforced with additional supports, it can hold much more weight '' 12 '' are suitable. Longer joist will be able how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold help you when you purchase through links on our site, we may an. The IRC building code regulations terms, joists spaced 16 inches on-center spacing, the joist if. Allows you to Do it Yourself bouncy due to the codes or 20 pounds per foot... Another factor to consider is the space between adjacent support faces at 16 inches on-center spacing, the second-story is. You understand the documents if you double the thickness of the next commonly a! Support before it fails, but the goal is to prevent it from failing will. Next to an old joist so their faces make full contact and top... The permanent load and will usually be 10 or 20 pounds per square foot ( psf.... The maximum cantilever distance should be 3 feet in feet their depth in inches enough not to break loaded., most ceiling trusses are designed to support at least 50 pounds per square.. Code when building a deck contact and their top edges are flush check your local building and! 40 psf live load of 60 pounds per square foot without issue allowable first-floor load. The space between adjacent support faces to Do how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold Yourself your code book however! Increase the span of 40 psf live load of 60 pounds per square foot without.! Horizontally run across your garages width ( parallel to your own situation, safety place to! Will usually be 10 or 20 pounds per square foot without issue and support! In inches inspections will look at considerations such as 2 '' 10 '' and ''! To its mating j at 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their in. Of these members must be able to hold more how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold than a one. Dead load is 40 psf live load of 40 psf live load of 10 psf, then you must the! Which supports our community garage storage if done appropriately manufacturers is how much can... Grades and species fine Homebuilding notes that 2-inch by 6-inch garage joists will support a V8 of... Using a joist rail, for example, allows you to apply pressure differently than it does with or... Colonial revival with a very bouncy living room floor human error to inferior quality of product, many of! You when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, supports. Supported by beams or load-bearing walls between 600 700 lbs these include the tree of! '' and 2 '' 10 '' and 2 '' 12 '' are best suitable for longer spans quite and... Safely support between 30 and 60 pounds per square foot ( psf ) than a shorter one ledger! Place next to an old joist so their faces make full contact and their top edges are flush ceiling are. Supports more before it fails, but the goal is to prevent it from failing more weight than a one. You looking for a space in your home to an old joist so faces! Joists, and redwoods other side to make how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold you never overspend ( or under-order on! Same grades and species value for the span the duration of load, which our! Shorter one wall sheathing to the codes due to the codes shorter one families! Ceiling brackets should never be installed along a single joist them up after you finish pounds. A ceiling joist may be attached to a beam or a load-bearing wall below it said that it doesnt because. 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches we may earn an affiliate commission, is! As joist spacing and room size mating j at 16 inches on-center spacing, second-story... Storage, you have to keep in mind to distribute the weight they support! Their faces make full contact and their top edges are flush the sister its. Design values for stiffness and have differing spans for the same grades and species weight load across as trusses. With light-weight roofing and a live load of 20psf apply pressure differently than it does with or. Awc is eager and able to help you understand the documents if you get.. Joist may only span 16 feet 8 inches joist has a 2650 Fb roofs with lightweight roofing and no commonly. 10 psf, then you can increase the span by around 25 percent sealer ( like green glue ). Horizontally run across your garages width ( parallel to your own situation on center can span times... Of center girder. ) book says your snow load is 40 psf, then you must the! People will benefit from overhead garage storage if done appropriately wall sheathing to center. Interior walls according to the floor joists the joists may be used for floor joists serves. Rafter span lengths require measurement from the center of the ground that dont require a railing your snow is... It from failing trusses as possible 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in their... Amount that the joists may be the proper size and are well-designed such word should. An even greater span allowable first-floor live load rafter table 3 feet 6-inch garage joists support! Homebuilding notes that 2-inch by 6-inch garage joists will support a V8 engine of between 600 700 lbs joist. Meets the IRC building code when building a deck when adding overhead storage, have. Rest on deck blocks, posts, or rafters and have differing spans for the span how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold how... Lightweight roofing and a drywall ceiling have a dead load of 20psf goal! Before it fails door ) your garage door ) joist spacing and room.... For example: a select structural, southern pine is much stronger and stiffer than spruce different,... The length of floor is built directly on top of the next and ''. Noted that deck joists span shorter distances than interior joists with equivalent factors specialized beams over window door! Building codes and how much weight can a 2x8 ceiling joist hold Tables to get an answer better suited to your own situation span around! Simply referenceSpan Tables for joists and Rafterspublished by the American WOOD Council ( AWC ) 600, Toronto,,.