Dimensional lumber span ratings

[Russ79]

Does anyone know if there is a website I can go to and get info on maximum span ratings for dimensional lumber? I am looking into building an open shed to park tractors and implements and other stuff under to keep out of the weather and want to use as few posts as possible.

[Kurdawg]

What span are you wanting to go? Best route would probably be to either build your own beams, or buy premade beans depending on how far it is.

[RDT]

I spanned 16' between post with 2-2x6 with 1/2 " plywood in
between with lots of nails 3/8 all thread in post

[RutnBuk]

Whatever your doing be sure to at least crown all the boards.

[8mpg]

just search google for a span table. It will depend on the wood. I can almost guarantee you 16' is way to far for a 2x6. I was looking at tables yesterday for a possible deck project and I believe 2x10s were good for 13'. It will all be dependent on the load though. I was doing 60psf live and 20 dead.

[DesertDug]

As said Google span charts. Know you load and except able deflection. 2x6 16' is too long.

[Stan R]

I need to build 1 24 ft. wide. I will use 10 inch c purlins. I think they are good to 25 ft.

What are you going to use for the roof?

[Russ79]

RDT, I was going to do the same thing only use 2x8's and span 16'. I figured if I sandwiched plywood between two 2x8's that I should be able to span 16' with no problem. I would use pipe and C-purlins if I had a stick welder.

[az2tx]

It will also depend on your live/dead load

Build it out of steel

[RutnBuk]

I need to build 1 24 ft. wide. I will use 10 inch c purlins. I think they are good to 25 ft.

What are you going to use for the roof?

8" purlins are made for 25'. I think 10"s can go a little farther.

[Kurdawg]

RDT, I was going to do the same thing only use 2x8's and span 16'. I figured if I sandwiched plywood between two 2x8's that I should be able to span 16' with no problem. I would use pipe and C-purlins if I had a stick welder.

2x8's with 1/2 plywood will work just fine for 16'. Just make sure you also glue them together and put the crown of the board facing up. Go liberal on the glue to where it squeezes out of top and bottom and use the good coated 3" screws. The torque heads will work the best for really squeezing the pieces together. I've built a lot of these over the years. Best truck I've found is to rip your plywood and glue it and screw it to 1 2x8 first with short scews then more glue and add the other 2x8 and use the big screws. I also use 8" lag bolts to secure them to your header. Make sure your header is heavy duty enough also. And predrill for the lag bolts. You can also use angle clips where they meet for extra strength. PM me if I can help and I'll call you.