How far can a 2x12 LVL span?

Category: hobbies and interests woodworking
4.4/5 (10,761 Views . 28 Votes)
When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on.



Correspondingly, how far can you span LVL?

Measure your total span between members and ensure that it is not greater than 60 feet. Because of transport limitations, the maximum standard length for manufactured beams is sixty feet.

Beside above, how far can a 4 ply 2x12 beam span? You will see that a 4-ply, 2 X 12 can span a maximum of 13' while supporting 12' joists on either side of it.

Considering this, what size LVL Do I need to span 20 feet?

Re: 20 foot clearspan beam size Then your floor joists only need to span 8' between the wall and the "beam" (or between the beams). In that case, you need something like a 12-16" GLULAM or LVL to span the 20' and can use simple 2x8-10 dimensional lumber 16"OC as floor joists.

How much stronger is an LVL beam?

LVL has a “maximum allowable bending stress” of 2,800 or 3,000 psi. And according to this source, most wood has a maximum bending stress of about half that. So, yes. LVLs will bear more weight than the same size wood beam.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How far can a 2x12 span without support?

When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on.

How do you size a load bearing beam?

The formula for the section modulus is beam width times beam depth squared divided by 6. A two 2-by-6 standard beam has actual dimensions of 1.5-by-5.5 inches which would give a section modulus of 1.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 / 6 = 7.6 which is not enough for this example. A 2-by-8 beam would be sufficient.

Can you drill through LVL?

Drilling holes in IB (International Beams) LVL (laminated veneer lumber) is generally discouraged. However, small diameter round holes, appropriately located in the wide face of the LVL, are permitted as indicated in the table and notes below. These apply to all grades of IB LVL.

Is LVL stronger than dimensional lumber?

LVL offers several advantages over typical milled lumber: Made in a factory under controlled specifications, it is stronger, straighter, and more uniform. Due to its composite nature, it is much less likely than conventional lumber to warp, twist, bow, or shrink.

How do you size a header beam?


How to Size Headers & Beams
  1. Select a type of wood based on your load needs.
  2. Use a span table to determine the total load of foot per beam.
  3. Choose the appropriate span from those listed on the table.
  4. Move down the column of the lumber you've selected to see the capacity listing.
  5. Double your beams for further support in planning and in building.

How much weight can a 2x6 support on edge?

The type of load in question will also determine how much weight a 2x6 can hold on edge. For example, a 2x4 lumber may hold a 4-cylinder engine comfortably but may not hold a bigger one. On the other end, a 2x6 can support a V8 engine of between 600 – 700 lbs.

How much do LVL beams cost?

these LVL beams cost about $500.

How much weight can a 2x12 support horizontally?

One 2x12 can support about 180 lbs. per foot or about 2,100 lbs.

How much weight can a LVL beam hold?

Note: a single 2×6 will support 347 pounds per lineal foot of beam. Therefore, a double 2×6 carries 2 x 347 = 694 pounds per lineal foot. The required E-value does not change when you double the 2×6 because as you double the allowable load, you are doubling the thickness of the beam.

How far can you span a 2x8 ceiling joist?

Joist spacing of 24 inches is allowed for spans between 16 to 20 feet using 2-inch by 10-inch lumber of these three grades.

What is stronger glulam or LVL?

Although they're much lighter than concrete and steel, they're extremely strong. Glulam is most commonly used in the construction of large buildings, including universities, airport, hotels, and museums. On the other hand, you'll only find LVL buried in the walls, usually over windows and doors.

What size header do I need for a 16 foot span?

A minimum 3" X 11.25" net header size is required for opening from 6ft to a maximum 18 ft.

What size do LVL beams come in?

Sizes may vary according to manufacturer but Georgia Pacific says LVL standard thicknesses are 1 3/4 inches and 3 1/2 inches. Lengths are generally available in 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 and 44 feet with special orders of up to 60 feet.

How far can a 2x6 beam span without support?


In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2x8 up to 12 feet; 2x10 to 15 feet and 2x12 to 18 feet.

How much weight can a 2x8 joist hold?

some of it gets pretty technical in nature, and mostly relates to pounds / square foot of loading. 2x6s are generally used for ceiling joists, esp since you said 24" oc and reallllly short spans only (5 or 6 feet ). Most floor loads would be a minimum of 2x8 @ 16" oc and most preferbaly 2x10.

How far can a triple 2x6 beam span?

A triple 2x6 beam over a span of 10' feet should be more than sufficient for normal deck loads.