What is the maximum span for a 2x8 header?

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Figure B: Example of Calculating Header Size
Header Size Maximum Span Number of Trimmers
Double 2×6 4 ft., 0 in. One
Double 2×8 5 ft., 0 in. Two
Double 2×10 6 ft., 2 in. Two
Double 2×12 7 ft., 1 in. Two



Thereof, how far can you span a 2x8 header?

Joist Spans
Southern Pine 2-2x6 6'-8"
2-2x8 8'-6"
2-2x10 10'-1"
2-2x12 11'-11"

Likewise, how long can a header span? Take the example of a first-floor 3-foot 2-inch header in a two-story 26-foot-wide house with a center bearing wall. A single-ply 9-inch-tall box header is good for up to a 4-foot span, and a 15-inch-tall box header works for spans up to 5 feet.

Hereof, how much weight can a 2x8 support?

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 big of a header do I need?

Measure the width of your door frame. Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2-by-6 header. Between 4 and 5 feet, the header should be built 2 inches wide and 8 inches long while a larger opening needs a header that is 2-by-12.

38 Related Question Answers Found

How far can you span with a 2x8?

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. The larger the deck, the larger the joists.

What size lumber can span 20 feet?

Re: 20 foot clearspan beam size
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 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.

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.

How long can a 2x6 header span?


Figure B: Example of Calculating Header Size
Header Size Maximum Span Number of Trimmers
Double 2×6 4 ft., 0 in. One
Double 2×8 5 ft., 0 in. Two
Double 2×10 6 ft., 2 in. Two
Double 2×12 7 ft., 1 in. Two

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 far can a triple 2x12 header span?

of 14 feet for a triple 2x12.

Are two 2x6 stronger than a 2x8?

In bending, a joist composed of two 2x6's (true dimension 1.5 inches x 5.5 inches) are slightly stronger than a single 2x8 true dimensions 1.5 inches by 7.25 inches.

How much weight can a 2x6 joist hold?

Fine Homebuilding notes that 2-inch by 6-inch garage joists will support a weight of up to 50 pounds per square foot. If you overload your garage's ceiling joists, the ceiling may appear to sag from the strain. While your 2-inch by 6-inch joists can collapse from too much weight, such a scenario is uncommon.

How much weight can a 4x4 beam support?

In general, a 2×4 wooden beam can support the weight up to a ton horizontally, and thus, a wooden beam of 4×4 can easily support double of the weight mentioned above horizontally.

How much weight can a 4x4 support vertically?

What I figured if the weight is distributed evenly is that each 4x4 post is supporting a max of about 420 pounds.

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.

How much weight can a 2x4 hold on edge?


If there is no strong wind, a 2x4 measuring at least 8 feet can support at least 1,000 pounds vertically. Such calculations would hold if, for instance, the load is square. However, it is highly advisable not to push the 2x4 material up to its limit.

How much of a load bearing wall can be removed?

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Wall? Expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 to remove a non-load-bearing wall in your home. On the other hand, removing a load-bearing wall costs $1,200 to $3,000 for a single-story home. Price increases to $3,200 to $10,000 for homes with more than one level.

How far can you span a 6x8 beam?

According to Western Woods Use Book by West Coast Lumbermen's Association, 1973 edition, a 6x8 beam can support about 8,000 lbs., depending on species of wood, grade, etc. on an 8' span.