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How Far Can a 2×10 Span Without Support? (Quick Answers)

A 2×10 is a particular size of wood that is required in building various parts of your house and building. This is crucial for building a house properly and is the backbone of various major house sections. 2×10 size woods come in various types of wood.

You may ask how far can a 2×10 span without support. Let us investigate the facts and help you get the answer that you are looking for:

How far can a 2×10 span without support?

A 2×10 can span up to an average of 27feet for a particular live load without support. But this span depends on the type of wood that is used. Besides that, the particular load that is kept on the span and how the 2×10’s is being spaced matters as well. Thus, there are various factors that work.

2×10 is used to make various parts of any building. This comes in different forms based on its wood type and the load that is kept on it. The spacing between them is also a fact as well.

On average, it is said that 2×10’s can span about 21 feet without any support. But there are various factors that work in this span size as well. It can hold around 30 pounds per square foot. Moreover, the spacing is also specified in this matter as well.

You may ask what will be the spacing for various use cases. Here are some common use cases where you might need this and the span that it can support without any support.

Roof rafter:

A 2×10 can span 27 feet 6 inches without support. This is for 12 inches spacing between each 2×10. If you want to use 16 and 24-inch spacing, that is also possible. In that case, it can span up to 25 feet and 20 feet 9 inches.

Floor or deck joist:

A 2×10 can span 20 feet 3 inches without support for floor or deck joist. This span is a particular wood type called Douglas fir-larch. The grade of it has to be the best one. Other types are also an option.

Ceiling:

For the ceiling, 22 feet 11-inch span is perfect for a 2×10 without support. Although, you have to keep in mind that this is for 12-inch spacing. 

On the other hand, for 16 inches and 24-inch spacing, the span will reduce accordingly to 19 feet 10 inches and 16 feet 3 inches.

For the header, 6 feet span is appropriate for a 2×10 without support. The span is the least in this whole list because the headers need to carry a huge amount of load in terms of their use case.

Beam:

10 feet 10-inch spam is appropriate for a 2×10 to be used beam without support. This size is appropriate for 3 ply 2×10’s. Also, you have to keep in mind that it is for one floor only.

Pergola:

13 feet 4 inches 2×10 span can be used without a support for Pergola. The space between beams can be 4 feet. You can use it with more space but it will reduce the space between the 2×10’s.

What is the maximum span for a 2×10 floor joist?

The maximum span for a 2×10 floor joist is 20 feet 3 inches. You can use various types and grades of 2×10 to use for your floor joist. But you have to keep in mind the span will vary depending on them. 

Moreover, it will also depend on the spacing between each 2×10’s. But the space between each of them is fixed for the floor joist which is 12 inches.

For the maximum span, you will have to use a particular type of 2×10. The species that you will need is Douglas fir-larch. You will need to purchase grade #1.

You will also have to keep in mind the lifeless load. If the quiet load is around 10 psf, then you can get the maximum span. But if the deceased load is doubled, the span will reduce based on species and grade of the 2×10.

What is better 2×10 or 2×6 for span?

2×10 is better than 2×6 for span. Both 2×10 and 2×6 are used for building various parts of your house. They both play an equal role in the construction and house building. Both of these can build the same parts of the house.

But the main factor that separates the both of them is the span. Each can provide a different rated maximum span in terms of load, spacing, and many more. The 2×10 outperforms the 2×6.

The 2×10 can span up to 27 feet based on load, species, and grade of it. Whereas the 2×6 can span up to a maximum of 12 feet. This makes the 2×10 a clear winner compared with 2×6 in terms of span. This is why experts advise house builders to use 2×6’s for ground-based usage.

How much weight can a 2×10 beam hold?

A 2×10 beam can hold around 1200 lbs. The amount of load that a 2×10 can hold will be based on some facts. It will rely on the span of the wood, species & grade of it, and if it has the support or not. Based on these factors the load that a 2×10 can hold will vary.

There are more factors behind this assumption. The live and lifeless load is also a fact. Based on the live and quiet load, it can hold more or less weight. For live loads, it can hold around 40 psf. On the other hand, lifeless loads can hold around 10 psf.

If there is support under the 2×10, it may hold a higher load. Along with that, the live and quiet load may change as well. But it will be a fair assumption you will take the load that it can take with any support for a clear understanding.

How to calculate 2X10 span load?

It is essential to know the ways to calculate how much load a particular item can take. Therefore, it is equally important to know the method to know how to calculate a 2×10 span load. If you are trying to build a building or house with wooden materials, this is a must for you.

There are many ways that you can follow to calculate this. Here is some way that we think is ideal to calculate 2×10 span load:

Identify the species and grade of it:

Species and grades of 2×10 play an important role in calculating how much load it can take. Currently, Douglas fir-larch can take the most load in every use case. It is the strongest 2×10’s there are available right now in the market. Grade #1 is the best.

Know the use scenario:

Where you will use will the 2×10 is another factor. If it is used overhead or on the ground will vary the load that it can take. Any 2×10 can take less load if it is used overhead compared to using on the ground. 

Moreover, if you are using it in the wet condition will vary much as well.

Use a load table:

There are multiple load tables available. Get a load table based on your use case and species & grade of 2×10 as well. Find the load that it can take based on these factors from the table

Final Thoughts

A 2×10 can span 27 feet without any support. This span will vary based on where you will use it, the species & grade of the 2×10, and the conditions it will be in. The quiet and live load is also a factor in this case. So, try to incorporate all of these and find the load that your 2×10 can take.