A 2×10’s maximum span depends on where it’s used.
According to IRC 2021, a 2×10 with 16-inch spacing can span up to 18′-9″ as floor joists, more than 26′ as rafters and ceiling joists,4′-3″ as beams, and 7′ as headers without providing additional support. These values apply to Southern Pine Species.
This article lists the maximum span of 2 x 10 under different situations for varying species of lumber.
How Much of a Span Can 2×10 Support on its Own?
The span or the length of the room that a 2×10 can cover is not solely dependent on the wood itself.
Key factors to take into account include lumber species and its grade, subjected loads, spacing between two members, and the structural component’s end-use.
The end-use of a structural component refers to how it is being used.
You can use a 2×10 construction wood as a floor joist, rafter, beam, header, or as framing component for the ceiling.
The International Residential Building Code (IRC) provides information on the load-bearing and spanning capabilities of different grades, species, and sizes of construction timber.
2×10 Span as Floor Joists
IRC 2021 categorizes the maximum spans based on their spacings and species.
The spacing determines the quantity of material required for constructing the structural framing system.
Along with spacing, the grade of timber is influential in determining the maximum load-carrying capacity of the wooden element and, in turn, influences the span.
The table below shows the maximum span ranges for a 2×10 comprised of four timber species.
| Spacing (inch) | Species | 10 psf Dead Load Joist Span Range (Ft-In) | 20 psf Dead LoadJoist Span Range (Ft-In) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12″ | Douglas Fir-Larch | 21-0 to 15-5 | 21-0 to 13-9 |
| 12″ | Hem-Fir | 19-10 to 15-0 | 19-10 to 13-5 |
| 12″ | Southern Pine | 20-8 to 14-0 | 20-8 to 12-6 |
| 12″ | Spruce-Pine-Fir | 19-5 to 15-0 | 19-5 to 13-5 |
| 16″ | Douglas Fir-Larch | 19-1 to 13-4 | 19-1 to 11-11 |
| 16″ | Hem-Fir | 18-0 to 13-0 | 18-0 to 11-8 |
| 16″ | Southern Pine | 18-9 to 11-1 | 18-9 to 10-10 |
| 16″ | Spruce-Pine-Fir | 17-8 to 13-0 | 17-8 to 11-8 |
| 19.2″ | Douglas Fir-Larch | 18-0 to 12-2 | 18-0 to 10-11 |
| 19.2″ | Hem-Fir | 17-0 to 11-10 | 17-0 to 10-7 |
| 19.2″ | Southern Pine | 17-8 to 11-0 | 17-8 to 9-10 |
| 19.2″ | Spruce-Pine-Fir | 16-7 to 11-10 | 16-7 to 10-7 |
| 24″ | Douglas Fir-Larch | 16-8 to 10-11 | 16-5 to 9-9 |
| 24″ | Hem-Fir | 15-9 to 10-7 | 15-9 to 9-6 |
| 24″ | Southern Pine | 16-5 to 9-10 | 16-5 to 8-10 |
| 24″ | Spruce-Pine-Fir | 15-5 to 10-7 | 15-0 to 9-6 |
For a detailed breakdown of span ranges in accordance with spacing and Grade of Timber, refer to the table R502.3.1 of the IRC 2021.
2×10 Span as Rafters
Since one of the rafter’s primary purposes is to withstand and transfer loads from the roof to the supports, their spans heavily depend upon the roofing configuration.
Lightweight roofing systems often translate into rafters with a greater span and spacing since they don’t have to withstand much loading.
A heavyweight roofing system with a large snow load requires a compact rafter system with individual rafters having reduced spans.
For generalization, it is recommended that rafters made out of Douglas Fir-Larch should have a span ranging from 26’0” to 17’2”.
2×10 Hem-Fir rafters can span more than 26′ and must not span less than 16’9”.
Southern Pine rafters may span 26’ with a minimum threshold of 15’7”.
For Spruce-Pine-Fir, its rafters are recommended to stay within the 26’ – 16’ 9” range.
2×10 Span as Beams
Similar to rafters, the span of 2×10 beams depends upon their loading conditions.
Specific species of timber prove to be more durable under loads and extreme weather conditions.
A smart choice will be to utilize a 2×10 beam made from Southern Pine, as it’ll provide greater spanning lengths and durability.
A detailed breakdown of the spanning capabilities of all four species concerning their joist spans and beam configurations is given below.
| Wood Species | Beam Configuration | Effective Joist Span- 12 ft Maximum Beam Span (ft-in) | Effective Joist Span- 14 ft Maximum Beam Span (ft-in) | Effective Joist Span- 16 ft Maximum Beam Span (ft-in) | Effective Joist Span- 18 ft Maximum Beam Span (ft-in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Pine | 1 – 2×10 | 4’11” | 4’7” | 4’3” | 4’0” |
| Southern Pine | 2 – 2×10 | 7’4” | 6’9” | 6’4” | 6’0” |
| Southern Pine | 3 – 2×10 | 9’2” | 8’6” | 7’11” | 7’6” |
| Douglas Fir-Larch, Hemlock-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir | 1 – 2×10 | 4’6” | 4’1” | 3’9” | 3’6” |
| Douglas Fir-Larch, Hemlock-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir | 2 – 2×10 | 7’0” | 6’6” | 6’0” | 5’6” |
| Douglas Fir-Larch, Hemlock-Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir | 3 – 2×10 | 8’10” | 8’2” | 7’8” | 7’2” |
For a detailed breakdown, refer to table R507.5(1) of the IRC 2021.
2×10 Span as Ceiling Joists
Generally, when dealing with ceiling construction, give importance to the presence of a storage space or an attic.
Loading conditions can uncover variations.
For a ceiling space expecting heavy loads due to storage, the spans may be as low as 16″1 “.
The spans with a spacing of 12″ or 16″ may be as high as 26′ for ceilings with a low dead load.
There may be differences in spans in accordance with the species and grade of timber.
2×10 Spans as Headers
Quantifying the spans of 2×10 as headers is a bit tricky.
Headers take up much of the load, specifically above openings in walls, such as doors and windows.
Apart from the loading conditions, the configuration of the headers, whether it is a single, double, or triple header, also makes a difference.
The spanning range of a dual header configuration may be from 5’3” to 9’2” for a 12’ wide structure encompassing one jack per stud.
A triple header may span 6’7” to 11’5” for a 36’ wide building with two jack studs.
Although a typical range is provided, the specific ranges heavily depend on the structure’s floors and its geometric properties.
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What is the Maximum Weight a 2 x 10 Can Support?
A single 2×10 beam can withstand 40 and 10 pounds per square foot of live and dead load, respectively.
An efficient way of increasing the maximum weight carrying capacity of your 2×10 is to convert it from a single ply to a double or Triple ply.
The extra material creates more surface area for the loads to dissipate.
A double-ply 2×10 withstands 228 pounds per square foot of load, while a triple-ply can hold 488 pounds per square foot.
What is the Maximum Span of an Unsupported Double 2×10?
Double 2×10 is employed to increase the load-bearing capacity of the member and does not affect the member’s spanning capabilities.
IRC 2021 misses out on giving spanning details of Double or Triple ply wooden structural elements, so one must improvise.
Based on prior experience and research, the following spanning details have been determined.
Southern Pine is preferred when dealing with a double 2×10 joist.
It can hold up to 40 pounds per square foot of loads in an unsupported condition and has a spanning range of 6’0” to 11’.
Other species have proven to be effective load transfer agents when allowed to span within the 5’6” to 10’ range.
What is the Maximum Span of an Unsupported Triple 2×10?
A triple 2×10 is typically employed where there are space constraints and heavy loading conditions.
Usually, one can find a triple 2×10 in the supporting frames of rooms having a hot tub or storage.
The maximum span of a structural member is unaffected by the amount of material used.
A ballpark range may be provided and followed for residential construction works.
Depending on the grade and species of Timber used, a Triple 2×10 has a span range of 6’11” to 13’.
Triple 2x10s made of durable lumber like Southern Pine or Redwood can give higher spanning lengths under heavy loading conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are Two 2x10s Joined Together to Form a Beam?
Using nails is a viable solution for creating two 2x10s.
4 numbers of 3” nails made from non-corrosive materials should suffice.
To prevent the possibility of splitting the two boards after the application of load, it is best to nail them down in a vertical pattern ensuring a 16” spacing.
What is the Cantilever Maximum Span of 2×10 Joists?
2×10 cantilever joists made out of Southern Pines can span up to 3’-4” when they span 16’.
Species like Douglas Fir-Larch or Hemlock-Fir offer reduced spanning capabilities, limiting themselves to a 3’3” cantilever with a joist spanning 14’.
When calculating permissible cantilever spans, an acceptable rule of thumb is to assume the maximum allowable cantilever span as 1/4th of Beam’s back span.
What is a Double or Triple 2×10?
When dealing with timber construction, any element with the prefix “Double,” “Triple,” “Quadruple,” and so on refers to the combination of wooden boards or planks.
A double or triple 2×10 is formed by combining two or three identical 2×10 wooden boards.
