FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Floor Joist Sizing

toolin | Posted in General Discussion on December 25, 2004 10:58am

Working on the design of an addtion to an existing colonial.

The customer wants the addtion to be 16 by 22 feet, 2 floors. 1st floor is wide open family room.  2nd floor is a master bedroom

The existing house is framed with 2×8 floor joists.

I have figured out the framing systems for the roof, 2nd floor ceiling and 1st floor floor.  But the 2nd floor floor is a bit of a gotcha.

To keep the floor levels the same it needs to be 2×8 framed.  From the Massachusetts code book. Standard SPF2 lumber 12 in O.C. will only do 14′ 11″.

You can’t seem to buy 7.25″ I Joists.  My crazy idea of the week is to frame it in 2×8 PT lumber.  From what I understand PT here is Mass is basically Southern Pine.  Using these tables(Southern Pine No.2) I get a span of 15′ 7″, just enough for this room.

This fact that Southern pine is stronger that KD SPF I have seen confirmed in sizing numbers I have seen done for decks. 

Has anyone ever seen it used on the inside of a house???

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    Sphere | Dec 25, 2004 11:26pm | #1

    you can't get SYP untreated in 2x8 there? Hmmm..get 2x10 and rip em?

    The sopping wet treated stuff is (A) not select stuctural (B) gonna crawl all over as it dries out. (c) nor what I want in my house if I had a choice, given the fastner constraints and toxicity being unproven.

     

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

     

     

    1. toolin | Dec 26, 2004 12:14am | #5

      It's interesting that the Mass Code and it's interpretations allow longer spans with PT than with KD.

      Don't actually disagree on the thought of not having it in my house but? 

      I have a copy of BeamChek software,  but I a not stuff it can do what you describe.

      eg.  a floor with a LVL every 3 ft and two 2x8's in between??

      It does tell me that Double 2x8's on 1 ft centers works for that span. Kinda of wierd but might be the cheapest way to do it??  Almost a butcher block floor!!

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Dec 26, 2004 12:17am | #6

        keep reading, it's been yrs. since i did real framing, I was just giving a WAG and opinion. 

        Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

         

         

        1. FramerT | Dec 26, 2004 12:46am | #8

          Even with doubled up 2x8s,you'd better watch out the HVAC and others don't cobble out big notches for ducts/pipes.
          I didn't do it....the buck does NOT stop here.

      2. dIrishInMe | Dec 26, 2004 04:15pm | #14

        >> 

        It's interesting that the Mass Code and it's interpretations allow longer spans with PT than with KD.

        <<

        It's not the fact that it is PT or KD, it's because SYP is stronger than SPF.  East cost PT is usually SYP.

        All:

        I think with many people there is a general misconception about I joists being able to span much further distances than same height dimensional lumber.  The advantage to I-joists is that they come in wider(taller) sizes than conventional lumber commonly does. 

        Matt

        Edited 12/26/2004 8:36 am ET by DIRISHINME

        1. FramerT | Dec 26, 2004 05:57pm | #15

          No biggie Joe, it was buggin me how 2x8s would match up with 2x10s. As you said, big differance between re-model vs. new. Had a 'fire-job' this summer...a small ranch with full basement. It was simply a brick shell with no wood, period. The only thing left was the non-drilled steel Ibeam running the length of the house.Oh boy.

          I didn't do it....the buck does NOT stop here.

        2. Piffin | Dec 26, 2004 06:24pm | #16

          And that they are lighter and straighter 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  2. FrankB89 | Dec 25, 2004 11:57pm | #2

    Boise Cascade, and maybe Weyerhaeuser, offer free design sofware for their engineered joists and beams.  I doubt 2X8 is going to cut it, but you might develope the option of some paralams or small lam beams interspersed.

    There was also a thread a year of so ago about build a shallow floor system that was just an oversided box beam with shallow joists with plywood glued and nailed top and bottom to create a diaphram with great strength.l

    And forget the PT.  As someone mentioned, it's squirrely and most is course-grained and probably wouldn't have the strength listed in the span tables. (Often, the treating process weakens the inherent strength of the lumber as it's processed.  Just for future reference, when using PT in a stuctural application, regardless the species, always opt for the lowest listed values).

     

    1. FramerT | Dec 26, 2004 12:10am | #4

      How about a 7 1/2" steel I-beam to split your span in half? Or maybe a single/double flinch plate beam?
      I didn't do it....the buck does NOT stop here.

      1. toolin | Dec 26, 2004 12:41am | #7

        Hadn't done the calculation on a steel scenario.  Just tried it and it might be the way to go.  Two 7" by 3/4" Flitch plates in a flush framed center beam achieve a floor with L/540.

        I just hate to pay an engineer $300 just for his fancy stamp in order to use steel. It really is a funny thing that the wood companies give the stamp away but the steel guys don't.

        But in the end this may be the way to go.  A bit more labor, but even with that and the engineering stamp I bet it will be cheaper than framing the floors in LVL's.

        To be honest, if I could find away to get the floor by the BI using conventional lumber barely at a L/360, after inspections I was thinking of adding a 2-4 3/8"x 7 Flitches to stiffen it further for the customer.

        I can see a few of use on this site, have finished playing with their new tools and back to surfer the web!!(got a Makita 14.4 impact driver, where has that tool been all my life, 3" deck screws melt thru wood!)

        Thanks to all for the ideas.

  3. Piffin | Dec 26, 2004 12:09am | #3

    Thje only way you can span that in 8" depth is with LVLs or sticking a flush beam in there

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  4. User avater
    BossHog | Dec 26, 2004 01:19am | #9

    Spanning 16' with 2X8s is nuts. I wouldn'r even do it with 2X10s.

    You can use 2X12s (or I-joists) and keep them flush at the top edge. It will be well worth losing a bit of height in order to keep from having a bouncy floor.

    Blessed are the meek, for they make great scapegoats.
  5. gdavis62 | Dec 26, 2004 04:40am | #10

    Break the span in two, run a 6WF12 across the center, bolt the webs full of SPF out a little proud of the flanges, and hanger your 2x8s flush.  No problem.  Be sure to pack a little column action into your walls at the bearing points of the steel beam.

    Nice stiff floor, built one this way as part of a second floor deck, just last year.

  6. Framer | Dec 26, 2004 05:48am | #11

    Toolin,

    I've framed it seems like a million houses and additions with 2x10 doug fir 16' spans with no problems or bouncing what so ever. Some houses we've gone 12' centers some houses we've gone 16' centers an sometimes we've gone 16' centers doubling every other one. This is all specked by Architects or Engineers depending what walls are above just keeping the tops even and cutting down 2" or so off the first floor ceiling height.

    Obviously your getting different advice from people but we do it all the time and never had a problem so it can be done without steel or putting beams mid span. If you don't trust the 2x10's then go with 9-1/2" I-joists. Whatever you do forget steel beams mid span just loose the 2" or use 12" I-joists and loose 4" which I think is crazy because a 9-1/2" beam always works around here and I'm no Architect but this is what I've framed plenty of times again with no problems.

    Joe Carola



    Edited 12/25/2004 9:49 pm ET by Framer

    1. FramerT | Dec 26, 2004 03:26pm | #12

      Joe, if you simply cut 2in. off 1st floor studs you will still have that 2in transition in ceiling. When standing in existing house,looking out into addition, there will be two ceiling hgts. A 2x8 and 2x10 'flush on top' as you said. Maybe I'm missing something...
      I didn't do it....the buck does NOT stop here.

      1. Framer | Dec 26, 2004 04:07pm | #13

        Your right if the whole existing wall is coming out there will be a 2" drop but he didn't say that. If that's the case he will be putting steel or something else to replace the whole wall he's taking out. If they want all flush ceilings then they either use 2x8's and break the span with some kind of Flush 7-1/2" beam mid span and at the existing house line or use 2x10's and fir down the existing ceilings.There's a lot of different scenarios in remodeling but in his case where he might just be removing a existing window and installing a new dropped header or Archway for a new opening the 2" difference is acceptable for the Architect/GC/Homeowner.The addition I'm working on now the owner decided to take out the whole 22' basement wall and wants a flush ceiling and the Architect came up with a rectangular piece of steel that is 8" in height and 20" in width with 2x10 joist that are going to be hung on ledgers on both sides of the steel because there's also a 2nd story addition coming off the back wall that this steel will be holding up. Homeowner wants FLUSH ceiling so he will get it at his COST.There's a million ways you can do things when it comes to Additions and I know you said somewhere your starting to do additions. It's night and day to compared to new framing.The point in my first post was that I always read guys saying that 16' span is no good for 2x10's when I say that I am no Architect or Engineer I've Framed a lot of house and additions over the years using 2x10's Doug fir @ 16" centers with bridging mid span and we still do it as I described in my first post with no problems and no bouncy floors. Why put girders mid span or steel mid span when you don't need it if you can just double up every other one or go 12" centers. That's my opinion.Joe Carola

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools

From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data