The span of a beam is dependent on a few variables.
Wood framing beam spans.
You can also use the wood beam calculator from the american wood council website to determine maximum rafter and joist lengths.
Size selection tables headers beams.
Fewer posts on upper level decks are typically more desirable to the occupants and this drives the use of larger framing materials for longer spans.
The species of lumber size of lumber and the load it carries.
Headers beams.
Wood framing tables can contain a lot of information in one table.
Beam span maximums are based on a maximum anticipated live load.
How to read floor beam span tables page includes a span calculator.
Wood header beam span calculator posted on april 8 2020 by sandra versa lam lvl beams headers boise single ply beam solution professional 4101 8 6 01 wall construction wood i beam span chart trinity rosboro big beam df high strength.
Anything 5 and above we always at least double cripple.
Beams of more than one ply must be fastened together with either nails or bolts.
Learn how with this residential structural design tutorial.
On longer spans the beam may require much more bearing space as indicated by this table.
Use the span tables below to determine allowable lengths of joists and rafters based on size and standard design loads.