How Far Can a 6×8 Beam Span Without Support?

You might be wondering how far a 6×8 beam can span without support. The answer varies depending on the type of wood. Typically, a 6×8 beam will span 8 feet, but that figure can change based on the size of the beam and the type of support that is used.

A typical 6×8 beam can support 8,000 pounds of weight over its 8-foot span, but if the weight is lower, you don’t need to use as much support. When determining how much your beam can support, engineers use a process called PLF, or pounds per linear foot.

If you don’t know the span of a beam, consult an engineer or structural engineer. A licensed professional can help you determine how far a 6×8 beam can span without support. They’ll help you determine how long your beam can span without support and help you determine the appropriate span and support to use.

Beam span can vary greatly depending on the species, grade, and dimensions of the wood. Softwood beams, for example, can span from 3’5″ to 8’6″. Hardwoods, such as Redwood and Douglas Fir-Larch (DF-L), have a much higher span than softwoods.

The answer to how far a 6×8 beam can span without support depends on the species, grade, location, and loads. It’s possible to make a 6×8 beam span 12 feet if the joists are doubled. However, the IRC doesn’t provide Span Tables for doubled beams, so it’s best to consult a structural engineer or local building department to determine the correct joist size for your specific situation.

If you are building a home, a 2×6 roof beam with 16″ centers will span up to 16 feet. This is more than enough for most purposes. Typical 16 to 20-foot spans are acceptable, and you should keep the spacing of the beams to 24 inches.

A 6×8 beam can span almost 20 feet without support if it is made of Redwood No.1. However, this wood will hold far less weight than the steel version, and it will likely damage the floor and walls beneath it. The beam will also be in vibration mode, which can be uncomfortable for people walking on it. It’s not a very good idea to use flexible wood for building structures unless you know what you’re doing.

The LVL beam has a long span, and it’s a good idea to get the correct length. A typical LVL beam is about 60 feet long, but it is possible to get beams as long as 80 feet. Make sure to check the lumber sizes against the 16-inch spacing to be sure that they’ll span 15 feet 1 inch.

A 6×8 beam with a 16-inch depth can span 20 feet, but a typical 2×6 is only one-fourth inch wide. Adding two inches to the depth and width of the beam will increase the span. Ideally, you’ll have two 16-inch wide beams that span about twenty feet.