How far can beams span?
For determining beam spans (distance a beam can span between supporting posts), consider the following concept. The more weight, or the longer the supported length of joist that a beam must carry, the shorter the span of the beam – for a particular size of beam. Find in the table what beam is required for a particular span. First find how far you need to span, then find a beam size and particular beam size.
Floor wood beam span table for pine beam live load 400 Kg/m2
span (m)/ |
2,0 |
2,5 |
3,0 |
4,0 |
4,5 |
5,0 |
6,0 |
0,6 | 75x100 | 75x150 | 75x200 | 100x200 | 100x200 | 125x200 | 150x225 |
1,0 | 75x150 | 100x150 | 100x175 | 125x200 | 150x200 | 150x225 | 175x250 |
If you are planning to load wood beams less than 400 kg/m2 you can use another table for less load:
Minimum floor wood beam span
live load, Kg/м2 | Wood beam size (mm)/span (m) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3,0
|
3,5
|
4,0
|
4,5
|
5,0
|
5,5
|
6,0
|
|
150
|
50х140
|
50х160
|
60х180
|
80х180
|
80х200
|
100х200
|
100х220
|
200
|
50х160
|
50х180
|
70х180
|
70х200
|
100х200
|
120х220
|
140х220
|
250
|
60х160
|
60х180
|
70х200
|
100х200
|
120х200
|
140х220
|
160х220
|
350
|
70х160
|
70х180
|
80х200
|
100х220
|
120х220
|
160х220
|
200х220
|
Mimimum log diameter /span with total live load 400Kg/m2
span between walls, М | wood beam span, М | log diameter, СМ |
2 | 1 | 13 |
0,6 | 11 | |
2,5 | 1 | 15 |
0,6 | 13 | |
3 | 1 | 17 |
0,6 | 14 | |
3,5 | 1 | 19 |
0,6 | 16 | |
4 | 1 | 21 |
0,6 | 17 | |
4,5 | 1 | 22 |
0,6 | 19 | |
5 | 1 | 24 |
0,6 | 20 | |
5,5 | 1 | 25 |
0,6 | 21 | |
6 | 1 | 27 |
0,6 | 23 | |
6,5 | 1 | 29 |
0,6 | 25 | |
7 | 1 | 31 |
0,6 | 27 | |
7,5 | 1 | 33 |
0,6 | 29 |
Dicslaimer: all wood beam span information provided at that page are for private use only and should be verified by the certified engineer in each case of construction.