How far can a double 2×6, 2×8, 2×10 and 2×12 beam span depends on many factors like, grade & types of wood species, building code, loads and construction requirements.
There are many species of wood/ timber or dimensional lumber used in house construction as wood frame structure. It is used as floor joist, deck beam ceiling joist, pitch roof rafter, flat roof rafter, purlin and Binder.
There are different depth of deck beam made of timber are used in floor construction such as 2×6, 2×8, 2×10 and 2×12 etc made of different species of wood (southern yellow pine & Douglas fir) and different grade such as grade – 1, grade – 2, grade – 3. Southern yellow pine is strongest species of wood that can span more distance compared to other species of wood. Grade 1 lumber have higher strength than other grade Lumber due to fewer knots.
A double 2×6 are made when two 2×6 beam nailed together, a double 2×8 are made when two 2×8 beam nailed together, a double 2×10 are made when two 2×10 beam nailed together and a double 2×12 are made when two 2×12 beam nailed together.
Deck beam provides structural support to floor joists can be define as several small beams. Floor joists are typically a horizontal structural member that runs across an open space of building on supporting wall or studs. Their function is similar as beams, except floor joists are supported by wall, foundations, or beams framing.
Beam carries the load and transfer the dead load of the subfloor and floor finishes and live load of people, furniture and furnishings to walls, headers, or foundation walls. It is like the skeleton/ framing of a building that supports the load which the floor is built to bear. Joists are technically beams that typically spans relatively short distances compared to beams and are made of wood, steel, or engineered wood or lumber.
The longer the joist, the more area of deck the joist supports, and thus the beam supports. For pressure-preservative-treated southern pine no. 2 grade, there is a method that can be used for estimating beam spans for a preliminary design.
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How far can a double 2×6, 2×8, 2×10 and 2×12 beam span
When supporting joists that span 12 feet with no overhang beyond the beam, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches.
In general a double ply beam can support a span in feet equal to its nominal depth in inches. So, a double 2×12 beam can span a maximum of 12 foot, while a double 2×10 beam can span a maximum of 10 foot. Moreover, a double 2×8 beam can span a maximum of 8 foot, while a double 2×6 beam can span a maximum of 6 foot.
How far can a double 2×6 beam span
Typically a #2-Southern pine of a double 2×6 deck beam can span a maximum distance of 6 feet when total load of 50 psf (40 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) with deflection limit L/360.
As a general guide, a 2×6 double deck beam (#2 grade Southern Pine) can span up to 6 feet without support with a total load of 50 psf (40 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) and deflection limit of L/360.
How far can a double 2×8 beam span
Typically a #2-Southern pine of a double 2×8 deck beam can span upto 8 feet when total load of 50 psf (40 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) with deflection limit L/360.
How far can a double 2×10 beam span
As per general rules and guidelines, #2 grade southern pine of a double 2×10 deck beam can span upto 10 feet when total load of 50 psf (40 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) with deflection limit L/360.
As a general guide, a 2×10 double deck beam (#2 grade Southern Pine) can span up to 10 feet without support with a total load of 50 psf (40 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) and deflection limit of L/360.
How far can a double 2×12 beam span
As per general rules and guidelines, a double 2×12 deck beam (#2 grade southern pine) can span upto 12 feet when total load of 50 psf (40 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) with deflection limit L/360.
As a general guide, a 2×12 double deck beam (#2 grade Southern Pine) can span up to 12 feet without support with a total load of 50 psf (40 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) and deflection limit of L/360.
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Conclusion:-
In general, a #2-SYP double 2×6 deck beam can span upto 6 feet, a double 2×10 beam can span 10 feet, a double 2×8 beam can span 8 feet and a double 2×12 can span 12 feet.