I'm building a 16'x16' shed and would like to know if I should stick to using 2x6s' for the roof beams or can I get away with 2x4s? The shed is nothing fancy, it will have a plain ol' slant roof on it.... thanks for any suggestions!
Build in a shed and need some advice...
- Thread starter KDOG
- Start date
??? What kind of shed???
Check your local code and permit.
What are you going to use it for (application)?
How permanent is it going to be, soft floor (earth), plank, or cement slab, and size?
Depends on the area, in the sticks you can get a way with a tarp and a few branches.
Check your local code and permit.
What are you going to use it for (application)?
How permanent is it going to be, soft floor (earth), plank, or cement slab, and size?
Depends on the area, in the sticks you can get a way with a tarp and a few branches.
cKGunslinger
Lifer
- Nov 29, 1999
- 16,408
- 57
- 91
16'x16' is a pretty good size. I don't think you could get away with 2x4 beams. What kind of roof are you talking about anyway?
cKGunslinger
Lifer
- Nov 29, 1999
- 16,408
- 57
- 91
You guys are right, 2x6s is the way to go. That was my original plan, but I was hoping I could "cheap out" on that part, which would've been dumb.
As far as what the shed is for, its going to be just a plain old storage shed. Where the lawnmower, garden tools, storage bins, garbage cans ( cuz of the dang racoons and coyotes around here), and other assorted junk will go - instead of under the carport where it looks messy.
Nothing fancy, no power, no water - just a plain ol' storage shed. I'm going to the township office tommorrow morning to get the BP. Its main support post are concreted in the ground, and thats as far as I've gone.
As far as what the shed is for, its going to be just a plain old storage shed. Where the lawnmower, garden tools, storage bins, garbage cans ( cuz of the dang racoons and coyotes around here), and other assorted junk will go - instead of under the carport where it looks messy.
Nothing fancy, no power, no water - just a plain ol' storage shed. I'm going to the township office tommorrow morning to get the BP. Its main support post are concreted in the ground, and thats as far as I've gone.
You need a span table.
Your local building dept. can probably provide/refer you to what will meet code in your area. My guess is that 2x6 is not adequate for a 16" span though.
Here's an online calculator: http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/calc/timbercalcstyle.asp
Your local building dept. can probably provide/refer you to what will meet code in your area. My guess is that 2x6 is not adequate for a 16" span though.
Here's an online calculator: http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/calc/timbercalcstyle.asp
IHateMyJob2004
Lifer
- Sep 29, 2004
- 18,656
- 68
- 91
IHateMyJob2004
Lifer
- Sep 29, 2004
- 18,656
- 68
- 91
If code allow he could go for a steep roof and struts design which 2x4 will do, however I would go with 2x6x(12 or 14). It is nice to have some over hang and a steep roof is better at draining the snow off it.
Using the calculator above, the max span for a hem-fir 2x6 on 16" centers is only 12 feet.
Are you planning on a single slope roof, or two slope? Looks like you could get away with 2x6 if you have a two slope roof (8 foot span).
On a single span, and 2x8 gets you 15' 10" and a 2x10 gets you to 20 feet. But again, check with your building dept. for the tables & loads they use.
Are you planning on a single slope roof, or two slope? Looks like you could get away with 2x6 if you have a two slope roof (8 foot span).
On a single span, and 2x8 gets you 15' 10" and a 2x10 gets you to 20 feet. But again, check with your building dept. for the tables & loads they use.
It is very likely to cost more than 3K. I build a 10'x16' shed a few years ago and it cost me more than 3K.
16' is a pretty good span - I'd be a bit concerned about finding good quality rafters in that length anyway. Lumber quality has gone to sh|t.
I'd consider going to a two-span roof. Get a quote on trusses also.
You could maybe do a single slope with a microlam beam down the center, but you'd probably need an engineer to size it for you. I don't think I've seen simple span tables that would cover that.
It is true that lumber grades are lower than they use to be, however Home Depot seem to have very high quality lumber. He could go with 2x10, 2x12, or 4x6 for a single roof, but it is going to be hard to find enough straight 20' board at one store. And, I think the standard lam beam are 2x12", therefore it is going to be hard to find smaller dimention.
Hayabusa Rider
Admin Emeritus & Elite Member
- Jan 26, 2000
- 50,879
- 4,268
- 126
Oh man, HD sucks. I bought 4x4 eight footers, and unloaded them from the roof of my car. One broke as I dropped it. A 4x4 broke by falling three feet?
After that I found a small lumberyard, and build my now (in)famous playstructure. (Should have more pics on this soon.
)I paid almost the same for #1 grade as HD wanted for #2, and believe me, HD's lumber is #2 if you know what I mean.
Around here we have 84 lumber. If you do, check them out and call the independent lumber yards for prices. HD is overpriced in any case. No reputible builder uses them in the Rochester area. BTW HD = Lowes for this purpose.
Maybe the stuff you found OT is good, but around these parts (and back in the Boston area too) It's not worth even looking at.
If you buy lumber at HD, you need to go very early in the morning. All the contractors get there right when the new shipments are put out and snatch up the good lumber.
It's not HDs fault you're late to the game buying lumber.
It's not HDs fault you're late to the game buying lumber.
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