Building Homes or Extensions/joist spacing & span

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Expert: - 2/26/2009


Question
I am thinking of using 4x12 joist to span a 16' area at 32" on center.  Will this work?

Answer
Dear Don,

Those 4x12s are plenty strong, but sixteen feet is a long span for a 4x12 without deflecting or bouncing. The subfloor must also be about 2" thick to span that 32".  I usually go 24" on center for a 4x12x16' and lay down a subfloor of 2x6 for a floor that does not bounce at all.

--Daniel  

Building Homes or Extensions

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Daniel Humphrey

Expertise

I can answer questions about designing and building homes and outbuildings, especially for colder climates. I am expert in timber framing, but of course I also know about other kinds of residential construction techniques and materials. Because of my emphasis on using local materials and organic alternatives, I know quite about about Green Building and am willing to do the research to find out more.

Experience

I've been a timber framer for 20 years, working as a general contractor who designs and builds custom timberframe homes, working as much as possible with local organic materials, from foundation to finish. I also have expertise in designing, building, and setting up pre-fab remote camp facilities on terra firma or temperate glaciers for research and expeditions, using helicopters for support.

Education/Credentials
B.A., M.F.A.

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