Loft Floor Joists ???

[peteh2833]

I'm starting the framing of our 20x30 1.5 story this week. I want to go to a local mill while i'm up at camp to see about getting some rough cut timbers made for the loft floor joists. I will have a full loft with exposed ceiling. I'm pretty sure D/F is not available at the mill.

1) Can I use another type of wood to span the 20'

2) What size wood should i use and what spacing? Probably use 2x6 for loft floor.

3) Could I use a center beam with a couple posts to cut the span down to 10' since i have a steel beam down the center of the camp???

Thanks Pete

[glenn kangiser]

Try this.

http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/calc/timbercalcstyle.asp?species=Hem-Fir+(North)&size=2x12&grade=No.+2&member=Floor+Joists&deflectionlimit=L%2F360&spacing=16&wet=No&incised=No&liveload=40&snowload=-1&deadload=10&submit=Calculate+Maximum+Horizontal+Span

[peteh2833]

Thanks. What if I want to double up the joists or use 4x material??? Pete

[glenn kangiser]

My understanding then is that you could double the joist spacing if the floor material is rated for the loading between joists.  John does that in his plans in places.