Floor Joists

Maximum Span

Headers

Maximum Opening

2x6  16" oc

9' 1"

2x4

3' 1"

2x8  16" oc

12'

2x6

4' 6"

2x10 16" oc

15' 2"

2x8

5' 9"

2x12 16" oc

17' 7"

2x10

7'

2x12

8' 1"

Spans 8' or over require bridging

Ceiling Joists
(1/2" drywall, insulation, no storage)
(16" oc)

Rafters
(1/2" plywood, roofing)
(16" oc)

2x4  10' 6"

2x6  13' 1"

2x6  16' 6"

2x8  17' 2"

2x8  21' 9"

2x10 21'

Footers Depth

Footers must be 42" deep and inspected prior to the pouring of concrete.

Stairs

Treads

Closed Riser - minimum widths of treads shall be 9" plus 1" 1/8" nosing for closed riser type.
Open Riser - minimum widths of treads shall be 9"

Risers

Maximum heights of risers shall be 8 1/4" (no variation exceeding 1/8" in height of risers in any one run of stairs)

Width

Minimum widths of stairs 2' 8" clear between handrails

Handrails

Stairs or steps of more than 3 risers shall have a handrail on the open side. Where one or both are open, railings shall be provided on both sides

Landings

Landings, platforms and porches more than 18" above adjacent floor or grade level shall have railings on open sides with the distance between pickets or rails no more than 4"

The top surfaces of handrail and railings shall not be less than 30" nor more than 36" in height above the floor or tread level.