MrSurly
Well-known member
I have Googled it to death and still not finding a simple span table for steel 'joists'.
I'm going to build a freestanding loft that will be a steel I-beam frame. I need to be able to compare the cost of materials for dimensional lumber vs steel using standard C-purlins as joists.
Labor is not an issue, welding, assembly not an issue, time is not an issue.
I already have the material of the frame (10" S25.4# beam) and the legs (4-1/2" oil well casing).
The joist span will be 14'.
I simply need to be able to compare wood to steel.
(Steel should save some headroom; slightly thinner flooring assembly)
Span tables for the wood indicate that for 40psf I would need SYP 2x8s on 12 OR 2x10s on 16. ( I don't actually know if the numbers here *assume* some standardized decking (plywood) weight value)
I would like to find out equivalent info regarding 4", 6" and 8" C-purlin (14ga).
My search so far has only found data sheets that provide engineering data on deflection factors, etc but not a simple span table. Any links?
I'm going to build a freestanding loft that will be a steel I-beam frame. I need to be able to compare the cost of materials for dimensional lumber vs steel using standard C-purlins as joists.
Labor is not an issue, welding, assembly not an issue, time is not an issue.
I already have the material of the frame (10" S25.4# beam) and the legs (4-1/2" oil well casing).
The joist span will be 14'.
I simply need to be able to compare wood to steel.
(Steel should save some headroom; slightly thinner flooring assembly)
Span tables for the wood indicate that for 40psf I would need SYP 2x8s on 12 OR 2x10s on 16. ( I don't actually know if the numbers here *assume* some standardized decking (plywood) weight value)
I would like to find out equivalent info regarding 4", 6" and 8" C-purlin (14ga).
My search so far has only found data sheets that provide engineering data on deflection factors, etc but not a simple span table. Any links?


