Thread: measuring spans

When measuring the spans of beams or joists, do you measure between the edges of the bearing points, to the center of the bearing points, or what other way?

Does the material makeup of the bearing point have a factor in how measurements should be taken?

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Originally Posted by John Dirks Jr

When measuring the spans of beams or joists, do you measure between the edges of the bearing points, to the center of the bearing points, or what other way?

Does the material makeup of the bearing point have a factor in how measurements should be taken?

The span is from nearest edge to nearest edge, with the bearing being measured back from those edges.

The material does not make a difference on how the measurements are taken, but it does make a difference on the minimum bearing required.