Calculate floor load

[Dennis Slauson]

I will be building a workshop/storage shed this summer. It is on a hill and I will be using 6x6 post cemented in the ground as pillers to hold up the shed. 3-6x6 spaced 6ft apart. 10x10 bolted on each side of the the 6x6. 3 rows of these spaced 8ft apart. now for the part I need help with. Would 2x6 spaced 12 in. on center going across the 2x10's with 3/4 inch flooring be enough to hold an electric golf cart which weighs 500 lbs empty and a garden tractor that weighs 300 lbs empty, plus tools and other storage shed items and some woodworking equipment on the perimeters.

[Lee Schierer]

Here's a handy calculator. Joist Span Calculator (http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/calc/timbercalcstyle.asp) How much is the price difference between 2x6's and 2x8's?

[Mike Cutler]

I'm not saying that they won't do it, but, I've never seen a 2x4" used in the horizontal plane as a load carrying member. But then again, it's just a shed and you've got a very small load on it.

[Peter Quinn]

I'm guessing based on instinct, not a span chart , that you would not have a catastrophic failure using 2x6 on an 8' span. But for the cost I'd go up to 2x8, and add some bridging. The 3/4" flooring concerns me more on the 12" span, what is the species? I'd want at least 5/4 decking unless its something pretty strong like ipe or maybe white oak. If its a soft wood, I have my doubts long term with no sub floor.

[Steve Milito]

I will be building a workshop/storage shed this summer. It is on a hill and I will be using 6x6 post cemented in the ground as pillers to hold up the shed. 3-6x6 spaced 6ft apart. 10x10 bolted on each side of the the 6x6.

I wouldn't bolt anything to the sides of the post. It's far better to have the beams sit on the posts and attached with the appropriate hardware.253126

[Harry Hall]

Or you could just calculate it:
http://www.awc.org/technical/spantables/tutorial.html