Six-by-six lumber actually has 5 1/2-by-5 1/2-inch dimensions. Wood this size is typically referred to as a beam, post, girder, timber or structural lumber. A large majority of structural timber is made from Douglas fir, hemlock and spruce. Tight grain patterns on the cut ends indicate strength.

How tall can a 6×6 post be?

Six-by-Six Posts

A 10-foot-tall six-by-six Douglas fir or southern pine post can support an area of 256 square feet under a load of 50 pounds per square foot, which is more than seven times as much as a comparable four-by-four post.

How much weight can a 6×6 post hold?

The load capacity of a 3-foot #2 grade 4×4 is 17,426 pounds, and a similar 6×6 is 20,834 pounds or 16% better. However, an 8-foot 4×4 supports 6468-pounds and 2339-pounds at 14-feet, while a 6×6 is 18032 and 10550-pounds respectively – or 64% and 78% more load capacity.

Is pressure treated wood stronger?

Thanks to the treatment process, pressure treated lumber is much stronger than natural wood, and it is resistant to the elements.

How much does a 10 foot 6×6 weigh?

A 10-foot-long 2×6 pressure treated lumber board weighs around 40 pounds right after being treated. The same board only weighs around 23 pounds after it has had time to dry out. A stack of “Ground Contact” pressure-treated lumber.

How deep should a 6×6 post be in the ground?

The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole.

How do you cut a 6×6 post?

A circular saw fitted with a standard 7 1/4-inch carbide blade, adjusted to its lowest setting, makes a 2 1/2-inch-deep cut. After evenly marking a cut line on all four sides of the post, cut the post one side at a time — rolling the post toward you after each cut.

How long does pressure treated 6×6 last?

Pressure treated lumber can extend the lifespan of outdoor projects. It protects against rot and insect damage but requires regular maintenance and treatment to prevent moisture damage. With care, treated wood will last 40 or more years.

How much weight can a 6×6 post hold horizontally?

A 6×6 with 12′ span can support 2000 lbs. if you assume a conservative 1400psi bending stress. If you do a good job bonding the two members together, your double 6×6 can support more than 4,000 lbs.

What size Post do you use for a 6 foot fence?

Post lengths for fences start at 8 or 10 feet for a 6-foot-tall fence. They are commonly four-by-fours, which measure approximately 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches, or six-by-sixes, at around 5 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches.

What size are deck posts?

Deck Post Sizing

Deck posts are usually 4 feet x 4 inches, 6 feet x 6 inches or 8 feet x 8 inches as determined to be appropriate for the expected load. After determining the width, the maximum deck post height must also be determined. This also depends on the type of wood used.

Can I use a 6×6 as a deck beam?

In the past, 4x4s and 6×6 lumber could serve as beams, that is no longer the case. You must use 2x material bolted together to create a deck beam, or use metal or engineered lumber. So, rather than using a 6×6 beam, this would mean using three 2x6s bolted together.

Can a 6×6 be used as a beam?

The distance a 6×6 can span as a beam depends on the species of wood, grade, grain orientation, moisture content or seasoning, condition, and load. Southern Pine (SP) 6x6s will span 5” to 8” further than other common softwood species of the same grade.

How far apart should 6×6 deck posts be?

For Building a Deck Railing, Deck Frame, or Fence

The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.