What is the difference between by and on foot?

What is the load difference between a 8 foot 2x4 and 2x6?

• I am working on a storage project for my garage. I would like to find out the difference in strength between an 8 foot long 2x4 and a 2x6 with an 8 foot span. Also how much stronger is an engineered 2x6 vs a traditional one. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Theoretically, the 2x6 should be 2.25 times stronger. Shear strength increases with the square of the width along the force. So, the increase in strength will be (6/4)^2 = 2.25 times. Now, this is all for simply loaded beams. In a structure, like your garage, it all is much more complex. The strength of the material (wood, in this case) in compression and tension is an issue. I do not know if an engineered 2x6 is stronger than a traditional 2x6, or if it is stronger for the weight (i.e. cheaper). Though a typical solid mechanics engineering text could explain the theory behind all this (mine is not with me), your better bet would be finding published specs found via measurements. A quick Google search would likely be fruitful, or a search at the engineered wood manufacturer websites.