Re: Building Material Weights :: Builders Websource®

Messages and Online Forum Q&A

If you find the answer to this question useful, kindly CLICK TO PAY here.


	Knowledge
	BuildersTALK Building\|Dream Green Building How-To Books Links (Web) Newsletter Tech Notes Videos
	Software
	BeamChek Bidding CAD \| AutoCAD Estimating EZHomeBuild Home Design Landscaping Lighting Design PrioSoft Resi-Cost Structural
	Specialty Tools
	CrackMON Tools WatrLevel
	Support & Info
	About Us Advertise Contact Us FAQ Publish Services Support

Re: Building Material Weights

From: kgharrist@netzero.net
Category: Architecture and Building Design
Remote Name: 4.253.13.50
Date: 22 Feb 2006
Time: 03:57 PM

Comments

Question: I'm looking for a source for weights of building materials. I know concrete is around 140-150 pcf. I'm trying to figure out what a wood frame wall weighs (psf). Say with wood siding, 1/2" oriented strand board (OSB), 2x4 studs @ 16" & 1/2" gypsum wallboard. Also what are typical residential live and dead loads for roofs, floors, attics, and balconies?

Builders Websource® Answer: As to loads, typical live load design parameters are follows. Keep in mind these are minimum design parameters and you must also factor in maximum allowable deflection, which should generally be less than L/360 in most cases. Smaller deflections (for example L/480 or L/1000) will exceed code requirements, but provide a more quality feel to the floor :

First Floor: 40 psf
Second Floor: 30 psf (sleeping rooms)
Roof: Snow 30 - 50+ psf (varies by region, always check with your building code)
Attic: 20 psf
Exterior Decks 50 psf

The following are common weights for building materials. Please note that figures are approximates and may vary as much as +/- 25% depending on the manufacturer. Always use the actual weights as supplied by the particular product manufacturer.

Material	Weight per Unit
	pcf = pounds per cubic foot pcy = pounds per cubic yard plf = pounds per lineal foot psf = pounds per square foot
Aluminum	171 pcf
Cast Iron	450 pcf
Cement	94 pcf
Concrete	150 pcf
Crushed Stone	2,500 pcy
Gypsum / Plaster Board
...3/8"	1.56 psf
...1/2"	2.08 psf
...5/8"	2.60 psf
...5/8" abuse resistant (GP ToughRock™)	2.75 psf
Insulation
...Mineral Fiber (Fiberglass)	2 pcf
...Extruded Polystyrene	1.8 pcf
...Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)	1.0 - 4.0 pcf, depending on density (0.9 to 2.19 pcf typ range)
...Polyurethane	1.5 pcf
Limestone/Marble/Granite (solid)	165-171 pcf
Lumber (@ 35 pcf, DF)
...2x4	1.22 plf
...2x6	2.00 plf
...2x8	2.64 plf
...2x10	3.37 plf
...2x12	4.10 plf
...4x4	2.98 plf
...6x6	7.35 plf
...6x8	10.03 plf
Masonry
...4" brick	42 psf
...8" CMU	55 psf
...12" CMU	80 psf
Plywood
...1/4"	0.71 psf
...3/8"	1.06 psf
...1/2"	1.42 psf
...5/8"	1.77 psf
...3/4"	2.13 psf
Rebar
...#3	.376 plf
...#4	.668 plf
...#5	1.043 plf
Roofing
...Asphalt Shingles	3 psf
...1/4" slate	10 psf
...Aluminum (26 gauge)	0.3 psf
...Steel (29 gauge)	0.8 psf
...Clay Tile / Concrete	10 psf (typ) varies by mfgr.
...Built-up 3 ply and Gravel	5.5 psf
Sand - (Bank)	2,500 pcy
Sand - (Torpedo)	2,700 pcy
Steel	490 pcf

Source: Penn State University

Article Tools


	BuildersTALK
	Ask an Expert Recent Questions Click to Pay
	Archives
	2006-2007 Oct-Dec 2002 Jul-Sep 2002 Jan-Jun 2002 Jul-Dec 2001 Jan-Jun 2001 1999-2000


About Us \| Advertise \| Newsletter \| Privacy Policy \| Terms of Use
Builders Websource® is a corporate member of ASTM International—a non-profit engineering body dedicated in part to the standardization of building materials specifications, products, systems, and test methods for improved health, safety, and reliability of residential and commercial structures. Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Builders Websource®, an InBuild™ company. All rights reserved.