12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

**jimmy cee** 11/9/2014, 12:59 pm

While in the process of elevating my beds as a few of you are aware, I have been spacing my cross pieces at 12 inches apart.
This spacing is supporting the floor bed with all of the weight above.
I'm not quite sure why I am asking this, however, do you think I could do 16 inch centers instead of the 12". ?
I can do the 12 inch, just wanted to know if there is a safe option, I tend to overdo building things.
I will be going across the span to make an ell shaped bed, smaller section will be used as a herb bed.

see image below

boffer 11/9/2014, 1:09 pm

Jimmy, I can't see your picture. The picture URL is a gray rectangle.
https://i.servimg.com/u/f59/18/16/45/79/bed_4_11.jpg

**jimmy cee** 11/9/2014, 1:09 pm

it's showing up on my pc, even with your link

12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ? Bed_4_12

boffer 11/9/2014, 1:18 pm

Interesting! I can see the pic in your second post, but not the first! thinking

Ahhh...different link!
https://i.servimg.com/u/f59/18/16/45/79/bed_4_12.jpg

I forget if you're using plywood or hardware cloth for the bottom. I've used 16" spacing with hardware cloth; it works fine; it just sags a bit more than 12".

Personally, I would use 3/4 ply over 16" spacing, and 1/2" over 12".

(Disclaimer: I tend to over-build too!)

**jimmy cee** 11/9/2014, 1:21 pm

I deleted the 1st image so not to mess the system

**sanderson** 11/9/2014, 1:48 pm

If I had my druthers, I would use 12" centers. Less sagging stress on the plywood = last a little longer? For flooring 16" is common but the wood is supposed to stay dry and last for decades barring incidents.

**jimmy cee** 11/9/2014, 2:42 pm

I think your right Sanderson, so I'm gonna stay with 12".
Picking up some now
By the way I am using decking board in stead of plywood

Thanks

**sanderson** 11/9/2014, 5:29 pm

jimmy cee wrote: I am using decking board in stead of plywood. Thanks

Okay, now I'm jealous.

yolos 11/9/2014, 6:01 pm

jimmy cee wrote:I think your right Sanderson, so I'm gonna stay with 12".
Picking up some now
By the way I am using decking board in stead of plywood

Thanks

What exactly is decking board. If I went into home depot and asked for decking board would they know what I mean. why decking board instead of plywood or hardware cloth. Next year I am going to start raising some beds and have been following every ones progress.

PS - what height are your beds when you finish raising them.

**jimmy cee** 11/9/2014, 9:39 pm

Decking board is that 5/4 X 6 treated wood.
It's just about the same cost and I'm thinking it will outlast the plywood.
As far as being treated, no concern here for I'll never live long enough to be affected by it.
It's not the composite decking material that's so prohibitively expensive.
I'll cover it with 2 layers of a quality weed barrier and shouldn't need to worry any more.

The new height of my beds will now be 24 inches from the ground, the first bed I used 2 X 8s for cross pieces, the last bed along with this one I am using 2 X 6s .
I can work on them by just leaning over now.
Fortunately for me I used S.S. nut and bolts to connect everything when I originally put it together 2 years ago.
No wood was harmed so I am able to use it all again.
I am hoping to get it done before winter really sets in.

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12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

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Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?

Re: 12" or 16 inch centers for bed supports ?


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