This tool addresses a critical safety area. Many DIY builders assume a 2×4 is strong enough for an 8-foot span because “it holds me when I stand on it,” not realizing that dynamic loads (two people moving) or long-term static loads (heavy storage) cause dangerous deflection or failure over time.
It includes a “Bounciness Visualizer” that simulates how much the floor will flex under load, helping users understand why “Meeting Code” isn’t the same as “Feeling Solid.”
Loft Span Calculator
Is your sleeping loft safe or bouncy? Check your spans.
Tiny homes are usually 7′ to 8.5′ wide.
Understanding Loft Loads
Code doesn’t just care if the wood snaps; it cares if it bends. L/360 means for every 360 units of length, it can bend 1 unit. If you exceed this, your floor will feel like a trampoline, and the drywall ceiling underneath will crack.
Many tiny house builders try to use 2x4s to save headroom. Be careful. A 2×4 at 8ft span is right at the limit for a sleeping loft. For storage lofts holding books or water tanks, a 2×4 is often unsafe. 2×6 is the gold standard for stiffness.