Advice for 2x4 weight distribution....

[Chentelle]

I have a 2x4 on it's edge that spans 10 feet in my ceiling. I want to hang a swing that can hold 250 pounds near the center of this span. What would I need to do in this situation in order to get minimal or no deflection?

 

[phinds]

I have a 2x4 on it's side that spans 10 feet in my ceiling. I want to hang a swing that can hold 250 pounds near the center of this span. What would I need to do in this situation in order to get minimal or no deflection?

To get no deflection, you would have to use unobtanium instead of wood. To get a small amount of deflection, you'll have to do something fairly drastic since a 10' span of normal 2/4" is going to deflect a fair amount w/ 250 lbs in the middle, ESPECIALLY if it is on its side instead of on edge the way it should be for such a load bearing job.

 

[Chentelle]

I apologize, that was my error. It is on it's edge.

 

[berkeman]

Thread closed for Moderation...

 

[berkeman]

I have a 2x4 on it's edge that spans 10 feet in my ceiling.

You have 10' long ceiling joists that are just 2x4s? That seems pretty weak, and is certainly not sized for any extra loading. See this for an idea of construction standards in the US:

http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/newjersey/nj_residential/PDFs/NJ_Res_Chapter8.pdf

I want to hang a swing that can hold 250 pounds near the center of this span. What would I need to do in this situation in order to get minimal or no deflection?

Ceiling joists are sized for holding up the ceiling material and light hanging fixtures, not for 250 pound dynamic loads. What you are asking about is dangerous, and you should not consider doing it. Build a free-standing swingset instead, following the lead of the swingsets you can purchase and build yourself for backyard playsets. Be sure to check what the maximum load is specified for those swingsets, given their wood beam sizes and materials. Thread is closed.

https://www.wayfair.com/Backyard-Di...187400005706&gclid=CMOu_Y6oi9ICFdRyfgodAp4HQw