"Mikepier" wrote in message
...
here is an easy calculator that will let you play with the
numbers:http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/...e.asp?species=...


Thanks for the link. How do I know what kind of wood I have? I assume
Douglas Fir, but what is SYP you mentioned?


Add to what Dan said:

SYP Southern yellow pine sometimes labeled SP.
Still sold even at the BORG when the length of a 2x6 is over 12 feet.
Almost surely used in a 50 year old house.
Only moderately better rated.
50 years ago the grading standards were much higher than today.

Colbyt