How much weight can these bars support?

[mckdelbu]

I’ve fielded a few questions asking if the bar framing can support a 300 lbs slab of granite.

The short answer is YES!

The long answer is that the compressive force that a single 2×4 pine board can handle is quite amazing.
The shorter, the stronger and of course the longer the weaker. Long boards tend to bow out and snap at failure.
Here is a quick example of length vs. strength.

Length of board

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approximate compressive force to failure

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2 feet or less in length

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4,800 lbs
4 feet

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2,000 lbs
6 feet

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900 lbs
8 feet

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~300 lbs – border line code
10 feet +

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less than code would allow

Doubling up boards certainly helps. If you quickly study our plans, you’ll find they could support literally tons of weight. So, they’ll easily support granite, concrete and dancin’ girls!

Cheers!
Sam

[ecooper]

If I go with a granite top do I still need 55, 56 73, 74 and 75 or do I just place it straight on the the 2x4s do I need a 3 layer bar top or just OSB for the granite to sit on? I am not doing a bar rail.

[bartender_adm]

Not sure which project you are referring to, it’s always best to post into the correct topic area.

Can you let me know which project you are working on?

[Author]

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