I'm a mechanical engineer but new to timber framing. I am wondering if the F and E values for the two woods mentioned in the Subject are close enough to be interchangable. I found values for Western woods at
www.wwpa.org (great sight!) but cannot find the same values for Eastern species.
I am designing a structure in which I intend to use native Eastern spruce for a 24' simply supported end beam on a loft bedroom. Unless some can tell me different, I think Spruce is my best choice of the local soft woods in New England. I want to keep the cross section as small as safely possible for head room underneith the beam, something around 8 to 10x12 would be nice if the math works out. Oak is cost prohibitive, but I am open to suggestions for another hard wood that is economical. Ash maybe?
thanks,
Shaun
