Every inch counts in a small house, so knowing exactly how many inches are required for each element is important. Dimensions for the integral parts of a house are listed here. The wall, floor and roof thicknesses listed are for the most standard type of construction—that which uses 2x lumber and half-inch plywood as the primary building materials. The greater the distance a rafter or joist needs to span, the thicker it and the roof or floor it comprises will need to be. A list of the most standard sizes for appliances and some considerably smaller options is also provided.
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A house in Mendocino, CA |
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Span Chart RAFTER SPAN RATINGS (for roofs with a pitch over 3 in 12):
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FLOOR JOIST SPAN RATINGS: |
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SPECIES |
2 x 8 |
2 x 10 |
2 x 12 |
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(16” |
d d ^r CNl d d |
(16” o. c. / 24” o. c.) |
(16” o. c. / 24” o. c.) |
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Dglas. Fir — Larch |
13’1” / 11’3” |
16’9” / 14’5” |
20’4” / 17’6” |
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No. 2 |
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Dglas. Fir — South |
12’0” / 10’6” |
15’3” / 13’4” |
18’7” / 16’3” |
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No. 2 |
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Ponderosa Pine/ |
11’4” / 9’3” |
14’5” / 11’9” |
17’7” / 14’4” |
Sugar Pine No. 2
Design Criteria: Strength—10-psf dead load plus 40-psf live load Deflection—Limited to span in inches divided by 180 Source: National Lumber Manufacturers Association.
Refrigerator Dimensions:
Avg. — 68 1/4” H x 29 3/4” W x 31 3/4” D Small — 34” H x 19” W x 20 1/2” D X-Small — 17” H x 19” W x 20 1/2” D Range Dimensions:
Avg. — 29 3/4” W x 46 1/2” H x 24”
Small — 21 3/8” W x 16 11/16” H x 20” D (R. V Style) Washer:
23 3/8” W x 33 1/4” H x 22 1/8” D Dryer:
23 3/8” W x 33 1/4” H x 22 1/8” D Water Heater:
6-Gallon — 17 3/4” H x 16” Diameter Tankless — 29 3/4” H x 18 1/4” W x 9” D 12-Gallon — 22 3/4” H x 16” Diameter Shower:
Avg. — 30” W x 80” H x 30” D Small — 24” W x 72” H x 24” D Tub:
Avg. — 60” W x 18” H x 30” D Small — 48” W x 24” H x 30” D Toilet:
Avg. — 20” W x 29” H x 30” D Small — 18” W x 29” H x 24” D
More than 95% of U. S. adults are between 4’11” and 6’2” tall, with their shoes off. The average measures in at 5’7” (Architectural Graphic Standards). The remaining 5% have been excluded from the following data to keep it simple. If you or frequent visitors to your home are particularly tall or short, you may want to adjust accordingly. Ceiling heights and door widths have been calculated to fit a 6’2” person comfortably. Reach areas have been calculated for an unaided, 4’11” tall person. Work surface heights have been determined by what will most comfortably fit someone at the 5’7” median.
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Ceiling Height: |
6’3” minimum |
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Door Height: |
6’2” minimum |
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Door Width: |
1’5” minimum |
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Bed Width: |
2’8” minimum |
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Bed Length: |
6’3” minimum |
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Counter Height: |
2’8” minimum/ |
3’2” |
maximum |
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Counter Depth: |
1’4” minimum/ |
2’6” |
maximum |
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Door Knob Height: |
2’9” minimum/ |
3’4” |
maximum |
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Lavatory Height: |
2’6” minimum/ |
3’3” |
maximum |
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Control Knob Height: |
2’6” minimum/ |
6’0” |
maximum |
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High Shelf: |
6’2” maximum/ |
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Desk/Table Height: |
1’0” minimum/ |
2’7” |
maximum |
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Desk/Table Depth: |
1’0” minimum/ |
2’8” |
maximum |
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Booth Width: |
5’0” minimum/ |
6’6” |
maximum |
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Sleeping Loft Height: |
2’10” minimum |
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Leg Room Under Table: |
1’4” minimum |
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Room or Hallway Width: |
1’8” minimum |
