Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 9.23 — Wood Frame Construction
PART 9 — HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGSUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

9.23.12.3.Lintel Spans and Sizes

(1) Spans and sizes of wood lintels shall conform to the spans shown in Span Tables 9.23.4.2.-L and 9.23.12.3.-A to 9.23.12.3.-D (a) for buildings of residential occupancy, (b) where the wall studs exceed 38 mm by 64 mm in size, (c) where the spans of supported joists do not exceed 4.9 m, and (d) where the spans of trusses do not exceed 9.8 m. (2) In loadbearing exterior and interior walls of 38 mm by 64 mm framing members, lintels shall consist of (a) 64 mm thick members on edge, or (b) 38 mm thick and 19 mm thick members fastened together with a double row of nails not less than 63 mm long and spaced not more than 450 mm apart. (3) Lintels referred to in Sentence (2) (a) shall be not less than 50 mm greater in depth than those shown in Span Tables 9.23.4.2.-L and 9.23.12.3.-A to 9.23.12.3.-D for the maximum spans shown, and (b) shall not exceed 2.24 m in length.
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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.