How far to space rafters

Question

I'm building a shed, but trying to make it pretty sturdy. The rafters are built with 2x6s with a pitch of 1/4 (4 foot rise and 2 foot run) and the shed is 16x8 ft. I'm debating whether to go with 16-inch spaced rafters or 24-inch. I'm wanting it safe to stand on and able to hold a decent continuous load (fixtures and hanging tools, lets say a total of 75-100 pounds). I think code says 24 inch, but if I need 16 to be sturdy I'll do that.

Answer 1

  All answers are good but I question what you said as did John..You won t be able to stand on the pitch as you stated lol  GL

Answer 2

*CODE* is 24" minimum.  You can use more runners or use 2x8's. I don't think you need more runners.  If you want to hang stuff from each runner you should use 2x8's

Answer 3

Go with 16" on center if you live where you may have a heavy snowload on the roof

Answer 4

24" should be ok with the 8 ft span , but 16 " would really be the way to go if you want extra strength !

Answer 5

16 in oc. is best.

But I am confussed on the pitch?

1/4 = 3/12 Pitch

4/2 =24/12 Pitch.

Or are you saying  1/4 = 4/12 Pitch?

Either way, on a 16x8 ft would be ok even if you used 2x4s at 16 in oc.