Joist hangers are not the most visible part of a deck, but they are one of its most important components. If they aren’t sized correctly and installed properly with the right nails
Nail
A nail is a horn-like keratinous envelope covering the tips of the fingers and toes in most primates. Nails evolved from claws found in other animals. Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin which is found in the hooves, hair, claws and horns of vertebrates.
Why to use joist hangers?
- For connecting joists to masonry and supporting beams,
- Build into new brick or blockwork,
- For extensions and renovation work,
- Eliminate the need to build around joists or cut holes in facing brick work,
- Can be used for timber to timber applications
When to use steel joist hangers?
- Long Leg Joist Hangers. The long legged joist hangers are used when floors are being constructed at different levels to each other.
- Heavy Duty Joist Hangers. ...
- I-Joist Hangers. ...
- Installation Instructions. ...
- Advantages. ...
What size nails do I use for joist hangers?
- Hanger Nails. Use short joist-hanger nails to attach the hanger to a ledger or a single header.
- Longer nails for the sides. When driving through the sides of the hanger, use longer nails.
- Make a Scab Guide.
- Drive the tab.
- Drive Nails.
- Hang the joist with a bent over nail.
- Attach the hanger.
- Scab onto the joist.
How to choose the right joist hanger?
- Wrap-over joist hangers. Also known as speedy joist hangers or jiffy hangers, wrap-over joist hangers are designed to wrap around three sides of wooden timbers joists to support these from ...
- Face fix joist hangers. ...
- Mini joist hangers. ...
- Masonry joist hangers. ...
- Long leg joist hangers. ...
- Custom made joist hangers. ...
Is it better to use joist hangers?
It's extremely important that you use the correct joist hangers or other metal connectors, along with fasteners that are rated for outdoor use. Modern treated lumber has a higher copper content, and when copper gets wet and comes into contact with the galvanized metal connectors and fasteners, it can corrode the metal.
Can you use joist hangers for decking?
Introduction. If you install them properly, joist hangers will keep your decks and floors strong as wood dries, twists, shrinks and ages.
Can I use screws instead of joist hangers?
While structural nails are typically used to fasten joist hangers, you may be wondering if screws can be used instead. You can use screws explicitly made for joist hangers. However, avoid using any other types of screws as they cannot support joist loads and are not designed to withstand shear force.
Where should joist hangers be placed on a deck?
2:5311:30Installing Deck Joists - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore you put the joist in place some people like to nail all the joists down with some tack nails.MoreBefore you put the joist in place some people like to nail all the joists down with some tack nails. And go back later and straddle the hanger around the joist.
How do you build a deck without joist hangers?
The most common alternative to using joist hangers is a ledger strip. This technique requires a plank of wood to be secured to the outside wall to create a "ledge" where the joists would rest for support.
How do you support decking joists?
0:122:45Build a Stronger Deck: Joist Connections - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen joists connect to a beam or ledger steel joist hangers offer bearing support as well as upliftMoreWhen joists connect to a beam or ledger steel joist hangers offer bearing support as well as uplift resistance for both cantilevered applications.
How far apart should joists be on a floating deck?
Deck joist spacing should never exceed 16″ on center (with the exception of MAX deck boards, which allow for maximum 24″ on center). For a more rigid feel, 12″ or less may be preferred.
How much weight can a 2x6 joist hanger hold?
Angled joist hangers should be available at your local lumberyard for 2x6 and 2x10....Joist Hanger Vertical Capacity.Joist SizeMin Capacity lbs2x64002x85002x106002x12700
How do you frame a deck?
0:072:08How to Frame a Deck Perimeter - DIY Network - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the ledger board in place cut a 2 by 10 to the same width as the deck. This is called the rimMoreWith the ledger board in place cut a 2 by 10 to the same width as the deck. This is called the rim joist. And refers to the boards that make up the outer perimeter of the deck.
How do you attach joist hangers to a deck?
0:031:02How to Install a Joist Hanger - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf space is too tight to swing a hammer a pneumatic Paul nailer can be used finally nail into theMoreIf space is too tight to swing a hammer a pneumatic Paul nailer can be used finally nail into the joist through the pre-drilled holes. Again all the holes on both sides of the hanger.
Are 2x6 strong enough for deck joists?
2×6 deck joists are strong enough to provide a decent size deck for a few chairs and a barbeque.
Do you use joist hangers on both ends?
Joist hangers are preferable to both toe-nailing and end-nailing. Joist hangers provide greater shear force support to joists, as the hanger allows for both face nailing and toe-nailing into ledger boards and rim joists.
What is the most popular option for decking?
An important detail is deciding how the joists will hold into place. The most popular option is a joist hanger. However, options other than hangers may need to be considered depending on what kind of deck is being built.
Why are nails used on decks?
Nails are popular because they are flexible and are more likely to adjust to the changes in climate when the deck begins to shift. Certain pressures applied to deck by a shifting foundation will be better absorbed by the nail and remain stable.
Why do deck screws snap?
They often end up snapping because of slight shifts in movement due to exterior weather conditions leaving your deck in bad shape.
Can you do it yourself on an outdoor deck?
When it comes to outdoor decks, the only plausible do-it-yourself technique would be to use a ledger strip to support the joists.
What is a joist hanger?
Joist hangers can be used anywhere you need to strengthen a load bearing connection. Joist hangers use face mount attachments to fasten joists to ledger boards and beams. You can buy joist hangers for different sized lumber. Single, double, triple, right and left orientation hangers are available for various applications.
What hangers are needed for an angle deck?
Angled decks may require using right- and left-skewed joist hangers. These hangers are bent to 45 degrees and can be installed with joist hanger nails using the same method as straight joist hangers. Angled joist hangers should be available at your local lumberyard for 2x6 and 2x10. Double right- and left-skewed joist hangers are also available ...
What kind of joist hangers are used for angled beams?
Double right- and left-skewed joist hangers are also available for angled beams, but they are relatively expensive. Make sure that all of your deck hardware and fasteners are triple zinc galvanized or stainless steel so they are compatible with ACQ lumber. Never cut, bend or modify deck hardware for alternative uses.
What to do if there isn't a connector?
If there isn’t a connector available, you might need to reconsider your approach to the connection. Sizing Joist Hangers. Always make sure you are using the largest hanger size for a particular joist.
Can a joist hanger be used as a concealed hanger?
Concealed joist hangers can be used in areas where it is difficult or impossible to attach the side flanges of a standard joist hanger.
Can a concealed joist hanger be nailed into a ledger board?
The concealed joist hanger can be nailed into place on the edge of the ledger board without the need to nail into the end grain of the lumber, which is prohibited by code. Concealed hangers can be attached to the sides of support posts to attach the exposed stair stringers and provide a strong and attractive connection.
What is a joist hanger?
Joist hangers are galvanized metal brackets that are affixed to the ledger boards and rim joists of decks. The joists are supported by the hangers, which are themselves fastened to the ledger boards.
What is a joist on a deck?
Joists are the supports which the deck boards are fastened to and are one of the most critical structural elements of the deck, as well as many other common structures.
Why are joist hangers better than toe nails?
Joist hangers are better because they allow for more accurate placement of joists. They also allow for toe-nailing, plus support the underside of the joist. This makes the hanger stronger than a toe-nail. While joist hangers are an expense, the ease and increased strength make them a better choice.
How deep should nails be for ledger boards?
Toe-nailing joists requires that nails be driven at least 1 ¾” deep into the nailed member.
Why is nailing into a joist not effective?
The reason end-nailing into a joist’s face-grain is not effective is because the nail or screw is being fastened with the grain. Nailing into the face grain is much easier because there is less resistance – and less resistance means a much weaker connection.
Do you need a joist hanger?
No, joist hangers are not necessary. You can get away with toe-nailing and the building inspector won’t bat an eye. However, toe-nailing requires more skill. You can easily erode the structural integrity of a joist with a few wrongly placed toe-nails.
Do Simpson joists pull?
There is a tendency for the joist to “pull” to the side opposite, which you are nailing. This forces you to nail from both sides, back and forth, until the joist is exactly where you want it. Also, many Simpson joist hangers incorporate toe-nailing into their design.
What is a 2x8 joist hanger?
This standard 2×8 joist hanger will keep your joists solidly and permanently connected. The double shear hanger in Photo 4 is another common type. Selecting the correct joist hangers and hanging (or “setting”) them is pretty straightforward. We’ll show you a four-step method for installing joist hangers that will ensure that your floor or deck stays flat and strong—and meets the requirements of your building inspector and the joist hanger manufacturer.
How thick are galvanized box nails?
Indoors or out, for standard-type single joist hangers, use only 1-1/2 in. joist hanger nails for nailing into the side of the joist (Photo 5); for double hangers, use 8d or 10d nails.
Do joist hangers keep wood floors strong?
If you install them properly, joist hangers will keep your decks and floors strong as wood dries, twists, shrinks and ages. We'll show you a four-step method for installing joist hangers that will ensure that your floor or deck stays flat and strong. So the next time you hold a square dance or weight-lifting contest on your deck, ...
Can you use a 2x6 joist hanger on a 2x10?
Install the largest hanger that fits the lumber. Never use a 2x6 hanger on 2x10 joist hangers. Avoid disaster by spending a couple of bucks more for the correct joist hanger. Fill all the holes in each joist hanger with the properly designated size nail.
