
In general, methods can be grouped into three broad categories:
- Use a wooden ledger, and then attach the joists as you would with frame construction.
- Use a steel joist hanger that anchors directly to the concrete core of the wall.
- Build a ledge on the inside of the building to set the joist on.
What is the best wood for floor joists?
- southern yellow pine.
- Red oak.
- Douglus fir.
- White ceder.
- Pine – white.
- Spruce sitka.
- Hard maple.
How to strengthen a floor joist with steel?
- Check joist sizing and ensure they are sized to code
- Ensure holes in joists are smaller than ⅓ the depth of the joist
- Notching should only be within the depth of the joist on either edge
- Make sure posts holding beam and joists are not rotten at their base
- Inspect joist bearings and ensure they are shimmed and making contact with beams or walls.
How to nail floor joists to the sill plate?
- Top and bottom plates to studs- End nail two 12-16d per stud
- Ceiling joists to top plate – Toenail three 8-12d: two on one side
- Joists to sills or girders – Toenail three 10-12d: two on one side
- Bridging between joists- Toenail each end with two 8d
- Sole plate to joist or blocking at braced wall panels – 12-16d every 16″ on center
How do I choose the correct floor joist size?
The tables provide the following information on them:
- Floor Joist Spacing in inches (12, 16, 19.2, 24)
- Species and Grade of Lumber
- Various Lumber Size Options (2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12)
- The maximum floor joist span based on the lumber size, species/grade, and spacing used.

How do you attach floor joists to the wall?
1:4124:42Framing - Floor Joists and Walls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe use a steel tape in laying out to establish the first joist. We hold the tape on the end of theMoreWe use a steel tape in laying out to establish the first joist. We hold the tape on the end of the header and measure. Off one foot four or 16 inches this point falls in the center of a joist. Since.
Do floor joists need hangers?
Are Joist Hangers Necessary? No, joist hangers are not necessary.
Is it better to screw or nail joist hangers?
1:572:44The RIGHT fasteners for your Joist Hangers // The Ultimate Deck ShopYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a proper screw.MoreUse a proper screw.
Can you use screws to hang joists?
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. While screws made specifically for joist hanger support are an option, there are other types of attachments used.
How should floor joists be supported?
The best way to strengthen floor joists from underneath is to make a supporting mid-span beam or wall beneath the wobbling joists. Using jack posts or 6×6 posts and 2×10 or 2×8 beams perpendicular to the joists will solve any wobble and ensure your joists never move again.
What can I use instead of joist hangers?
Use Ledger Strips 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 and to the outside rim of the deck to create "ledges" where the joists would rest for support.
Can I use joist hangers for floor joists?
Joist hangers not only simplify the framing process but also strengthen the deck or floor you are building. When hanging floor joists, use joist hangers to make building a floor deck simpler. Place hangers every 16 inches on center. Position each hanger using the tab to hold it in place.
Why can't you use screws in joist hangers?
The manufacturers agree: Never use galvanized deck screws or drywall screws to install joist hangers. Those screws don't have the shank size and toughness to support joist loads.
What type of nails do you use for joist hangers?
Typically, the least you can use for a single joist hanger is a 10d common. The short joist hanger nails are also 10d nails, and they can be used for single joist hangers. When it comes to double joist hangers and beam hangers, however, you need a full-length 16d common nail.
How do you hang joists by yourself?
0:031:43Easy way to Put On Joist Hangers Fast DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWays then it's nice and square and I just tighten it down put lots of screws in in each corner thereMoreWays then it's nice and square and I just tighten it down put lots of screws in in each corner there and even put one in the back just to make sure that it's held nice and firmly like that.
How far should a screw go into a joist?
The general rule of thumb is that the screw should enter at least half the thickness of the bottom material, e.g. 3/4″ into a 2 x 4.
How long should joist screws be?
A common rule of thumb is that a screw needs to go at least halfway into the wood beneath the piece you are attaching. But when attaching deck boards into joists, a 2.5” deck screw is usually long enough since over half the screw is buried in the joist.
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.
How far do floor joists run?
Floor joists generally run perpendicular to load-bearing walls. Image Credit: SBS/Moment/GettyImages. In many builds, standard flooring joists run 16 inches on center, attaching to sill or top plates at the perimeter or beams/wall framing if the span doesn't reach across the entire distance.
What is a joist hanger?
In cases where greater open spans are needed, framers often use joist hangers, which are U-shaped hardware pieces that are nailed in to accept, hold and support flooring joists. Sometimes, the plans for a home may call for additional joists to be "sistered" next to the other floor joists for more strength.
What is I joist?
Not all residential projects use dimensional lumber for flooring joists. These days, there are other choices that work well in typical home construction, and one of these is called an I-joist. I-joists are so named because they are prefabricated joists that are shaped just like the letter. According to the Engineered Wood Association, these joists are comprised of laminated-veneer lumber or solid-sawn lumber on both sides of the "I" with a web of plywood or OSB in between. This makes them extremely strong.
Why are floor joists important?
Floor joists are critical to your home structure, because they keep your floors straight and sturdy. Floor joists are a critical part of the overall frame design in a building's structure. These supports run horizontally across the span of the building and are an important part of the engineering, helping to make the house solid and sturdy for ...
How many inches are rim joists?
The third step is attaching the floor joists to the rim joists, again generally spaced at 16 inches on center.
What type of wood is used for floor joists?
Solid-Wood Joists. Traditional dimensional lumber is a popular choice for floor joists. Some of the more common types of wood used for this purpose include certain species of pine and Douglas fir, but the type of wood available depends on the region where the construction is taking place.
What are the dimensions of I joists?
This is another factor that makes these joists desirable. Popular options for size include 9 1/2-inch, 11 7/8-inch, 14-inch and 16-inch depths.
How important is it to install floor joists?
Installing a Floor Joist. If you want to have a solid, reliable floor, and you plan to do your own installation, an important part of the process will be making sure that every floor joist is installed correctly. Your joists, or horizontal cross pieces to your floor's frame, are very important to your floor, and their reliability will dictate ...
Can you install a joist without a joist hanger?
While it is possible to install a joist without using joist hangers, it is not a very good idea. Joist hangers will make a much stronger connection than nails on their own and help to make sure that the joist is placed properly as well.
Can you use a joist as a mockup?
You may want to use either a joist or a piece of scrap material as a mockup to check your measurements at every step. This significantly reduces the chance that you will make a small error that requires you to start over completely several steps down the road. Repeat the process for the joist hanger on the opposite side.
