Floor Joist Placement

This size is no longer acceptable when framing a structure.

Floor joist placement.

Floor joists are typically 2 by 8s 2 by 10s or 2 by 12s. All these conditions are important when determining floor joist placement on sill plates and beams. In the past 2x4s or 2x6s were sometimes used as floor joists. Study the blueprint and make note of the location of any stairway openings floor joist cantilevers in construction floor beams and heavy loads from above.

Ceiling joists are usually 2 by 6s or sometimes 2 by 4s if it is an older home. When possible position floor joists with any crook in the board facing up so the weight on the joist will tend to straighten it out. Don t worry you won t need to do a lot of calculations in determining the size and placement of the structural framing within your house design. Good luck and keep us up to speed with your progress j.

The exact size necessary may be stipulated by the building code required for a particular structure. Some newer homes have manufactured i beam shaped joists. Using floor joist span tables. In general practice 2x8s 2x10s or 2x12s are used when framing a raised floor instead.

Rock shims or hand packed and pounded smaller stones will stiffen the post placement and allow for proper drainage. Any large knots found near the edge of the board should face up as well so the weak wood of the knot will be compressed rather than stressed. A floor s framework is made up mostly of wooden joists that run parallel to one another at regular intervals. The amount of flex that is acceptable in the floor you can play with a joist span calculator here.