There are three main types of joist construction: I-joists, laminate joists, and truss joints. Each is strong and can span greater distances than conventional wood joists. Choosing the best construction depends on location and intended use.
In most cases there are three main types of joist construction namely I-joists, laminate joists and truss joints. All are engineered wood products that are exceptionally strong and have the ability to span greater distances than conventional wood joists, such as two by ten or two by twelve. They are often somewhat interchangeable, although usually one works better for a specific joist construction project than another, and most projects feature various types in different places. For example, the I-joist is normally most common for floor construction where the joist needs to span large distances over enclosed basements or crawl spaces without using a post, and the truss joist typically works best for roof construction where the frame members must span large rooms without placing an underlying wall for support. Normally laminate joists can be used more widely, but as these tend to be heavier than the others, plumbing and electrical items cannot always be installed across them. For the sake of strength, however, they’re widely considered to be among the best.
Understanding joists in general
Simply put, a joist is a building feature that provides support to a building or other structure. It usually consists of two beams that are attached together, sometimes with a hook or bolt but more traditionally with notches. Once fixed, the beams together are able to bear weight and distribute loads more efficiently and stably. Joists are regularly used in framing and offer stability which can be plastered over or further strengthened with larger support beams. Most joists take on a shape resembling an “L” or a “V” when built.
Choosing the best construction for a given scenario is often a matter of location and intended use. Different lumber companies and manufacturers sometimes have specific names and branding terms for brand-specific joist products, but in general, all options fall into one of three main types.
I-Joists
The I-joist is typically the lightest joist. It is usually constructed with half an inch (about 12.7 mm) Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and two inch (about 5.08 cm) strips of pine. Basically, the OSB is cut into 14-inch (about 35.6 cm) wide strips that can range from 24 to 36 feet (about 7.32 to 10.9 m) in length with the strips placed at the top and bottom edge of the OSB. A final product will look like the letter “I” if a person looks down the length of the joist, which is where this method gets its name. In most cases the entire joist is constructed using glue, which produces a joist that is as close to solid as possible.
pylons
Lattice joists are constructed of two-by-four lumber that is framed to form a 16 to 24 inch (about 40.6 to 60.9 cm) wide rectangle. The center of the rectangle is braced to add strength to the entire joist and the framing is secured together using special clamp fasteners which bind the joists together as one unit. Truss joists will normally allow plumbing, electrical, and ductwork to pass through open spaces in the joist, which makes them especially popular when used in ceiling framing. For example, many unfinished ceilings and slabs have this type of joist.
Laminate models
Laminate joists are manufactured in various thicknesses, usually 2 to 4 inches (about 5.08 to 10.16 cm), and can range in length from 24 to 36 feet (about 7.32 to 10.9 m). This style of joist is basically thin sheets of lumber product – usually plywood – that are no thicker than 1/4 inch (about 6.35 mm) and are joined together to form a thick beam. This is often thought to produce density and insulation; the approach mimics that of the I-Joist but normally uses less expensive materials. Laminates can be used extensively and their thickness can sometimes be modified to meet specific construction needs.
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