Floor Joist Timber Floor Construction Methods

Building and understanding a suspended or hollow timber floor.

Floor joist timber floor construction methods.

Unlike softwood joists timber i joists do not warp over time providing a quiet floor while open metal web joists can provide an easy means of installing services. All the figures are based on normal domestic floor loadings where the floor construction is typically 18 25mm floor boards sheets with up to 12 5mm thick plasterboard and skim underneath. Solutions for first floors include traditional softwood joists timber i joists or open metal web joists. Measure the width and length of the existing joist.

The latter options are more expensive but provide considerable benefits. 69 chapter 4 floor construction woodframe floor systems and concrete slab on grade floors are discussed in this chapter. Although cold formed steel framing for floor systems also is permitted by the irc it is not covered here. The method and type of fixings used to secure the floor deck to the top of the joists also needs to be considered.

Whether building a ground floor suspended timber floor or a first floor hollow floor we explain the different options and techniques that you can use in its construction. Most new construction uses 2 by 8 lumber for joists although 2 by 6. Purchase the type of lumber that matches the width of the existing joist. On top of that the natural drying process of the intermediate floor once heating has been applied might reduce moisture content from anywhere between 12 14 at the time of construction down to 8 10 when fully dried.