Floor Joist Timber Floor Construction Methods

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.

Floor joist timber floor construction methods.

The latter options are more expensive but provide considerable benefits. Purchase the type of lumber that matches the width of the existing joist. Although cold formed steel framing for floor systems also is permitted by the irc it is not covered here. Rather the reader is referred to the aisi standard for cold formed steel framing prescriptive method for one and two family dwellings aisi 2001 for guidance.

Measure the width and length of the existing joist. Building and understanding a suspended or hollow timber floor. 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. The method and type of fixings used to secure the floor deck to the top of the joists also needs to be considered.

Most new construction uses 2 by 8 lumber for joists although 2 by 6. We explain how hollow or suspended floors are made and what the key building regulations that affect them are. 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. 69 chapter 4 floor construction woodframe floor systems and concrete slab on grade floors are discussed in this chapter.