Floor Joist Beams Supports

Considering the cross section of a typical joist the overall depth of the joist is critical in establishing a safe and stable floor or ceiling system.

Floor joist beams supports.

In some cases additional joist supports will have to be installed before there can be extra heavy objects on the floor. A joist support is the horizontal beam that supports the floor joists. In the table above the widest floor beam span for 12 of supported floor joists is 14 7 if using a 5 ply 2 x 12. The most common example can be seen in a basement or crawlspace where a large main beam runs down the center of the space and is supported every 8 feet or so with a column or concrete pier.

So we now have adequately sized floor joists and an adequately sized floor joist beam for our 24 x 13 house. True floor joist span calculations can only be made by a structural engineer or contractor. In many countries the fabrication and installation of all framing members including joists must meet building code standards. This sample table gives minimum floor joist sizes for joists spaced at 16 inches and 24 inches on center o c for 2 grade lumber with 10 pounds per square foot of dead load and 40 pounds of live load which is typical of normal residential construction.

Moving from beam calculations to beam supports. Our floor joist beam can span a maximum of 13. Joists also may get support from beams located at or near the middle of the joist span. The joist support helps reinforce the floor so it can handle the weight load it needs to.

Joists must exhibit the strength to support the anticipated load over a long period of time.