Do External Deck Joists Require The Use Of Metal Joist Hangers?

Joist hangers are a popular choice for decking, flooring, and roofing projects due to their superior shear force support and ease of installation. They allow for both face nailing and toe-nailing into ledger boards and rim joists, making joist installation simpler. The distance between joist hangers is determined by the spacing of your joists, typically 300mm up to a maximum of 600mm. Maintaining consistent spacing is crucial for safety.

When using joist hangers, ensure that you use proper nails and fasteners approved for outdoor use. Many joist support systems recommend using nails or fasteners that are approved for their hangers. Joist hangers create a connection spot between the joist lumber and ledger board, beam, or rim joist to create a roof or floor surface for the outdoor structure. They are made from strong steel and can be used with both their matching nominal joist size and the next size up. Concealed-flange hangers are designed for use with joist hangers.

Galvanized joist hangers are rated for your joist size and expected load, and SDS screws should be used. Heavy-duty galvanized joist hangers are suitable for fixing beams to joists in a deck substructure, with stainless steel or zinc-coated options best for use. Some hangers are good for 2×8 and 2×10.

Installing joist hangers for any project like decking, flooring, or roofing will prevent unfortunate casualties and frequent repair work. Stainless steel is the longest lasting choice for deck supports, especially when using new ACQ pressure treated wood. Steel hardware with a heavy galvanized coating is recommended, and light-gauge steel like joist hangers should have a G185 rating. Most decks use joist hangers on the ledger side, so they need to be able to carry the load.

What type of joist hanger do I need?

Timber to masonry and timber to timber joist hangers are two main types of brackets used in construction. Masonry joist hangers are used to support timber joists or beams from masonry walls, eliminating the need to cut holes in facing brickwork. They are ideal for renovations or extensions. Long-leg hangers are suitable for loft conversions or floor construction at different levels, with an extended drop that can be easily adjusted by bending over the legs. These hangers also feature a location tab for easy alignment once installed. Both types of hangers are essential for ensuring proper construction and stability.

Can joist hangers be used externally?

Timber to masonry joist hangers are designed for fixing joists to masonry walls, which can be time-consuming and difficult to cut into masonry walls. Masonry joist hangers reduce the need for significant alterations to the structure, making it possible to fix a joist without significant alterations. Mini joist hangers are suitable for lighter loads and short-span joists, with a lesser load-bearing capacity, but may be more economical for projects without the extra strength provided by standard joist hangers. Long leg joist hangers are ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as loft conversions and underfloor support structures, as they have a greater weight-bearing capacity.

Should I use joist hangers on a deck?

Joist hangers are a crucial component in construction projects such as decking, flooring, and roofing, as they serve to mitigate the risk of accidents and the need for frequent repairs. While they can be installed using nails or screws, it is important to exercise caution and consider the implications of each option. Interior framing applications may utilize 10d, 12d, or 16d standard nails, whereas outdoor and double joist hangers may require 16d standard, stainless steel, or double-dipped galvanized nails.

What are the disadvantages of joist hangers?

Joist hangers can be a costly and time-consuming addition to construction projects, potentially reducing the structure’s strength if not installed correctly. They can also be difficult to adjust once nailed in place and can be difficult to remove for repairs or replacements. Despite their popularity, resting joists on a beam is a common method for securing them in both residential and commercial applications. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of using joist hangers vs.

Resting floor joists on a beam, allowing homeowners to make an informed decision about the best option for their project. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages that depend on the specific project.

Can you use zinc joist hangers outside?

Wood beam hangers, also known as joist hangers, are used to attach wood to wood, with the type of wood determined by the hanger’s coating. They are commonly used to fix beams to joists in deck substructures, with stainless steel or zinc-coated options suitable for outdoor use. These hangers can be corner joist hangers, designed to hold lumber at a specific angle. They are engineered to accommodate I-joists, which are designed to span longer distances and have a specific shape like a serif capital ‘I’.

Mini joist hangers are ideal for smaller-scale projects and tight spaces, suitable for widths of 78mm and depths up to 100mm. They are often used in deck building and are essential for supporting the floors they are designed to hold.

What joist hangers to use for decking?

Angled joist fasteners should be stainless steel or galvanized with zinc to be compatible with ACQ lumber. Standard joist hangers should not be cut or bent for use in an angled deck. Wood joist hangers are designed for building wooden or treated lumber decking, providing support underneath the joist for a stable connection. For outdoor projects or areas with high humidity and moisture, stainless steel or zinc-coated options may be recommended to protect the deck from rust and corrosion.

Why can’t you use joist hangers with treated lumber?

Gregory Havel has indicated that the application of chemicals to lumber for the purpose of fire retardancy can result in corrosion of bare steel, weakening of joist hangers, and the potential for fire collapse.

Are joist hangers load-bearing?

Joist hangers are a fundamental component in the reinforcement of load-bearing connections, facilitating the attachment of joists to ledger boards and beams. They are available in a variety of lumber sizes and provide access to design tools and instructional materials. Additionally, they are employed in the fastening of deck support columns, beams, and framing.

What is the most common mistake made when installing joist hangers?

The text indicates that while members in a hanger may accommodate some degree of gapping of framing, gaps exceeding an eighth of an inch are unacceptable.

What should I use for deck joists?

To build a deck frame, use ground-contact wood like Douglas fir and southern yellow pine for joists. Look for boards graded “No. 2” or higher to ensure they are strong enough to support a deck. If pressure-treated wood is used, ensure the boards are completely dry and acclimated before working with them. Climate-specific guidance from a lumber technician or professional deck builder can help.

Odd-numbered decks require more cutting and lumber waste, as they are sold in even lengths. For small, 11-by-11 decks, all lumber must be cut to size, unlike 12-by-12 decks.

Pressure-treated lumber is ideal for deck framing, and joist tape or a wood protectant can help shield cut ends from moisture damage. Joist tape is a self-adhesive tape made of rubberized asphalt that protects cut joist ends from water and reduces sound transmission.

What is the best material for deck joists?

Joists, made from materials like steel, are typically used with composite decking. They can be found in home improvement and hardware stores. However, the installation process is crucial, especially when it comes to size and spacing. Mistakes in these aspects can compromise the structure’s integrity and potentially violate local building codes. To simplify the process, it is recommended to follow these frequently asked questions about decking joist installation.