If someone asked, would you know how to use joist hangers? What do you know about installing joist hangers? How about the different types?
If you're going to build a deck, install a floor, or put the ceiling on a structure, joist hangers are something with which you will want to become familiar.
An Introduction to Joist Hangers
As wood ages, shrinks, twists, and dries, you can still keep floors and decks strong through the proper installation of joist hangers. They'll help your floors and decks stay strong and flat. The knowledge that your joist hangers have been installed correctly will afford you the confidence everyone should be able to have in their do-it-yourself structures.
What You'll Need for Joist Hanger Installation
A hammer is the only tool you will need in order to install joist hangers. Other required materials include the following:
- Joist hangers
- 16d galvanized nails
- 10d galvanized nails
- 1 1/2-inch galvanized joist hanger nails
Since there are numerous types of joist hangers, you’ll want to research which is the best for your purposes. Remember that there are timber-to-timber joist hangers and timber-to-masonry joist hangers. Various types fall within these two categorizations.
How to Install Joist Hangers
Here is a step-by-step guide to standard joist hanger installation (this is for a decking application, but offers a good set of guidelines):
- Using a galvanized 16d nail, toenail joists into position along the wall ledger. The top of the wall ledger flashing and the top of the joist should be even. Non-sinker type nails can be used indoors, while hot-dipped galvanized nails should be used for outdoor work. Before setting the joist in position, start your nail, and hammer it in after positioning.
- Around the joist, squeeze tightly on the joist hanger and then, into the ledger board, push the speed prongs. This holds the joist in place temporarily. The joist should sit in the joist hangers squarely without gaps under and alongside the joist.
- Using 16d galvanized nails, fasten the joist hangers to wall ledgers (out-of-doors use needs galvanized nails). Using beam hanger manufacturer-specified nails, fill in the joist flange holes so that the joist hanger can function at the proper load capacity rating.
Various joist hangers call for different steps from here on out:
- At a 45° angle, using four galvanized 10d nails, toenail the nails through the joist, beam hanger, and into the ledger board (for double-shear joist hangers).
- On the other hand, instead of double-shear joist hangers, for standard hangers, using 1 1/2-inch-long galvanized nails (made for joist hangers), secure the hangar to the joist. Make sure you don't use nails that are too long.
- When working at the very end of a ledger board, the use of inverted flange double or single 2 x 8 joist hangers will come in handy for joist installation. For the 16d galvanized nails, drill starter holes before pounding them in. This will help avoid outside wall ledger edge splitting.
Now that you know a little bit more about installing joist hangers, where can you purchase yours?
For Joist Hangers and Other Woodworking Needs, Count on Factory Direct Supply
Joist hangers, connectors, straps, anchors, clips—or what have you—Factory Direct Supply stocks the tools and accessories you need for working on DIY projects. Take for example our Simpson Strong-Tie concealed, rough joist hanger. This product is the perfect combination of style and functionality.
We carry all sorts of hardware items, tools, accessories, and more, including the following:
- EZ anchors
- Drop-in anchors
- Rebar tools
- Structural steel/rebar
- Power tools and accessories
- Woodworking machines
- Wedge anchors
- Titen bolts
- Retrofit bolts
- Generators
- Epoxies
- Fasteners
- Anchors
Head over to FactoryDirectSupplyOnline.com today to find out more!
