To find the actual distance between the inside edges of each adjacent floor joist, subtract 1-¾ inches from either 12 or 24 inches. With some structures, floor joists are required to be 12 or 24 inches apart on center. Given that 2x8s are actually 1.5 inches wide, it works out to be 14.5 inches between each joist. This means from the center of one upright joist to the center of the next. Normally, floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart on center. The code itself is determined by the engineering requirements of a particular building. Proper SpacingĪs with the joist size, the building code for your structure will stipulate the proper spacing between floor joists. These more closely resemble girders used for framing the largest buildings. For bigger structures, manufactured I-shaped joists are used. The weightier the structure, the more durable the floor joists must be. The exact size necessary may be stipulated by the building code required for a particular structure.
In general practice, 2x8s, 2x10s or 2x12s are used when framing a raised floor instead. This size is no longer acceptable when framing a structure. In the past, 2x4s or 2圆s were sometimes used as floor joists. In buildings with basements, the first level of floor joists serves the same purpose. Floor joists installed on second or third (or higher) levels double as ceiling joists for the level below.
#Ontario building code stud spacing full#
While they do not support the full weight of the home or other structure, joists are instrumental in ensuring that the building is soundly framed.
Floor joists, especially on the first floor, must be durable enough and properly spaced in order to function effectively.
Structures are built able to bear a tremendous amount of weight. Pick up floor jacks or other flooring supplies on Amazon. Raised floors are also better able to withstand the constant wear and tear a floor experiences. Electrical and plumbing lines, as well as an area for insulation, are more easily accommodated with a raised floor.
#Ontario building code stud spacing install#
Raised floors are superior to floors built on a slab, mainly for the reason that they provide a space through which to install other components. Floor joists are horizontally oriented beams that make a frame on which to build a raised floor.