How to Identify a Ceiling Joist in the Garage

All residential buildings contain wooden beams that make up the internal support structure. In the ceiling, these beams are called joists and run in intervals of either 16 or 24 inches, depending on the time of construction and building codes. Joists also exist in a garage ceiling, and identifying them is the first step to hanging heavy objects. Items such as garage doors, hooks and shelving all require anchoring to the joists to adequately support weight.

Tape measure
Ladder
Stud finder

Instructions

- 1
  Walk to one side of the garage and measure over 16 inches along the floor. Set up a ladder in the location and climb up until you can reach the ceiling.
- 2
  Turn the power on for a stud finder tool and place it against the ceiling directly above the ladder. Slide the device until it flashes or beeps, which indicates a joist. If you cannot find a joist, climb down the ladder and measure 24 inches from the wall and repeat the process.
- 3
  Mark the joist location with a small pencil mark. Then continue sliding the stud finder 2 inches to the right or left until the beeping or flashing stops. Draw another mark in this location. This gives you two marks which correspond to the outer edges of the joist.
- 4
  Locate all remaining ceiling joists by measuring either 16 or 24 inches from the first joist and locating the edges using the stud finder tool.

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