How to Tie a Wall Frame With a Floor Joist

Floor joists do not typically tie, or connect to wall framing members in modern house construction. In the most prevalent method of wood home building, called platform framing, the floor joists connect to rim joists or header joists. The walls sit atop a subfloor placed over the joists. In another construction method, however, called balloon framing, common in late 19th and early 20th century buildings, the joists bond directly to the walls. They lie on long horizontal boards, called ledgers, and fasten to the sides of the wall studs.

Things You'll Need

• Scaffold
• Joists
• Spirit level
• Pencil
• Saw
• Hammer
• 16d nails

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Erect a secure scaffold to work at the top of the framed wall.

   • 2

     Have a helper assist you holding the joist flush with the end of the wall stud. Ensure that the joist sits level on top of the ledger. Check this with a spirit level.

   • 3

     Mark two marks on the joist where it passes over the ledger.

   • 4

     Take a saw and cut a shallow notch into the joist at the marks.

   • 5

     Place the joist over the ledger. Ensure that the notch fits flush with the ledger edge.

   • 6

     Drive two 16d nails through the side of the joist into the wall stud. Drive two 16 nails through the studs into the joists.

   • 7

     Repeat the process for the entire length of the wall.