How to Hang a Joist

Joists are the cross-members in a building's frame that run between walls to support the structure's floors. They are typically made of 2-by-6 or 2-by-8 lumber run on edge across the space. Building codes require that joists be spaced 24 inches from center to center. The simplest way to hang joists is to use metal joist hangers to support the ends of the joist, making a strong joint with the rim joist. A rim joist is the edge board around the wall and is made from the same material as the joist.

Quick square
Joist hanger
Drill
Treated deck screws
Joist lumber
Tape measure
Miter saw

Instructions

- 1
  Start at one end of your rim joists and use a quick square to mark the face of the rim joist 1 1/2 inches in from the end; do this on each side of the space. Position a joist hanger on the face of the rim joist on one side, with one edge aligned to the line you just drew. Drive one 1 5/8-inch treated deck screw through every hole in one side of the bracket, using a drill.
- 2
  Leave the other half of the bracket loose. Install a second joist hanger directly opposite the first in the same way. Measure between the rim joists and cut a piece of joist material with the same dimensions as your rim joist, using a miter saw.
- 3
  Fit the joist into the bracket hangers. Start with the first bracket you installed. Press the loose side of the bracket up against the board and press the board into the other side of the bracket to hold it firmly in place. Drive one screw through every hole in the bracket into the rim joist and the joist. Do the same on the other bracket.
- 4
  Measure and mark your rim joist every 24 inches and install joist hanger brackets as you did for the first joist. Measure and cut each joist to fit the location at which it will be attached. Fit the joists and attach them as you did the first one.

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