How to Make Solid Floor Bridging

• 1

  Cut away the drywall in the basement directly under the spot that needs support with a reciprocating saw, if you must access the floor joist through a finished basement.

• 2

  Measure the distance between the two floor joists under the floor at the problem spot. Measure from one joist to a point directly across from it on the other joist.

• 3

  Take a piece of dimensional lumber, such as a two-by-four, and cut it slightly shorter than the measured distance. Shorten it just enough so you can force the bridging into the span. Ensure that you use dry lumber.

Installion

• 4

  Force the bridging between the joists with a hammer or mallet.

• 5

  Make sure that the bridge is level with a carpenter's level.

• 6

  Fasten the board to the joist using a hammer or pneumatic nail gun and 4 16d nails through the first joist and into the bridging. Toenail two nails through the bridging and into the other joist.