Why choose open web wood joists to build a floor?
Are you finding it hard to figure out how to build the wood floor of your future home? As complicated as it sounds, building a wooden floor may actually be easier than you think!
For a number of years now, building contractors have been using open web floor trusses to create ever more efficient floor systems because they offer a number of advantages.
Keep reading to learn why you should choose open web wood joists over standard joists!
What is an open web floor joist?
Open-web wood joists are an example of structural innovation in the construction industry. Made from 2x3s and 2x4s, these structures make efficient use of wood as a raw material.
Thanks to their triangulated design, wood floor truss systems offer efficient load distribution even though they are remarkably lightweight. When installing a floor system, it’s essential to respect the limits of the amount of weight the floor can support.
Open web joists provide easy access for mechanical building components
One very attractive advantage of open web wood joists is that they are designed to allow the passage of electrical wires, pipes and any other mechanical element of the building.
In fact, engineered wooden floor truss systems are designed with tunnels and openings at strategic locations that greatly simplify the installation of plumbing, electrical or ventilation systems in a new home. Maintaining these systems is also made easier thanks to the structure of open web wood joists.
In comparison, conventional floor joists require much more installation time (and therefore cost more) and sometimes need to be altered to accommodate essential plumbing, etc.
Solid, high-performance floors thanks to open web wood joists
Like other prefabricated wood structures, open web joists also have several structural advantages. Here are just a few of them.
Innovative construction techniques
Open web wood joists are designed by skilled engineers. Their design process is carefully engineered to increase floor joist efficiency while using as little wood as possible. Their innovative construction ensures that these joists are extremely sturdy and have a large nailing surface for the installation of flooring.
Less wood squeaking noises
The triangular interior structure of open web joists also makes them more durable than standard joists. As a result, the floor structure will be more resistant to long-term wear and tear, such as warping or creaking and squeaking noises. What’s more, contrary to popular belief, wood is just as resistant to fire as other materials.
No need for load-bearing walls to support open web joists
Standard joists are commonly used because their price seems attractive at first glance. However, this price doesn’t factor in the installation of beams or load-bearing walls to support them. In fact, the span of conventional floor joists often isn’t large enough for the surface to be covered.
This is never a problem with prefabricated open wood web floor joists. Since they are custom designed, joists of all sizes can be built for any type of construction project, large or small.
How much does an open web floor joist cost?
There are many types of wood floor joists available, the cost of which depends mainly on their composition.
There are 3 types of floor joist that you could use in your house:
- Open web floor joist with metal connectors
- Open web joist with metal core
- Open web wood joist
For the pricing of a specific open web joist, it’s best to contact a specialist directly!
UsiHome: high-quality prefabricated wood components
In conclusion, prefabricated open web wood joists provide many advantages as do wooden building materials in general. In particular, they make it much easier to install plumbing, electrical and ventilation systems. Moreover, their innovative custom-made design offers several structural benefits that are well worth the investment.
As specialists in building structural wood systems, UsiHome is committed to offering our clients superior quality prefabricated wood components. Whether you need open web joists, prefabricated walls or machined roof trusses, our experts can help you. Contact us today for your free quote!
