Cutting Floor Joists For Beam

Notches will compromise the strength of the new joists but some notches are acceptable depending on their location.

Cutting floor joists for beam. From the side they look like a steel i beam. These joists may need reinforcin g to reduce bounciness sagging or excessive deflection in the floor or ceiling. This will create a weak spot. Start by cutting out a small 1 2 in 2 5 5 1 cm section of the floor joist with a reciprocating saw.

A popular construction material these days are floor i beams sometimes called engineered floor joists you have seen them. Nailing two 2x4s together will work to span about three joists unless the sag is under a weight bearing wall. They are convenient and easy to use. But there are strict guidelines for notching or cutting holes in engineered floor joists.

The notching and boring rules of thumb for solid lumber are shown in fig. Cutting and or removing joists to provide an entry or access can be the most difficult part of the overall project. In order to maintain the support integrity of the ceiling or floor joist or rafter system it is important that if joists are cut that the load that was bearing on those joists be transferred to a modified support system. The floor joists are perpendicular to the stairs so i will need to cut a doubled 2x10 joist flush to the stairwell walls.

Then set new joists same height as existing ones alongside the old. If the cut outs are too large or in the wrong location the joist can be weakened and unable to support the load it was designed for. If your home is more than 20 years old your floor joists are most likely solid wood 2x8s 2x10s or 2x12s. Pry the floor joist from the subfloor with the back of your hammer.

Then use pry bars and your reciprocating saw to pry and cut the floor joist away from the subfloor. Follow the rules to keep your floor solid. Cutting floor joists flush to a wall preferred tool. You can notch and bore joists without sacrificing critical strength but you must follow the rules.

A joist is made from wood concrete and steel and it is basically a strong material that provides support and stability to the entire house. Tack a beam under the sagging joists.