How To Install Solid Blocking On Floor Joist

Engineered i joists can span long distances to make a flat and solid subfloor.

How to install solid blocking on floor joist.

Cut blocking to fit so that joist stays aligned with the string. Tying the joists together with blocking makes the floor even stronger and stiffer. Blocking short pieces of 2x stock the same depth as the joists stops sideways deflection and ties the joists together so they can effectively share floor loads. Bracing will stiffen a floor system prevent floor joists from twisting and increase overall stability however there are actually two types of floor joist bracing commonly used.

Mid span bridging or blocking in this instance is not required by any code i know of or by accepted engineering practice nor would this kind of bridging blocking contribute anything meaningful to the deflection resistance of the design which already has a maximum deflection of over l 1000. Leave outside joists for last and install blocking from underneath. Limiting joist movement also helps prevent gapping between deck boards for a uniform finish. Probably the most commonly used technique is to install small pieces of material in a zig zag pattern between the perimeter joists to create a rigid rim joist that prevents bounce and increases the strength of the rail attachment.

Cross bracing and solid blocking. Whether your home is new or old it is sometimes necessary to install floor joist bracing in order to eliminate squeaking and deflection in the flooring itself. Blocking or bridging can be used for a variety of purposes in deck building. On a low deck where blocking cannot be installed from underneath stretch a string from the house to the outside edge along each outside joint for a reference.

Prolong the health of your framing with joist tape. Installing solid blocking between the joists is the most effective method to lessen or eliminate these problems. Solid wood blocking helps reduce up or down movement and the twisting of joists. Measure the distance between the joists.

Tom installs a row of blocking in the joist bays at mid span whenever a span exceeds 9 feet. So one of the last things that need to be done before sheathing the deck is to fill in with blocking.