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Last Updated on September 7, 2023 by Hangers Guides
The integrity of your construction is highly dependent on the materials you use and their general quality. Joist hangers are some of the most important construction materials in the market.
To be honest, there is a very wide range of joist hanger types. You must identify each of them before you start purchasing your construction. But which types should you consider getting?
We have gone through a lot of information trying to find out all the types of joist hangers. We have compiled all the important information in this article to help you make an informed choice. Let’s get started.
Joist Hangers Overview
The main purpose of joist hangers is to connect some joists without the need to cut holes in timber elements or the walls. Joist hangers are very important because they also prevent any risk related to damp penetration to the timber ends.
Joist hangers were mainly developed to provide an effective, fast, and economical way of fastening joists.
There is a wide range of hangers based on sizes for the most popular timer dimensions. Thanks to joist hangers, we can lay decking, roofs, ceilings, floor joists, and entire constructions very fast. With joist hangers, you will get adequate support under timber beams, rafters, or joists. The connection provided is simply amazing and structural stability is simply impressive.
Since joist hangers have a galvanized coating, they can be used outdoors. You simply need to use nails or screws once you decide to fix them where necessary.
There are two main classifications of joist hangers. You can have timber to masonry or timber to timber.
So, what joist hangers should I use? Well, we will classify all joist hangers based on the most appropriate way to use them.
1. Timber to Timber
These are joist hanger types that are used in strengthening a timber connection, whether non-load bearing or load-bearing. These hangers will make use of face mount attachment to provide a fastened joint to beams and ledger boards.
2. Long Leg Joist Hangers
These are joist hanger types that are used when the floors are constructed at relatively different levels. The legs are bent over freely to allow for the accommodation of different depths. The joist hanger might belong – around 450 to 600 mm, standard, around 300, or short around 210 mm.
The boot will normally feature a tag that helps in a more accurate, faster fixing. It also avoids any unnecessary rotation.
3. Mini Joist Hangers
Mini joist hangers, on the other hand, are used for some light applications such as small timbers, studs, decking, ceiling joists, as well as trimmers. You can use these hangers for depths around 100 mm or less, and widths reaching 78 mm.
4. I-Joist Hangers
These hangers are used in fixing I-joists to the timber beam’s face or a ledger board. They are very cost-effective. To avoid any rotation, you have to use them full-depth. That also helps in ensuring adequate structural performance. These hangers are important in ensuring that you have easy installation and maximum load-carrying capability.
You can choose from top fix or face fix variations.
5. Heavy-Duty Joist Hangers
These are face-fix hangers that are meant for applications where you need additional strength. You can also use them when you do not have access to the steel or timber top. You can choose to bolt the hoist hanger or nail it.
You should hang more than 60% of the supported member so that there is no rotation. With these joist hangers, you should be able to support any timber beams that are heavily loaded or even two-ply trusses on girder trusses or supporting timber beams.
Why you need Timber to Timber Joist Hangers
- You do not need any form of drilling with these hangers.
- A simple nail fixing is adequate for ultimate strength.
- They have a reliable and fast fixing method.
- With these hangers, you are provided with a fast and effective way of fastening joists to ledger boards or faces of beams.
Timber to Masonry Joist Hangers
These are hangers used in places where masonry walls meet timber floors. These hangers will eradicate the work of poking holes in the walls. Making precise holes in masonry walls is not easy, which is why you need these hangers. In most cases, the major walls are on the building’s perimeter. However, there are internal walls in masonry walls. Joining these walls with timber floors would require these types of joist hangers.
Welded Joist Hangers and Single Piece Joist Hangers
These two are the most traditionally preferred hangers in most constructions. The back part of the hanger should be flat against vertical wall support. The flange is usually on a dry slot. There should be at least 3-course bricks minimum above the flange. You should then allow the masonry to mature before you apply any load.
You can choose to use lock plates to adjust these hangers as return masonry hangers. You will have to purchase the plates separately.
Welded Masonry Return Joist Hangers
There are two main categories of these hangers. There is a hanger with an adjustable return plate as well as one with a fixed return. The hangers are meant for the same installation and application as the standard masonry joist hangers. The return plate will provide adequate lateral support by going around the timber or masonry’s back.
Why you need Timber to Masonry Joist Hangers
- You can use these hangers for timber to timber connections
- You will not need to build around cut holes in brickwork.
- They are perfect for renovation and extensions work
- These hangers allow you to build into new blocks or brick
- They are perfect joist hangers for supporting beams and masonry.
FAQs:
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Are there different size joist hangers?
Yes, there are different size joist hangers. The most common sizes are 2×6, 2×8, and 2×10, but you may find some hangers that have a larger width.
When choosing a joist hanger, it’s important to select the right size for your application. If you use a larger or smaller size than required for your application, you run the risk of breaking the wood or failing to support the load properly.
The best way to determine which size will work best for your application is to consult an engineer or architect who can help you design your building plans. Once you have established what size hangers you need, you can check with local hardware stores or online retailers such as Lowes or Home Depot.
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Can I use a 2×8 joist hanger on a 2×10?
If you’re using a 2×10 joist hanger on a 2×8 joist, you’ll need to make sure the joists aren’t carrying any more weight than they’re designed for.
If you’re using a 2×8 joist hanger on a 2×10, it’s important to make sure that you nail it into the center of the joist, not just at one end or one side.
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Are 2×6 and 2×8 joist hangers the same?
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How much weight can a 2×6 joist hanger hold?
The load capacity of a joist hanger is determined by the size and grade of the steel used, as well as its thickness. The maximum load rating for 2×6 joist hangers ranges from 350 pounds to 1,000 pounds.
The weight of your project will determine which type of joist hanger you need.
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How much is a 2×6 joist hanger?
A typical 2×6 joist hanger costs between $1 to $2 each, depending on the type you purchase. You can buy one at your local hardware store or online.
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Are joist hangers necessary?
Joist hangers are a critical part of residential construction. They’re used to support the weight of the joists above them, and they help make sure that the joists do not bend or bow under the weight.
While joist hangers are not always necessary, they should be used whenever possible. If you are building a deck or any other wood structure that has beams supporting it, you should use joist hangers to ensure that the beams stay straight and sturdy.
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Should I use nails or screws for joist hangers?
Conclusion
What joist hangers should I use? The important thing you need to know is that the type of joist hanger you use will determine the integrity of your construction. You have to figure out what connection you need to make and the materials involved before you can make a choice. Before you choose a certain joist hanger, make sure to consider it greatly.
