How to Choose Between Floor Trusses and I-Beam Floor Joists

Various structures go into the construction of a new house. Among these are the structures used in supporting the floor. The most popular floor support structures are trusses and joists. Like every homeowner, you want every aspect of your home to be perfect. How do you choose between trusses and joists? Understanding the following features of these support structures is vital in making this decision.

Design and installation

Floor trusses are made of timber frames. Their design features a rectangular frame and triangular shaped braces within the frame to provide maximum strength. Floor trusses are manufactured off-site with measurements designed for the particular floor system. Installation of floor trusses is fast and easy as there are no modifications made on-site.

I-Beam floor joists are usually made of manufactured wood or timber. Their design features top and bottom flanges which form an "I" shape. They are typically cut on-site and placed at regular intervals according to the project requirements. Floor joists take longer to install since they have to be designed and cut on the project's site.

Strength and versatility

Floor trusses are designed to provide maximum strength and load support. They provide a wide nailing and gluing surface for easy and accurate installation of floor tiling. The result is a durable flooring system with less squeaking and increased performance. Floor trusses have an open web design which allows easy installation and repair of plumbing, electrical wiring, and ductwork.

I-Beam floor joists are robust and sturdy with the beams providing protection against bowing, twisting, and bending which is common with dimensional floor joists. However, they require blocking to be applied at specified intervals between the spacing of the beams to achieve their strength. I-Beam floor joints require holes to be cut at specific locations for wiring and installation of utility systems.

Installation costs

Floor trusses are easier and quicker to install, making them cheaper in regards to labor costs, energy, and other associated resources. They are manufactured off-site and delivered with a detailed installation manual for accurate and reliable results. Human error and wastage of material are minimized when using trusses. On the downside, you will be required to place a special order for trusses, which requires longer lead time.

I-Beam joists are cheap and easy to obtain, but their installation requirements are more involved. Designing and cutting beams on-site allows a bigger margin of human error and wastage of material, especially where the floor design is complex. Also, they take longer to install, increasing costs of labor and energy. 

Trusses and I-Beam joists are both ideal options for floor structural support. With these pointers on their costs, installation requirements, and versatility, you can be able to choose the best option for your flooring project.

For more information, contact a company like Prefab Technology Pty Ltd.​