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We are remodeling an older home. The owner wants a brick floor in a 12×16 room, and wants it even with the rest of the existing hardwood floors. To do this we would have to cut down the 2×12 floor joists into 2×8 joists. Then we plan to put 2x3x1/4 in. angle iron spanning both sides of each 16 foot joist. On top would be 3/4 tongue and groove plywood, 1/2 in. durarock cement board, and 1 in. mortar bed with 2 1/4 in brick. (The joists are spaced 16 in. on center).
Has anybody done this? Will this work? Can we do it? What do you think? Any structural engineers thoughts?
Thanks,
Bill
Replies
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Who dreams this sh*t up. Must be a full moon or something.
You guys can have this one, I'm sure some genius will come up with a calculation for something he's never seen.
Gabe
*Bill,This sounds like a job for the "Scientists"!!!Where's FredL when we need him?Prepare to be overloaded.(you really should consult an engineer)Ed. Williams
*How about using thin pavers? They are only 1 5/8" thick instead of the 2 1/4" ones you are talking about using. Then, use 1/4" Hardy backer board. this would only leave you an ~1.25" difference in the thickness of the finished floor coverings. Rip 1.25" off the joists. Sister up some 2x10s and take whatever your bid was and multiply it by 3 and present it to the customer!And no, I've never done this!
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Gabe, Usually the Lady of the House dreams these kinds of things up!! Quick calculation indicates that cutting of joists is unnecessary....2x12's with that load should sag to approximate level of existing hardwood floor...........
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I am not an engineer and I will not attempt to pass judgement on the merits of the solution proposed. I do note that in the good old days, before "wounderboard" and even before plywood, tile setters would lay down a floor over a mud base on a "lowered" sub floor. Typically, these floors were in bathrooms and the spans were short. Bill has some history going for him.
I think I would look for a tile-like product that simulates brick pavers. Bill could possibly get a good result without lowering the subfloor.
*No G.LaLonde,These things are dreamed up by just as many men as women. What boggles my mind is that no one ever heard of clay tiles. The average person couldn't tell the difference between some of the new patterns and bricks.When I walk onto a site and confronted with this kind of request, I turn around and walk out.There's a difference between being innovative and being silly.Gabe
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I think you answered your own question when you mentioned a structural engineer. I wouldn't touch that job without consulting one. To do otherwise is just begging to be sued.
Interior decorators ( the worlds smartest and most creative people) seem to be the source of a lot of these brilliant ideas.
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Bill, welcome to Breaktime. I think this is the first time I've ever seen something this close to consensus on anything.
As Nancy Reagan would say, 'just say no.'
*Gotta go with Gabe, who indeed! And G. LaLonde, what a hoot! Bill S., I want to know who came up with the idea of cutting the joists in the first place? My reason is because I think options other than cutting should be considered first. To aoutomatically consider right off the bat cutting the joists is borderline, ya' know what I'm saying? Shcist, what better way to ruin a guys home, just for want of a matching floor.I'm with the other guys, turn and walk.
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Thanks for all your opinions. My bosses took their idea to a structure engineer, he did all the numbers and said it would work. In fact, he said it would hold up a bulldozer with all the steel. He did say it would be quite costly and suggested another option. This being to equally space 3 - 6" I beams running perpendicular under the floor joists. Let me know what you think.
Bill
*> Thanks for all your opinions. Well, take the money and run then. Personally I'd go with the real brick that's cut into 1/4 inch slices.
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Cut a 2" taper on the bricks that abut the hardwood, and no one will ever notice the difference in height. Especially not if they drink enough to have thought up the idea that bricks should be used and the floor lowered.
*This discussion is a useful reminder of The Golden Rule: he who has the gold makes the rules. With enough money you can do whatever damnfool thing you want to your house and expect a yessir/ma'am in return. I saw a site on Martha's vineyard where a guy wanted a better view of the sound so he leveled every tree in the 50 yards between his house and the shoreline. Looked great.
*Hi Andrew,I think the Golden Rule should be: You can find a prostitute in even the smallest of hamlets.Thank the gods not every contractor will sell his or her soul for a few pieces of gold.Gabe
*Contractors have souls?
*Don't listen to all thenaysayers!Ive got a better idea, one that will make a boogerer proud!Raise the other floors and walls to accomodate the new height floor. No cutting needed!I'm a genius!blue
*Hey Blue,Where you been hiding?Gabe
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We are remodeling an older home. The owner wants a brick floor in a 12x16 room, and wants it even with the rest of the existing hardwood floors. To do this we would have to cut down the 2x12 floor joists into 2x8 joists. Then we plan to put 2x3x1/4 in. angle iron spanning both sides of each 16 foot joist. On top would be 3/4 tongue and groove plywood, 1/2 in. durarock cement board, and 1 in. mortar bed with 2 1/4 in brick. (The joists are spaced 16 in. on center).
Has anybody done this? Will this work? Can we do it? What do you think? Any structural engineers thoughts?
Thanks,
Bill