I have a camp in the north country which is ready for Ipe’ T&G flooring. It’s 2.25″ X .75″ installation. One problem, the floor josits un in the same direction that I want to run the flooring.
The downstairs is an open space measuring 24’X36′ with a .75″ T&G plywood subfloor. This is supported by a double 2″X12″ rim joist and two additional girders bisecting the the 36′ length. This makes 3 12’X 24′ sections. Each of these sections has 2″X12″ floor joists running on 16″ centers along the 36′ (perpendicular to the girders) dimension.
I would like to install the flooring running along the 36′ direction but my understanding is flooring should always run perpendicular to the floor joists. If this always the rule, do I have any options?
Can I install blocking between the joists to provide additional support in that direction? If so how much?
Any other suggestions would be highly welcomed!!
Thanks!
Replies
There is no need for finished flooring to run perpenbdicular to the joists.
You have more than adequate framing for a heavy load such as this wood places on the structure with your 2x12s spanning only 12'.
Bridging or blocking should be placed at center of spans that are over eight to ten feet, roughly. That can be replaced with bottom strapping at 16" oc perpendicular to the joists. Since you have more than adequate framing already, I wouldn't even worry about blocking unless you were planning elephant dance and aerobics sessions.
Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks for your response.
The plans showed as I had described but I got call from the contractor who is going to do the floor and he got down under the camp and saw 2 2"X10" forming a girder every 9' feet, with the joists running perpendicular 16" oc.
I guess I had heard that when the flooring and the joists run the same direction, there is a chance of warping. Sounds like that is myth, especially with the beef of my contruction.
Mike