Bein’ as things seem to vary from region to region a great deal, I was hoping some of you would indulge me by answering a question.
What kind of I-joists are popular in your area? Things like brand, depth, flange width, flange type, etc.
Around here, I’d say 85 to 90% of the I-joists are 11 7/8″ depth. Maybe 10% of them are 9 1/2″, and there are just a few jobs that are 14″ to 18″.
We used to be able to get I-joists with plywood flanges instead of OSB. But they disappeared, as the OSB flanges are cheaper. And everyone seems concerned about price more than anything.
A few years back, virtually all the I-joists had 1 1/2″ wide laminated flanges. Now the vast majority are 2.5″ solid wood flange. The builders ask for these, as they like the wider nailing surface.
There doesn’t seem to be much of a preference between solid wood flanges and laminated flanges. Some say one type splits easier, others say the opposite.
The brands vary a lot – Boise Cascade and Georgia Pacific seem to be the most popular. But that varies, as I-joists have almost become a commodity like lumber.
So how about it? Anyone wiling to tell us what’s available in your area, and/or what you like?
It’s like trying to wash mud off of mud
Replies
In South Central Texas, we mostly see GP. The 11 7/8 size is used where a 2x14 would be required for second floor joists (slab-on-grade is the rule for first floors). We are starting to see the 10" size for rafters. I've been seeing metal cross bridging, as it is much faster than notching the solid blocking.
There may be some chicken-egg to what's goin in. The yards aren't stocking manufactured lumber, so everyone buys dimensional even though it is more expensive, because no one stocks the less expensive material because no one orders it.
Most common here is Boise Cascade 11 7/8" with 1 3/4" LVL type flange and osb web.
EDIT: I should add that we are a one lumber yard county!
Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
Edited 4/17/2003 7:24:58 PM ET by Hasbeen
We have BC and GP in Oklahoma.
I spec 1-1/2" x 12" because they span the distances I use.
I would use trusses where I need HVAC runs.
I spec according to job requirements. Use more T-25s at 11-1/4" than anything else
Excellence is its own reward!
Mostly Boise-Cascade (BCI's) and Weyerhaeuser (TGI's) here in the West. I've used mostly 14 1/2 with 3 1/2 flanges for long span 1st floor joists and 9 1/2 or 11 1/2 depending on requirements.
All the ones I've used employ LVL on the flanges.
They're pleasant to work with, for the most part, once you get the knack of things like squash blocks, boring sizes and locations, etc., but throw a scrap end of one on a bonfire.... and think trailer house!