Gary Schweizer, P.E., a senior engineer with iLevel by Weyerhaeuser in Charlotte, N.C., responds: Yes, I-joists can be used to build walls.

Are joist and studs the same?

You need to find studs in order to securely hang pictures, mirrors, shelves and more on the wall. Joists are the support beams in your floor and ceiling. You need to find these if you want to hang light fixtures, ceiling fans or fix squeaky floors.

Is LVL stronger than dimensional lumber?





Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) studs can be two times stronger in compression and tension than standard framing lumber of the same dimension.

Can I joists be used as headers?

Can I-joists be used as headers in walls? A. Jim Anderson, P.E., with the Product Engineering, Codes and Standards group at Weyerhaeuser, responds: With careful design, detailing, and installation, I-joists could possibly be used for headers, but the practice is not recommended.

Can LVL be used as floor joists?

It can be used as window and garage door headers, floor beams, floor joists, roof beams and roof joists/rafters.

Can studs be horizontal?

In addition to the vertical studs, many frame walls contain horizontal structural members, called bridging or fire-stops, running between studs. Joists are horizontal structural members used to support floors and ceilings.
1 ав 1986

Do interior walls need blocking?





So any sheathing edges that don’t land on standard framing (studs, plates, windows/doors) need to be supported by blocking. All edges of wall sheathing must be supported by and nailed to framing. This edge didn’t land on plates, so install blocking to support it.

Can LVL be used for framing?

MT-LVL E12 is now available in cross sectional sizes of 90×35 and 90×45 for wall and general framing applications. With all the stability and dimensional benefits of LVL it means you can spend less time straightening walls… and more time relaxing.

Are I-joists cheaper than lumber?

However, the low cost of producing fabricated wood products has made I-beams nearly as cheap as dimensional lumber. Also, engineered joists can be made to nearly any length – 2x10s only go up to 16′. You can find 20′ or even 24′ lengths, but be prepared to pay.

How far can an engineered joist span?

Joists are available in several depths and lengths and superior strength allows them to span up to 30 feet (TRIFORCE span tables).

What is the difference between an LVL and I joist?



The I-joists are made from lumber flanges, OSB webs and cured adhesive. LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams are manufactured with multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesive.

Is glulam stronger than LVL?

The laminated beam is stronger but more expensive and used when bigger cross-sections are required. Generally made from hardwood, rather than the lvl softwood.

What are the strongest joists?

Easi-joist® engineered joists – parallel chord trusses using stress-graded timber chords, plated together with Wolf Systems’ patented, precision engineered metal webs, EP 1 985 774 B1- provide the strongest system available on the market.

Does it matter if you drywall ceiling or walls first?



When hanging drywall, always hang the ceiling first. This is the hardest drywall to hang, so get a partner and go slow. Large cracks due to misaligned sheets are hard to repair because the extra mud required to fill them will constantly fall out and drop to the floor (or worse, down the back of your neck!).

Is it OK to hang drywall vertically?

Commercial: Hang the drywall vertically. On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the drywall must be hung vertically. Residential: How high are the walls? For walls nine feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits.

Can you hang drywall parallel to joists?

Regular 1/2-inch drywall ceilings can be hung perpendicular if joists are spaced 24 inches or less apart (*always refer to local codes). If hung parallel, the maximum spacing is 16 inches on center.

Do drywall edges need to be on studs?

Your drywall should end on stud or be butted up in the center with another piece of drywall. Either cut your drywall or add more studs. There is absolutely nothing wrong with 17-19″ on center which sounds like about 3 studs per sheet.

Should drywall touch the floor?



Drywall should NOT touch the floor. Allow for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall by keeping a 1/2-inch (1.27-cm) space between them. This space also aids in preventing moisture from seeping if the floor floods.

What are 5 alternatives to drywall finishing interior walls?

Drywall Alternatives

  • Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well. …
  • Veneer Plaster. …
  • Lath & Plaster. …
  • Plywood and Sheet Wood. …
  • Texture Wall Panels. …
  • Brick & Masonry. …
  • Exposed Concrete Block. …
  • Cement Board.

Is anything cheaper than drywall?

If you’re looking for cheap panels for walls, plywood is inexpensive, easy to install, and durable. The wood grain will warm up a space and can be stained or painted to coordinate with any decor. Plywood can be installed in sheets or planks, the latter resembling the look of shiplap or traditional wood paneling.

What did people use instead of drywall?

Finishing-grade plywood with veneers such as maple or birch can be an excellent – and quick to install – alternative to drywall for wall finishing. Rather than using drywall compound and paper tape for joints, they are usually covered with a thin wood trim.