Use the tape measure to map the rough location of the next joist, roughly 16 or 24 inches away from the first, and tap the ceiling with your knuckles or sweep a stud finder over the area to pinpoint the joist’s location. Repeat for any other joists you need to locate.

Can a stud finder find ceiling joists?

Measure 16 inches in from the wall with a measuring tape. Run the stud finder over the ceiling in that area. When it lights up, it has reached the edge of a joist. If it doesn’t find a joist, measure 24 inches from the wall and try that area instead.

How far apart are joists in ceiling?





16 to 24 inches

Just like the studs, the standard spacing between joists is 16 to 24 inches. There is one easy way to find these ceiling joists – the flashlight technique.

How do you find ceiling joist with popcorn ceiling?


Quote from Youtube video: And you have a stucco or a textured ceiling an easy way to use a stud finder is just take a piece of cardboard. And put your stud finder on the cardboard.

Do floor and ceiling joists run the same direction?

Generally, floor or ceiling joists run parallel to the rafters. You would be able to check if this is the case in your home by going up into the attic. Unless you have a finished attic, the ceiling joists are typically exposed.

How do you find a joist in the ceiling without a stud finder?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So we kind of use a similar method to how I showed the first one we took a nail. And we just pop it in where we kind of thought one would be and we popped it about every half inch.

How far apart are ceiling joists in old houses?

Ceiling joists are usually installed either 16 or 24 inches on center, which means roughly 16 or 24 inches apart. Once you’ve located the first one, the others are easier to find. If you only need to know which direction the joists run, access the attic and take a look.

Are ceiling joists load bearing?

The term joist, in construction, usually means a horizontal load-bearing structural member, so ceiling joists are load-bearing.

Do ceiling joists carry load?

Joists—the horizontal members that span two walls and/or beams—have to carry the weight of the walls, people, furniture, appliances and other stuff we place on them.

How do I know where floor joists are?



Tap the floor with a hammer and listen for a “thud” sound. Begin at a corner and tap the subfloor. A hollow sound will indicate space, but a “thud” sound will indicate the presence of a floor joist. Once you locate the first two joists, measure the distance between them to determine how wide they are separated.

How much weight can a ceiling joist hold?

Ceilings in single-story homes are only designed to support a constant load of 5 lbs/SqFt., plus a live load of 10 lbs/SqFt. This varies by the span of the joist and the size, grade, and species of lumber used.

Does the stud finder app work?

Stud finder applications for the smartphone can detect studs behind the wall and other metal objects like earrings and lost keys. Depending on the quality of the app and its capabilities, they can work just as well as a stud finder device, although they often lack the other features that these tools come with.

Can you see joists through ceiling?



The basic cause is moisture that collects along the underside of ceiling joists or trusses, and sometimes along wall studs. The moisture is condensation that collects, usually in winter, because the joist areas have less insulation than the cavities surrounding them.

What is ceiling ghosting?

“Ghosting,” to a builder or painter, refers to apparently unexplainable dark streaks or patches on walls, ceilings, and carpets. A séance won’t help you deal with these ghosts. They are actually caused by the slow buildup of dust, soot, and sometimes mold, and there are several root causes behind the buildup.

How do you get rid of ghost walls?

Create a solution that is 1/4 bleach and 3/4 water. Thoroughly soak the affected areas of the wall until it is saturated with the solution. Let the solution soak into the affected areas for 5-10 minutes. Scrub the affected area with a brush until the mold stains are removed.

How do I find joists in my porch ceiling?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now once i locate with the stud finder where it is i always think it's a good idea to go back. And tap on it if you tap on the area. Around the ceiling joist.

How far apart are ceiling trusses?



Trusses are allowed to be closer together, at either 12” or 16” on center, but building codes allow for 24” on center spacing without using heavier duty fasteners for truss to wall connections. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you might consider moving your trusses to 16” on center.