If you’re planning or currently working on a joist connection project, you may already be familiar with three popular structural fastening methods: joist hangers, end-nailing, and toe-nailing.Table of Contents
Joist hangers, end-nailing, and toe-nailing are joist connection methods used to attach joists to a ledger board. All three are used to secure two beams together to provide a stable and strong structure to handle heavy loads.
When deciding which of joist hangers, end nailing, and toe-nailing is appropriate for your project, it is important to know the relevant information, including the differences between the three.
We’ll compare three joist connection methods to help you determine which method is best for your joist connection project.
What are joist hangers?
Joist hangers are metal brackets designed to attach and support the weight of the surrounding joists, wood beams or rafters of the framing system. They are typically made of aluminum, steel or galvanized steel that anchor ceilings, floors and decks to the framing system by fastening the joists or beams to the rim joists and ledger boards.
Joist hangers are primarily used to create strong, long-lasting support in ceilings, roofing, flooring and decking. They are often used in construction or manufacturing projects to ensure greater strength, safety and stability for structural components and the entire structure and to make the job easier to complete.
However, joist hangers are not required in building construction. But if you want, you can use them for a better and stronger build support system.
They are also often used when a professional needs to pass an inspection of a building project. If the joists are not supported on a wall or above a beam, it is best to use joist hangers ( find our evaluation of ridge boards and ridge beams ). Also, the need for joist hangers for a building project may vary for different locations depending on local building codes.
Furthermore, joist hangers come in different sizes, shapes, and types. The most common joist hanger types include mini joist hangers, I-joist hangers, long leg joist hangers, concealed flange joist hangers, face fix joist hangers, saddle joist hangers, masonry return joist hangers, masonry joist hangers, and welded masonry joist hangers.
What is end nailing?
End-nailing is a joist connection method that joins two pieces of wood together by hammering a nail or screw through the rim joist or ledger board into the face-grain or end grain of another plank or joist piece. This type of attachment method is the most basic nailing technique but it is not recommended for long-term or permanent purposes.
End-nailing is often used in lightweight construction projects as a temporary hold or support, since two framing members are held together only by nails, which are not a strong securing component.
In addition, end-nails are often used temporarily when working on roofing or decking to attach a joist to a framing member while waiting for a more stable connection solution.
What is a nail hammered into the toe?
Toenailing, also known as skew-nailing, is a carpentry method in which a nail is hammered diagonally, at roughly a 45-degree angle, through the vertical face of the joist and into the rim joist or ledger board behind it. Hammered nails should be at least 1 ¾” deep into the piece of wood being nailed.
This technique is typically used to join two pieces of wood together that are perpendicular to one another, creating a stronger joint that makes it more difficult to break. When done correctly, it can also provide the same level of holding force as joist hangers.
In addition, using toe-nailing requires a fair amount of nails on each side to ensure adequate structural integrity of the joist. It is best to use 12d toe nails on each side, especially if you are using a piece of lumber measuring 2×8″.
Toe-nailing is often used in framing projects, roof construction, flooring, and decking.
Joist Hangers vs. End Nailing Comparison
Joist hangers and end-nailing are both joist connection techniques. Both can also be used to fasten joists to a rim joist or ledger board, but the difference between them is clear.
Joist hangers use metal brackets to attach the joist to the rim joist or ledger board and hold two wooden beams together, while end nailing involves hammering a nail or screw through the face of the joist into the ledger board.
Joist hangers create a strong holding force and connection due to their metal brackets, making them ideal for a long-term attachment solution. They are also often approved and required by most building inspections.
On the other hand, end-nailing creates a weak connection or holding force because it uses only nails or screws to join two wooden beams together, making it a temporary solution. This type of method is also not considered safe and is often not approved by building inspectors as a structural fastening approved joist connection technique.
Joist Hangers vs Toe Nailing Comparison
Building codes allow both joist hangers and toe-nailing for structural fastening. Joist hangers provide the joist connection, while toe-nailing provides the same holding force as long as the nail is the correct size.
The main difference between the two is the level of precision, stability, and strength. Joist hangers are far more precise than toe-nailing, ensuring that all joists are perfectly aligned when installed. It also allows the joists to be more accurately placed in the wall ledger board.
On the other hand, foot nailing can also provide a similar force. However, the force causes the nails to pull in the opposite direction when installed. This forces the nails to be driven in from both sides and back and forth until the joists are properly aligned.
Also, toe nailing is much cheaper to install than joist hangers, but overall, the durability and precision of joist hangers more than make up for the cost, making them a better option.
Joist hangers or nailing for framing deck?
Joist hangers are better for framing a deck because they provide a much stronger joist support than nails. This also allows for a simpler installation or application process while providing a stable and strong deck joist. In addition, joist hangers also provide stronger support to handle larger loads than nails. Finally, they can also be used to enhance an outdoor space as decorative statement pieces.Today’s Homeowner Tip
It is not recommended to use nails to frame a deck, especially if you are using the end-nailing technique. It is not suitable and accepted by building codes as a structural fastening because it is not strong enough to support the joists and handle large loads.
Joist hangers or nailing for sloping or angled rafters?
Both joist hangers and nailing can be used for sloped or angled rafters. For joist hangers, it is best to use angled or slanted joist hangers, as these are usually bent at a certain angle and degree. However, if you prefer a cheaper method, you can opt for the toe-nailing method for sloped or angled rafters, as this too can provide a uniform holding force and support.
Are joist hangers important?
Joist hangers are a very important element, especially if you need your building approved by building codes and structural engineers. Using them will ensure a strong and stable structural connection to the building as well as provide support to handle and sustain heavy loads.
Installing joist hangers for any project such as decking, flooring or roofing will prevent unfortunate accidents and repeated repair work.
Should you nail or screw in joist hangers?
You can use both nails or screws with joist hangers, but you need to keep a few things in mind to ensure proper and safe installation.
For nails, you can use standard nails but make sure you are using 10d, 12d, or 16d standard nails to fasten joist hangers to interior framing. For outdoor and double joist hangers, it is best to use 16d standard, stainless steel, or double-dipped galvanized nails.Today’s Homeowner Tip
When using screws, remember that standard, drywall, or galvanized deck screws are not recommended for installing joist hangers, as they are not strong enough to bear heavy joist loads.
You can only use structural screws that are specifically designed for compatibility with joist hangers. Special structural screws for joist hangers can accurately fasten and align joists while sustaining heavy loads.
Can I use a nail gun with joist hangers?
You cannot use regular nail guns with joist hangers because they are not strong enough to install joist hangers.
However, you can use joist hanger nail guns or nail guns with exposed nail tips instead. They will provide a more thorough and easier nailing job with joist hangers. Using a joist hanger nail gun will also help you save time and cost in the installation process.