How far apart are the floor joists supposed to be?

Question

We are having our hardwood removed and the floor inspected again. I am thinking that the builder did a poor job of installing the subfloor. So any other info on sub floors would be greatly appreciated as well. I live in VA if that makes a differnce with standards (which I don't think it should).

Answer 1

There would have to be some very serious problems before I would think about removing hardwood. On the first floor, I would look from the crawl space or basement, second floor I would cut some holes in the ceiling if absolutely necessary. Even if you have to take out all of the ceiling, it would be much cheaper than replacing the hardwood and much easier than cleaning the hardwood up and putting it back down.

What specific problems are you experiencing? Hard to give you an idea what to look for or possible solutions without the problem.

As for spacing, 16" on center is the most common. If the span is long for the material used, 12" on center is possible, or even 8". If the span is short relative to the material used for joists, 19.2" (19 3/8") spacing or even 24" spacing may be acceptable. Proper spacing depends upon what kind and size of floor joists you have and the span of the floor joists.

If you are in an area where building codes are enforced, it is rather unlikely that the joists are undersized or spaced incorrectly. Not that they could not be, but that is one of the real easy things for an inspector to catch. More likely bridging is missing or the subfloor was not glued to the joists -- both of which could just as easily be fixed from below. I would not rip up the floor to fix either of these.

Again, some more details would make it easier to give you some guidance.

Answer 2

Floor Joist Spacing

Answer 3

Most common spacings are 16" and 24". The thing to look for is how the sub is fastened to the joists. If nailed, look for a pattern of nails about 8" apart. Any further than that and the have a tendancy to work loose because of flex. Preferably the subfloor is fastened with glue on the jousts, and then screwed down. Also make sure that the sub floor is at least 3/4 of an inch material. I have run into at least 2 jobs where 1/2" material was used. Not enough strength!

Answer 4

Joist Spacing

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How far apart are the floor joists supposed to be?
We are having our hardwood removed and the floor inspected again. I am thinking that the builder did a poor job of installing the subfloor. So any other info on sub floors would be greatly appreciated as well. I live in VA if that makes a differnce with standards (which I don't think it should).

Answer 6

I always hate contradicting people on here but I think I have to at least throw my opinion in. Floor joist range in spacing depending on the size of the unsupported floor. It's all architectural and the size of the joist and the spacing all depends on the beams and posts supporting it below. I've wired about 500 houses and I've seen them be anywhere from 8 to 16 inches apart. Sorry to burn anyones butt but I had to throw this out there

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How far apart are the floor joists supposed to be?
We are having our hardwood removed and the floor inspected again. I am thinking that the builder did a poor job of installing the subfloor. So any other info on sub floors would be greatly appreciated as well. I live in VA if that makes a differnce with standards (which I don't think it...

Answer 8

In a residental structure, the floor joist should be 16 inches on center. as well as wall studs and roof rafters

Answer 9

I am a general building contractor and have to say contact your local building contractor, there is too much mis information on this blog. Joist spacing can range from 12"-48". yes i said 48", I do not recomend it, but 1 1/8 on 4x6 girders will comply with california building code. I would not go over 32" if you are using 1 1/8 T and G plywood.

Answer 10

Most floor joists and wall studs are 16" center to center.