2x4 wood blocks how to#
2x4 wood blocks install#
2x4 wood blocks pro#

It also takes more time as you’ll use more nails than you would alternate your blocking. While toe-nailing results in a stronger joint, you risk cracking or tearing out the ends of your blocking. This allows you to face nail each piece of blocking and avoid toe-nailing. Then the blocking will be fastened in an alternating pattern on either side of that line. If you are blocking your joists mid-span, then you will draw a center line across every joist. Most people choose to alternate their joist blocking because it is much easier and faster to nail than putting it in a straight line. However, since you are toe-nailing blocking in a straight line for every other side of each piece of blocking, this does result in a more solid connection than face nailing both sides. It should be noted that while blocking in a straight line is ideal, alternating your blocking will not result in much less – if any – reduction in load deflection. However, the other end of the block will need to be toe-nailed – two nails driven in at 45-degree angles on either side. When nailing blocking in a straight line, you’ll be able to face nail one end of the blocking through the joist. You should use nails when blocking or bridging as they can withstand shear forces much better than screws. They are air-powered, however, so you’ll need an air compressor and a hose, too. You’ll quickly find that swinging a hammer between joists is difficult, particularly if they are spaced at 12” or 16”.

When blocking in a straight line, you’ll cut your pieces to length and begin on one end. Ideally, you can block in a straight line, as this provides slightly more stability as the load transfer from the floor above is directed most efficiently through blocking in a straight line. There are a couple of different methods for blocking your joists with solid lumber: alternating and doing it in a straight line. Measurements must be precise or blocks will not fit properly.Plumbing and electrical can make installation difficult.A cheap solution for solving floor movement.When that happens, you get a slight hump from the block that can be pretty annoying. Often the joists dry faster than the blocking simply because they’ve been there longer. Why? The blocking lumber will dry out at a different rate than the joists. Most rely on using the same sized lumber as the joists themselves and fitting them between the joists in a staggered line in the middle of the joist span, fastened with nails.įinally, one of the main problems with solid blocking is that it often causes humps in the floor above, especially if installed after the house is built. There are several different methods in terms of installing blocking. Installing solid wood blocking with appropriately sized nails will distribute loads across all of the joists, minimizing the movement of the joists directly beneath the load. When joists are not blocked or bridged, each joist is much more susceptible to movement both up and down and side to side. Blocking uses lumber the same size as the floor joists and is fastened either in a staggered or straight line mid-span or every 8’ depending on the length of the joist.īlocking is effective in reducing floor wobble. Bridging – Which is Better?įloor joist blocking refers to solid, lateral supports installed between floor joists to evenly distribute loads placed atop floor joists.

2x4 wood blocks install#

Determine What Type of Bridging to Install.

Is Blocking (or Bridging) Required for Floor Joists?.

2x4 wood blocks pro#

We’ll also go over the pros and cons of each type of joist bracing, as well as some do’s and don’ts and pro tips when it comes time to install.

2x4 wood blocks how to#

In this article, we’ll take a look at what bridging and blocking are and how to install either in your own home. There are many different methods to go about installing bridging and blocking, and each has specific pros and cons that may or may not be right for your floor. Whichever style of blocking or bridging you choose, both will serve to solidify your floor and reduce wobble and bounce. Cross bridging is the same idea, except that plywood or smaller pieces of lumber (2×2) are used to make an “X” between each joist in place of a solid piece of lumber. I mentioned floor joist blocking or bridging.įloor joist blocking is taking solid lumber, typically the same size as your floor joists, and fastening pieces perpendicular between every pair of joists in a straight or staggered line. My friend noticed too and was wondering what the best fix might be. Besides the noise and general chaos, one thing that stood out was the surprising amount of wobbling the floor was experiencing. The other day I had the opportunity to experience several small kids running and playing in my friend’s living room.