09-20-2007, 09:05 AM
As for floor joists you may find metal joisting material much more available than TJIs or other combinations of wood, sawdust and/or wood chips.
I find it telling that basic engineering so distrusts wood framing that metal connectors (Simpson for example) are now required on most any stress location. Wood is becoming an infill material between metal connectors. And as a infill material it isn't all that great.
There are things I don't like about simple steel framing but joists are about as secure a use for steel as you can find. I've asked a number of builders to name one thing about wood frame which produces a superior structure and no one can name anything. It rots, It warps, it checks, it splits and cracks, it burns, bugs eat it and the defect rate is high. It is supposed to be sold kiln dried to a 7% or less moisture content - that's a joke. It also produces maximum waste (which costs money coming and going) and maximum maintanence.
I think all you carpenters need to look at new materials and methods. Be pragmatic and simply evaluate the positive and negative attributes of the materials and methods you use.
Speaking of fads.... wood framing, as practiced in the U.S. has about a 150 year history. In world terms it is a new fad compared to concrete which has been around a couple thousand years, I will say this about carpentry. In the 19th century when oak and chestnut were hand hewn and mortised & tenoned there were some fine buildings. Stick frame is not at that level. The three little pigs had something to tell us.
I find it telling that basic engineering so distrusts wood framing that metal connectors (Simpson for example) are now required on most any stress location. Wood is becoming an infill material between metal connectors. And as a infill material it isn't all that great.
There are things I don't like about simple steel framing but joists are about as secure a use for steel as you can find. I've asked a number of builders to name one thing about wood frame which produces a superior structure and no one can name anything. It rots, It warps, it checks, it splits and cracks, it burns, bugs eat it and the defect rate is high. It is supposed to be sold kiln dried to a 7% or less moisture content - that's a joke. It also produces maximum waste (which costs money coming and going) and maximum maintanence.
I think all you carpenters need to look at new materials and methods. Be pragmatic and simply evaluate the positive and negative attributes of the materials and methods you use.
Speaking of fads.... wood framing, as practiced in the U.S. has about a 150 year history. In world terms it is a new fad compared to concrete which has been around a couple thousand years, I will say this about carpentry. In the 19th century when oak and chestnut were hand hewn and mortised & tenoned there were some fine buildings. Stick frame is not at that level. The three little pigs had something to tell us.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Punaweb moderator