Adding Cross Bracing To Floor Joists

As a footstep falls on one joist some of the force is transferred to neighboring joists.

Adding cross bracing to floor joists.

Bracing will stiffen a floor system prevent floor joists from twisting and increase overall stability. Bridging or x bracing allows joists to share weight. Cross bracing and solid blocking. The difference is that the cross bracing uses two pieces of support in a diagonal shape that creates an x between the joists instead of a solid block in blocking.

When cross bridging is used wood or metal the upper portion of the bridge is nailed into the top of the floor joist if it is metal. This can allow for floors to be sturdier and more stable. Measure the width between the span of two joists. Continue reading below our video of the day.

Nail the block in place with 16d. A floor that bounces as you walk across it may just need to be stiffened with bridging which spreads the load on each joist to adjoining joists strengthening the whole floor. If it is wood it is nailed to the upper top of the side of the floor joist before the floor or sub floor is installed on the joists. By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine nail bridging on all joists.

However there are actually two types of floor joist bracing commonly used. Place the lumber block between the two joists. Because of this x shape one brace will be forced upon and under tension while the other brace will be compressed.