Comparison of wood trusses and I-joists for floor framing.

Wednesday, 06 November 2024 / Published in Base4

Choosing the Right Floor Framing System for Your Project

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Choosing the right floor framing system can significantly impact your project’s cost and efficiency. 69% of our clients in 2023-2024 utilized wood trussess in their projects, while 31% opted for I-joists. Developers often grapple with the decision between these two options. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each is crucial for optimizing construction costs and timelines. Dive into our detailed comparison to make an informed choice for your next project.

Wood Trusses vs I-Joists

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Trusses

Wood Trusses are typically spaced at 12″, 16″, and 24″ on center, with 16″ being the most common.

Wood Trusses

I-Joists

I-joists are strong, lightweight, “I” shaped engineered wood structural members that meet demanding performance standards. I-Joists could be manufactured in a wide range of depths ranging from 9 ½″ to 24″.

I-Joists

Performance and Practicality

MEP Coordination: Wood Trusses are generally better (than I-joists) for running MEP components through the truss openings, which is missing in I-joists.
Spans: Trusses enable the construction of longer spans compared to I-joists, which allows trusses to potentially remove bearing walls and reduce concrete footing costs.
IIC Ratings: Wood trusses have lower IIC ratings, due to its air cavities. However, both systems achieve better IIC ratings when resilient channels are added.
Insulation: Wood trusses either need to be fully insulated or require avoid costly fire sprinklers, while I-joists generally require less insulation due to their shallower depth.
Weight: I-joists are lighter than wood trusses, reducing the overall structure’s weight and making installation faster and more cost-effective.

I-Joists are easier for the contractor to handle and install.

BASE4 project example using wood

Trusses enable the construction of longer spans.

BASE4: Your Partner in Cost-Effective Construction Solutions

At BASE4, we understand the importance of selecting the right construction methods to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing innovative solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re deciding between Wood Trusses and I -Joists or exploring other building strategies, we offer comprehensive in-house services to ensure seamless project execution.

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