Replies

1. 
   DanH | Aug 11, 2007 12:00am | #1

   Why should you? Concrete distributes weight far better than wood.

   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
2. 
   Stilletto | Aug 11, 2007 12:38am | #2

   4-5" of bearing is plenty for any floor joist.  Joist hangers only have 1-1/2-2". 

    

   Matt

1. 
   GOLDENBOY | Aug 11, 2007 01:39am | #3

   Why don't we use 2x4 and save a few bucks on lumber? 

1. 
   Stilletto | Aug 11, 2007 01:59am | #4

   Trying to get foundation subs to hit a 2x4 right on here is a small miracle. 

   That would also put the J-bolts really close to the edge of the poured wall.  Possible cracking in the future. 

   Matt

1. 
   hqian | Aug 12, 2007 04:47am | #6

   Good explanation why we want to use 2x6 instead of 2x4, thank you.  But I still feel that a house sits on the foundation walls only partially through 2x6 mudsill.  It's like I sit on a chair but only sit on part of the chair.

1. 
   DanH | Aug 12, 2007 06:01am | #8

   Think of it this way: It would make more sense to use a concrete piece to bear the weight -- it's a lot stiffer than wood and will spread the weight out over a wider area. Then consider that the top few inches of the foundation are indeed that concrete piece -- the mudsill just provides a convenient way to attach the framing.
   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

3. 
   Frankd479 | Aug 11, 2007 02:06am | #5

   I agree, if a concrete block is 7 1/2" wide, why wouldn't you use a 2x8 that fits perfect over the block? Looks better too over a 2x6 . Use the 2x8,no inspector in their right mind would fail the work.

1. 
   paulandre | Aug 12, 2007 04:59am | #7

   7.5 concrete blocks?

1. 
   JTC1 | Aug 18, 2007 04:12am | #15

   Uhhh, yeah.

   Don't know about CA, but in DE if I ask at the yard for 8" block it will actually measure 7-1/2" to 7-5/8" depending on which manufacturer.

   Mortar joint takes it to 8" gain in hieght. Nobody sweats the width so 7-1/2" or so with no parging added.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

4. 
   dieselpig | Aug 14, 2007 12:46am | #9

   No need to reinvent the wheel brother.  If all these 10" pours with 2x6 sills start crumbling then we'll revisit it at that time.  But I ain't holding my breath.

   View Image
1. 
   hqian | Aug 14, 2007 07:27am | #10

   You have a nice philosophy there :-)

5. FHB Editor
   JFink | Aug 17, 2007 05:56pm | #11

   Hey Joe,

   Heard you were dealing with R yesterday...can you post something to me so we can doublecheck that everything is in order now? Thanks, sorry for the trouble.

   Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

   "Everybody wants to know what I’m on...

    

   What am I on? I’m on my bike, busting my ass 6 hours a day…

    

   ...What are you on?"

    

   - Lance Armstrong

1. 
   Framer | Aug 17, 2007 06:03pm | #12

   Can you read this?Joe Carola

1. FHB Editor
   JFink | Aug 17, 2007 07:41pm | #13

   Yup, everything is back to normal. Thanks for your patience while I was out of the office.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

   "Everybody wants to know what I’m on...

    

   What am I on? I’m on my bike, busting my ass 6 hours a day…

    

   ...What are you on?"

    

   - Lance Armstrong

1. 
   Framer | Aug 18, 2007 12:06am | #14

   Thank You, Justin.Joe Carola

2. 
   Stilletto | Sep 03, 2007 03:23pm | #16

   Is this the thread you emailed about?  Alot of replies/posts got deleted.  I didn't get anything on my end.  Sorry for getting to this so late. 

   Matt