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I am building a wood shop with a crawl space and a wood floor, 32×75. My architect designed the floor with TGI joists on 12″ centers, but I was wanting 2×12 on 16″ centers. Which is stronger, TGI or 2x12s, if they are spaced the same? Is there much cost difference? I will use 3/4″ subfloor with 3/4″ wh. oak flooring and radiant floor heat.
Thanks!
Randy
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Replies
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TJI's are always stronger if spaced the same. As far as cost, it all depends. I've seen it go both ways. We use TJI's more than anything else. Much better.
Billy
*Tjis are the way to go. They are much stronger, they are able to span greater distances,they have no crown so you get a flatter floor. As far as the cost goes they are a tad more but you will be glad you spent the money. They chords come in varying widths from 1 1/2 inch to 3 1/2 inch we most commonly use the ones with a 2 1/2 inch top and bottom chord. These are called 250s.
*I also vote TJI's; it's all we use now. My only other caveat to the above is that I'd recommend that you never, ever, look at the price of a building material as a single comparison. Look at the long-term value, loading, comfort, speed of installation, and other factors. If you look for just the cheapest, that's exactly what you'll get, in more ways than one.
*Why the 12" O.C. ?If you're splitting the 32' way, you're only spanning 16'. Are you going for higher design loads ?
*That's exactly what I asked the architect. I had planned on one main beam in the center to carry the joists. His design called for 12" o.c. TJI's and the beam supported every 5' with a concrete column. He said they needed to use a design load of 125 lbs/ sq ft. because this was a "manufacturing" facility. We compromised and ended up with two beams and 16" o.c. Doug Fir 2x12s. Would TJIs carry the load for a small woodshop with a 15' span and 16" o.c.?
*> Would TJIs carry the load for a small woodshop with a 15' span and 16" o.c.? What load ? What brand and series of I-joist ? Kinda hard to answer. You might be able to get a copy of the manufacturer's literature and figure that out yourself.
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I am building a wood shop with a crawl space and a wood floor, 32x75. My architect designed the floor with TGI joists on 12" centers, but I was wanting 2x12 on 16" centers. Which is stronger, TGI or 2x12s, if they are spaced the same? Is there much cost difference? I will use 3/4" subfloor with 3/4" wh. oak flooring and radiant floor heat.
Thanks!
Randy