Yes, in most cases a stud finder can find floor joists through carpet. While metal studs can be shielded from the stud finder by the metal fasteners used to hold the carpet in place, the majority of floor joists in residential construction are made of wood and should be easily detectable by a stud finder.
When using a stud finder with carpet in place, it is important to make sure that the carpet is securely fastened to the subfloor and that all metal components are pushed deep enough into the carpet so that they don’t interfere with the operation of the stud finder.
Additionally, it is a good idea to double check any questionable readings by using a hammer to lightly tap on the surface of the carpet to locate Joists or studs underneath.
How do you find joists under hardwood floors?
Finding the joists under hardwood floors requires removing a portion of the floor. First, you must use a hammer and chisel to remove the hardwood floor where you need to locate the joists. You should proceed slowly and carefully as to not damage the surrounding hardwood.
If you are unsure which direction or route to take, you can use a stud finder to help determine the location of the joists. When removing the hardwood, you should lift or pry the wood upward so that you can see the joist beneath it.
You may need to use a crowbar or lever to separate the planks. You should then be able to clearly see the joists underneath and be aware of their locations. Once the joists have been located, you can reinstall the hardwood boards and nails, making sure to insert sufficient nails into the flooring and joist for maximum strength and stability.
How do I find out where a joist is?
In order to find out where a joist is, you will need to carefully assess the area you are working in. Begin by examining the structure of the home itself. Look for vertical supports that run across the ceiling, walls, or floor.
These will be the joists on which your flooring, ceiling, or wall material is installed. Make a note of the spacing of the supports and the direction in which they run. You may also look for any visible screws or nails that may indicate joist locations.
You may be able to see the shape of the joists through the flooring or ceiling. If your floor is carpeted, you may be able to detect the hard material joists beneath it. You may also want to use a hammer to tap along the ceiling or floor, looking for a solid sound which indicates a joist location.
Additionally, you can use an infrared thermometer to determine the temperature of the joist. Joists can often be colder than the walls or flooring due to air space above and below it. Ultimately, the most accurate way find to out where a joist is would be to consult professional blueprints of the home.
How far apart are floor joists?
The spacing of floor joists depends largely on the type of material used, the span of the joist, and the spacing of supports that the joist rests on. For wood joists, standard spacing is typically between 16 and 24 inches on center (from center of one joist to the center of the next) for spans between 8 feet and 12 feet.
When spans are greater than 12 feet, floor joists may need to be spaced closer together (as close as 12 inches on center). However, for spans of 6 feet or less, joists can be spaced up to 24 inches on center.
Joists may also have to be spaced closer together when constructing floors with lumber of lower grade or when the subfloor material is heavier than standard plywood or when additional load is placed on the floor, such as when a hot tub is installed.
Using engineered lumber, such as I-joists, can provide more flexibility because they can span greater distances than standard lumber. For I-joists, joist spacing is often between 12 and 24 inches on center.
When using I-joists, it’s important to check the specifications of the product being used in order to ensure proper spacing.
Regardless of the type of floor joists being used, it’s always important to check local building codes to ensure the joists are spaced correctly, and consult a qualified engineer if necessary.
Will stud finder work through hardwood floors?
Yes, a stud finder should work through hardwood floors, as long as the head of the device is able to make contact with the surface of the floor. Depending on the type of floor and the construction of the stud finder, the device may be able to detect nails, screws, and other hardware located underneath the surface of the hardwood flooring.
It may even detect wire, pipes, and other cavities that may be stacked under the flooring. To ensure the best performance of a stud finder through hardwood flooring, manufacturers suggest that users clean the surface and make sure that the device is well-calibrated.
A proper calibration allows the device to provide the user with an accurate reading. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the contacts of the device are pressed firmly against the flooring to ensure that no air gap is formed between the device and the flooring.
Which way do floor joists run in a house?
In a typical house, floor joists run in a perpendicular direction from the walls that support them. Generally, the joists are spaced 16 inches (41.1 cm) on center and are attached to the wall studs with joist hangers.
Floor joists in a home commonly run parallel to the direction of the main beam, which is normally a beam that runs along the center of the house, running parallel to the front and back walls. The joists will be connected to the beam with joist hangers, and the joists and beam will support the subflooring framework.
When building a new home, it’s important to use quality lumber and ensure that the joists are correctly spaced and are correctly connected to the main beam to ensure maximum structural stability and strength.
Is there a stud finder app?
Yes, there are several apps available that act as stud finders. These apps use magnetometers (also known as a compass) found in the phone to detect metal studs that are not visible to the naked eye. The accuracy of the readings will depend on the quality of the phone’s magnetometer and how well it is calibrated.
Several of these apps are available for free on the app store, such as Stud Finder+ and iStuff Finder. Some apps provide even more functions, like the ability to measure distances and scan for other metal objects inside of walls.
It is important to note that none of these apps will be able to detect live electrical wires. For this, you will need to use a traditional stud finder.
How does a stud finder work?
A stud finder is a tool used to detect the presence of hidden objects, such as metal and wooden studs, that are hidden within walls, ceilings, and floors. Most stud finders work by using an electro-magnetic field to detect the presence of metal and wood.
These stud finders can also detect the depth and exact location of a stud by sending an electrical current across the wall, and then measuring the amount of resistance found. It is important to know the size of the stud that is being searched for, as some detectors are made to detect large objects while others are made to detect smaller objects.
It is also important to note that stud finders are only able to detect objects that are covered by drywall, plaster, or other materials that are non-metallic.
The stud finder is then held over the wall and used in a sweeping motion to detect the presence of studs in the wall. When the stud is located, the finder will display an indication light or sound signaling the location of the object.
It is then up to the user to mark the location of the object in order to be able to locate it easily in the future.
Why does my floor squeak under carpet?
The floor squeaks under carpet because the underlying structure and subfloor is either loose or damaged. If your subfloor is damaged, there may not be adequate support for the flooring and it can cause movement that translates into squeaks or other sounds.
Additionally, if the subfloor is damaged, it may not be properly secured to the joists and can result in the squeaking. If the subfloor isn’t damaged, loose nails or screws in the bottom of the flooring or subflooring may also be creating the noise from the movement of the boards or panels.
If you have a layer of padding between the floor and the carpet, it could also be to blame. If the padding is too thick, it acts as a cushion that prevents the flooring from lying flat, which can cause it to move and squeak.
In either case, you need to inspect the area to determine the underlying issue and put a permanent fix in place.
How much weight can a floor joist hold?
The amount of weight a floor joist can hold will depend on several factors including type and size of the joist, spacing between joists, and whether there are additional supports such as beams or trusses.
Generally, a 2×8 floor joist spaced 16 inches apart can support a maximum of 5,000 pounds, while a 2×10 can support up to 9,200 pounds in the same configuration. For longer spans of 10-’14 feet, a 2×12 can support 7,000 pounds.
To calculate the exact capacity of your joists, it is best to consult an engineer or a building inspector. Additionally, any alterations or additions to your floor, such as removing walls to combine two rooms, may require additional supports or structural engineering as the original capacity of joists may need to be increased.
Ultimately, the amount of weight a floor joist can hold is dependent on the specific requirements of the structure being constructed.
What goes on top of floor joists?
It depends on what type of floor joists you are using. For example, if you are using traditional joists, then you will typically need to lay a layer of subflooring material, such as plywood, on top of the joists before adding your finished flooring.
If you are using engineered joists, then you may be able to go directly from joists to finished flooring, depending on the type and manufacturer of your joist system. Addtionally, you may need to install additional material such as soundproofing or noise-reducing layers between your joists and your finished flooring.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications for your floor joists to ensure that you are using the right materials, and always use screws and not nails when attaching flooring to joists.
Can you use a stud finder on wood floors?
Yes, it is possible to use a stud finder on wood floors. The most common type of stud finder is an electromagnetic field detector. This produces a magnetic field which, when placed on a flat surface (such as a wood floor), will help locate studs (or screw heads) through the wall and into the floor.
When used on a wood floor, the device will detect objects such as screws or nails as they pass through the studs. Stud finders can detect objects in the floor that are not visible to the naked eye. This makes it a great tool for finding hidden items beneath wooden floors and can be especially helpful when locating wood flooring associated with renovations.
A stud finder can also be used to measure the depth of the wood boards in order to ensure the proper installation of flooring and to make sure each board is cut to the correct length.
Can floor joists be 24 inches apart?
Yes, floor joists can be spaced up to a maximum of 24 inches apart, although for load-bearing floors, the spacing should be no greater than 19.2 inches. Most floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart, making them strong enough to support typical loads, including the weight of drywall and plaster, the occupants of a home, and the furniture and appliances.
Some experts may advise that for a longer span, such as for a large, open-space room, you should use floor joists with a maximum of 24″ spacing apart, although it is not required by code. The strength of the floor joists also needs to be taken into consideration since joists spaced 24″ apart require a higher weight capacity to support the same load.
There are also other factors to consider such as the type of wood used, the thickness of the boards, and the type of fasteners and hardware used to attach the joist to the subfloor and other supporting beams.
As such, it is important to consult with experts before purchasing materials and installing your floor joists.
What is the floor framing joist size and spacing?
The size and spacing of floor framing joists will depend on the type of application, size of the floor, and what type of floor framing system is used. For residential construction, the most common joist size is 2×10 and the spacing will typically be 16″ on-center.
However, larger floor framing systems such as I-joists or Truss joists, may require wider spans and deeper joists. It is important to consult an engineer or other qualified professional when choosing a floor framing system to ensure that the joists are adequate to support the loads they will bear.
Additionally, building codes must be followed to ensure that the floor framing is safe. If the floor framing is not appropriate for the application, it can cause the entire structure to be unsafe and structurally unsound.
Which direction should floor joists run?
The direction that floor joists should run will depend on the type of material being used and the size and shape of the space the floor joist is being installed in. Generally, joists should run perpendicular to the wall and should be spaced 16 to 24 inches on center.
For floors that require a Load Bearing Wall, a beam should be placed at an interval to support the joists. For standard joists, two-by-eights and two-by-tens are usually used, however this will vary depending on the size and shape of the space.
It is important to securely attach the joists to the beam, walls, and support posts using joist hangers and the appropriate fasteners. Once the joists have been properly installed and the appropriate fasteners have been used, the subflooring and plywood can be added.
What size floor joist do I need for 8 foot span?
To determine what size floor joist you need for an 8 foot span, you should first consider the design load and joist spacing, as well as the lumber species used for the joists. The design load includes the “dead load”, which is the weight of the material itself, and the “live load,” which is the weight of people, furniture and fixtures placed on the joists.
Common design loads are 40 and 50 lb. per square foot. Joist spacing has a wide range, but common spacing is 16 and 24 inches on center, depending on the subflooring material used.
The table below provides suggested size and spacing for common floor joists for a given design load and joist spacing. For an 8 foot span, with a design load of 40 lb. per square foot and a joist spacing of 16 inches, a joist size of 2 x 10 is recommended.
For other design loads and joists spacings, refer to the table below or consult an engineer or local building code official before beginning a new construction project.
Joist Size Joist Spacing Design Load (lb. per sq. ft.)
2 x 8 16 in. 40
2 x 10 16 in. 50
2 x 12 16 in. 60
2 x 8 24 in. 40
2 x 10 24 in. 50
Can 2×8 be used for floor joist?
Yes, 2×8 can absolutely be used for floor joists. In fact, 2×8 joists are often used in construction, especially for residential structures and sheds. The joists are typically spaced 16” apart and use 16d nails to join them to the floor joist header which is supported by an interior or exterior wall.
When used for floor joists and depending on the wood grade (Select Structural or No. 1) and depending on the species, the 2×8 joists can span up to 14’, allowing you to create a structurally sound floor system.
When bolting the joist to the header, the lag bolt size should be no less than 5/16” diameter and 8” long and the bolt spacing should not exceed 24” apart. In most cases, when being used as floor joists, the lumber will need to be treated to protect against rot and decay.