Working on the Backbone

Once the foundation was completed, it was time for wood to arrive.  Once the house is completed, very little of the foundation portion will even be showing with the wooden structure rising into the sky.  I consider the floor joist system the backbone of the house because all of the entire structure load will be transferred down through these onto the foundation.  The foundation cannot really do its' job properly if the backbone of the house does not rest properly on it.

Prior to the laying of the first joists, there was discussion and disagreement that floor trusses could even be used.  One company even declined to design trusses because they were afraid of the house design and whether the design spans could be accommodated by appropriate truss sizes.  We were able to find another company that used Boise Cascade floor I joists in combination with open trusses and Versa Lam beams to span the required distances.  By using the open truss design we will be able to easily run wiring, plumbing and HVAC components through the flooring system instead of hanging down underneath it.  This will make a much cleaner and serviceable basement area while meeting load carrying requirements and maximum beam deflection amounts.

The process of designing the flooring system highlighted the importance of using a qualified, experienced builder in concert with a building materials salesman who has experience with similar situations and confidence that a safe and workable solution can be devised.  Our builder, Ben Beatty, has worked for many years with Webb Building Supplies and trusts their expertise in cases just like this.