A structural member with a web connecting top and bottom chords, providing efficient load transfer and spanning capability.

Web Joist is a structural member with a web connecting top and bottom chords, providing efficient load transfer and spanning capability through engineered configurations that optimize material usage while delivering superior structural performance compared to solid lumber joists. This innovative structural component consists of parallel chords connected by a web system that may include metal plates, oriented strand board (OSB), or steel components that create lightweight yet strong floor and roof framing members. Web joists are critical in modern construction where they provide long spans, reduced material usage, enhanced dimensional stability, and improved building performance, making them indispensable for residential and commercial framing, floor systems, and any application where efficient structural members are necessary for cost-effective construction and superior building performance.

Web joists are utilized in various construction applications and structural systems including residential floor framing where they provide long spans with minimal deflection, commercial building construction where they support heavy loads over extended distances, roof framing systems where they accommodate insulation and mechanical systems, multi-story construction where they reduce building weight and improve structural efficiency, manufactured housing where they provide consistent quality and performance, and specialty applications including agricultural buildings, industrial facilities, and custom structures where engineered performance and cost efficiency are required for project success. Each application requires appropriate joist selection, spacing, and installation methods based on load requirements, span conditions, and building codes.

The types and configurations of web joists include I-joists that feature solid lumber or laminated veneer lumber (LVL) flanges with OSB or plywood webs, open web steel joists that use steel angles or channels connected by steel rod or angle web members, wood I-beam joists that combine engineered lumber flanges with structural panel webs, parallel chord trusses that feature continuous top and bottom chords connected by web members, metal plate connected wood trusses that use metal connector plates to join lumber members, and specialty joists including fire-rated, long-span, and custom-engineered members for specific applications. Joist type selection depends on span requirements, load conditions, and construction methods.

Fun Fact: Web joists were first developed in the 1960s and can span up to 60 feet or more while using 50% less wood than solid lumber joists, and their open web design allows utilities to pass through without drilling holes that weaken the structure.

• Open Web Joist
• Band Joist
• Ceiling Joist