How to Save Money When Buying i joist beam

Last year, I constructed a house using prefabricated wood I-joists. My priority was to avoid having a bouncy floor, and when designed correctly, the floor can be perfectly stable. Using span tables readily available, I determined the appropriate sizing, even though I'm a mechanical engineer by trade and didn't rely on precise calculations typically done by civil engineers. Interestingly, my builder initially thought my sizing was excessive, but our supplier’s civil engineer confirmed my design. Missteps by some builders could lead to floors that are structurally sound but still bouncy.

The floor turned out extremely flat. When using these joists, it's crucial to ensure the builder installs "squash blocks" at all load-bearing points—commonly at ends where exterior walls stand and at other interior load-bearing areas. Such installations should pass framing inspection only if they include squash blocks. These joists are available in standard lengths and can be delivered faster than floor trusses. However, unlike trusses, they pose some challenges in running ductwork, pipes, and wiring through them. I wouldn't consider using 2X lumber for flooring again.

Additionally, my joists exceed the minimum requirements. They stand at 14 inches tall, spaced at 16-inch centers, with a substantial LVL beam at midspan, spanning 16 feet from end to center beam. The floor is glued and screwed with a 3/4" Advantech subfloor. We've been living in the house for about 18 months, and my wife recently noted, "there aren't any floor squeaks anywhere,” unlike our previous home, which had numerous floor squeaks.

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The building in question is a single-story ranch, measuring 44'X28' with a walkout. The original plan was to split the 28' span using a central beam and 14' 2X10 or 2X12 floor joists at 16" OC (on-center). Another suggestion was to maintain the central beam but employ 28' long I-joists, likely 9 1/2" deep at 16" OC. The subflooring would be glued and nailed 3/4" TG (AdvanTech).

The hype around I-joists is hard to ignore. Is the cost difference justified by their enhanced performance, or could the budget be better allocated? Costs are indeed variable but provide a ballpark comparison—using 2X12s for example.

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Additionally, consider using roof trusses at 16" OC with 1/2" plywood instead of 24" OC with clipped 5/8" plywood. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Skippy

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Q1: How does using I-joists compare cost-wise to traditional lumber?

A: While the initial cost of I-joists may be higher than traditional lumber, their benefits in longevity, stability, and reduced squeaks can offer long-term savings.

Q2: Can I customize the length of I-joists?

A: Yes, I-joists come in various standard lengths but can often be customized to suit specific building dimensions.

Q3: What are squash blocks?

A: Squash blocks are short pieces of solid lumber installed between joists to support vertical loads and prevent the joists from compressing under heavy weight.