When to Use Steel Floor Joist

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Before engineered wood joists were invented in the late s, builders used dimensional lumber to support their framing operations. These were moved aside with the creation of i-joists, named for their shape, in .

Engineered wood joists made from plywood became more popular as the process to create them became more efficient and costs decreased. As steel mining became more practical over the years, metal was added to form steel-reinforced trusses, eventually giving way to steel joists.

The idea was, and still is, to create a better load-bearing system to support building structures, and to facilitate the open floor plans that became increasingly popular toward the turn of the century. Wood is still the most viable option in many construction projects, though durability and load-bearing capability makes steel floor joists an intriguing proposition for builders who are thinking long term.

The question then becomes: when is the best time to use steel floor joists?

5 Reasons Why it Makes Sense to Use Steel Floor Joists

1. Steel has the highest strength/weight ratio of any material used for construction, so the same jobs can be completed with much less support using steel joists. This can affect time, labor costs, and the availability of each respective material. Also, the load-bearing capability must be considered, as some cases will prohibit the use of wood due to exceptionally heavy loads.
2. Steel joists are ideal for areas like basements and attics that are subject to environmental conditions that would otherwise increase wear on wood counterparts. Steel is not at risk for mold growth from continued exposure to moisture, similar to conditions that might be found in a basement. It is also not as vulnerable to burrowing pests like rodents and termites that make their home in basements. Both materials can be treated with additional chemicals and primers to protect against wear, but wood will remain much more vulnerable to degradation than steel.
3. Floors that use steel joists are quieter than wood. The creaking we hear walking across old wood floors is often due to the warping, splitting, and bowing of wood that leads to loose bolts and wayward joists. Essentially, support systems made with steel don&#;t creak like those made with wood, and since steel floor joists are always straight, dimensionally stable, and maintain their shape much longer, they are an ideal option in scenarios where sound might prove an issue or needs to be minimized altogether.
4. There are certain locations that have specific requirements where steel is the only option. A bridge in a place that is susceptible to flooding or earthquakes may have to use steel for the safety of people who will use it. Furthermore, many US states have mold-related legislation in place or pending, so contractors who want to avoid liability may need to include steel floor joists in their plans.
5. Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, it doesn&#;t consume trees, and has a 90% lower output to landfills than wood. Builders who are environmentally conscious or want to use &#;green&#; initiatives as a selling point can assure their consumers of the sustainability of steel floor joists.

Conclusion

If you want to save money in the short term on upfront material costs, use a wood system, but for long-term durability, sustainability, lowered noise, safety, and superior overall quality, steel floor joists are the way to go.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of steel flooring panels. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Contact us for a complimentary Design Assist to switch your wood floor joists to steel.

The term &#;Metal Floors&#; brings to mind a wide variety of products. One of the first Web sites that comes up on Google for the term &#;Metal Floors&#; talks about luxury housing trends and how metal tiles are being used throughout homes as a modern and interesting alternative to cement, hardwood and even carpet. This is not the most common use of metal floors so let&#;s narrow our focus to metal floors that can be used throughout public areas such as metal floors for industrial and commercial environments.

Plate, grating, perforated plate, expanded metal and plank are just a few of the products that metal floors can be made of. With a range of nonslip metal flooring products available, SLIPNOT can provide a metal flooring solution that can be utilized throughout various industries and environments.

Metal Plate

Solid plate is utilized in a variety of metal floors that are mainly used throughout manufacturing facilities. Ramps, catwalks, stair treads, work platforms and walkways can all be made out of plate. This type of metal floor is also easily fabricated and can be built into existing environments or new construction. Plate is structurally sound and is generally available in 1/4&#; thicknesses and up. Diamond or checkered plate metal floors consist of solid plate that is punched with a diamond-like pattern. This style of metal flooring is widely used throughout industrial, commercial and residential environments. Diamond plate does not provide a metal floor with a nonslip surface. There are metal flooring products available that have an anti slip coating applied to them giving the metal floor an excellent slip-resistant surface.

Metal Grating

Grating metal floors are able to drain off any liquids that may come into contact with them while providing enough surface area for people to safety work or walk. Grating is used in many applications and is often found in sidewalks, stair treads, fire escapes and platforms among others. Grating metal floors come in a wide variety of thicknesses and styles to meet any industrial or commercial need.

Perforated Metal Plate

Solid plate that has been punched with a die creating holes makes perforated plate metal floors a good solution to areas that need more surface area than grating but some drainage characteristics. These metal floors can be purchased with a variety of hole shapes and sizes and can be used in industrial, commercial and decorative projects.

Expanded Metal

Expanded metal floors are generally used as fences, cages and for retrofitting over existing flooring. These metal floors come in expanded metal grating (used for areas that need structural strength), standard expanded metal and flattened expanded metal.

Metal Plank

Metal floors made of plank are lightweight and can be provided in a solid surface or punched with a die to create holes. Areas that require lightweight material such as docks or marinas often utilize plank metal floors, as well as wastewater treatment plants. There is a large variety of plank styles to fit a variety of metal floors.

Are you interested in learning more about steel flooring? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!