Construction Industry/joist hangers

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/24/2009


Question
During our house remodel we salvaged some old beams and planed them to use them as decorative beams for our ceiling. My problem is the difficulty in trying to find decorative hardware to support these beams. I often see plain metal supports in restaurants or the Pottery Barn illustrations. I'm looking for some sturdy metal hangers, like two L-brackets on each side of the beam that fuse together underneath. I found SimpsonStrongTie.com, but would like to expand my choices and figure out what to call these things. I'd appreciate your help and comments. Thank you.

Answer
Jennifer,

You selected the correct web site of "Simpson" for joist hangers.  These work well when you have a solid backing to nail to.  You can then conceal those galvanized metal hangers with a relatively small wood trim molding going around and between each beam.

Another method is to have a fabricating (welding) shop make hangers or "stirrups" of 1" x 1" x 1/4" angle iron which can also be concealed with wood trim.  Have holes drilled for lag bolts or large nails.

Frequently I install the non-structural beams before the drywall is hung.  Some of the steel is concealed by the drywall but wood trim is still needed.  

One more way is to make a "ledge" of a small wood member - perhps a 1"x 2" which is really 3/4" x 1¾".  Miter the corners and install the wood up the beam and between the beams.  Then you can install a small "ogee" molding on top of the wood support.

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger Zonal
Ask the Contractor  

Construction Industry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.