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3-5. Joists

Ceiling joists form the framework of the ceiling of the room. They are usually lighter than floor joists but large enough to remain rigid. Ceiling joists are usually installed 16 or 24 inches on center, with the first ceiling joist placed on the outside edge of the top plate. The second joist is placed 16 inches on center lines from the outside edge of the first joist, and the remaining joists are placed 16 inches on the center lines continuing across the building. Extra joists, if needed, may be paced without affecting the spacing of the prime joists. Joists that lie beside rafters on a plate are cut at the same pitch as the rafter, flush with the top of the rafter (see Figure 3-5 ). The ceiling joists are nailed to both the top plates and the rafters (see Figure 3-6 ).

Figure 3-5. Ceiling joists

Figure 3-6. Nailing ceiling joists

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