International Beams broad range of I-joists provide builders with flexibility in joist selection, spacing and construction detail. Although all values contained in the International Beams Design Manual meet or exceed code requirements, long-term floor performance (comfort) should be considered in all construction projects.

The following options will further increase the floor stiffness:

• Using floor deflection of L/480 instead of the code minimum of L/360.
• Gluing and nailing the sub-floor to the joists.
• Attaching gypsum board to the bottom of the floor.
• Decreasing the joist spacing by one increment based on allowable span.
• Using full depth I-joist blocking panels at mid span between floor joists.
• Using deeper joists.
• Using a thicker sub-floor, i.e. 3/4" or 7/8".
• Attaching strapping at 16" o/c.