Joists for the Dummy Builder

Joists vs. rafters

We often wonder where our DotD nominees come up with their topics. We know that at eHow.com, members selected from "titles" that had been scraped from internet searches; hard-core freelancers at sites like InfoBarrel and WritEdge have long used SEO apps to (supposedly) inform them of hot topics. As for WiseGEEK.com, we have no idea – all we know is that some of their writers' reach exceeds their grasp of their topics. Topics like "What is a Joist?" as attacked by B. Turner for the AboutMechanics.com niche site (with editing by W. Everett).

B's grasp of the topic appears to derive almost entirely from manipulating the words and thoughts of someone who knows what a joist is; Turner (and, for that matter, Everett) does not seem to have first-hand knowledge him- or her-self. We say that because B defines a joist as,

"...a construction element used to support the horizontal surfaces of a home. Joists run parallel to the surface they are used to support, which may includes roofs, ceilings, or floors..."

We'll buy that, with one problem: nowhere – and we do mean nowhere – in almost 400 words does Turner mention that.

• Joists are typically 2-by lumber
• Joists are set on edge

B. also informs us that "...joists may be referred to locally as bandsills," which is utter bull; but fails to mention that the "joists" supporting a roof are usually called "rafters." As s/he blathers on, we learn (to our dismay) that

"Contractors face a trade off when choosing joists, as the depth of each joist can impact the span. "

That claim is utter bullshit: joist "depth" – people who know what a joist is call this dimension "width" – is determined by the type of lumber, the length of the span, and the expected live load; and is mandated by the building code and the architectural plans. Idiot. Once again B Turner and WiseGEEK prove unequal to the task of answering a simple question. Know what that means? Another Dumbass of the Day plaque for B's wall.

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