The Ontario Building Code | Joists Supported by Beams
9.23.9.2. joists Supported by Beams
(1) floor joists may be supported on the tops of beams or may be framed into the sides of beams.
(2) When framed into the side of a wood beam, joists referred to in Sentence (1) shall be supported on,
(a) joist hangers or other acceptable mechanical connectors, or
(b) not less than 38 mm by 64 mm ledger strips nailed to the side of the beam, except that 38 mm by 38 mm ledger strips may be used provided each joist is nailed to the beam by at least four 89 mm nails, in addition to the nailing for the ledger strip required in Table 9.23.3.4.
(3) When framed into the side of a steel beam, joists referred to in Sentence (1) shall be supported on the bottom flange of the beam or on not less than 38 mm by 38 mm lumber bolted to the web with not less than 6.3 mm diam bolts spaced not more than 600 mm apart.
(4) joists referred to in Sentence (3) shall be spliced above the beam with not less than 38 mm by 38 mm lumber at least 600 mm long to support the flooring="http://thehandyforce.com/flooring/" title ="Handyman flooring install Toronto">flooring.
(5) Not less than a 12 mm space shall be provided between the splice required in Sentence (4) and the beam to allow for shrinkage of the wood joists.
In Plain Language
Joists supported by beams must meet the connection requirements set out in this article, addressing how the joist attaches to and bears on the beam.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.