The Ontario Building Code | Restraint of Joist Bottoms
9.23.9.3. Restraint of Joist Bottoms
(1) Except as provided in Sentence 9.23.9.4.(1), bottoms of floor joists shall be restrained from twisting at each end by toe-nailing to the supports, end-nailing to the header joists or by providing continuous strapping, blocking between the joists or cross-bridging near the supports.
In Plain Language
The bottom of a joist needs restraint against rotation, as set out in this article, keeping the joist stable and properly aligned under load.
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.