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What is an I-joist?

An I-joist is a wood framing member with two horizontal flanges joined by a vertical web, forming an I-shaped cross section. It supports floors and can also be used as a roof rafter.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

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What is an I-joist used for?

I-joists support floor framing and can also serve as roof rafters. The American Wood Council describes these two uses, including roof applications needing long members and substantial load capacity. “Wood I-joists are used as a framing material primarily in floors, but may also be used as roof rafters where long length and high load capacity are required.” Source: American Wood Council, read 2026-10-31.

How does the American Wood Council describe an I-joist?

An I-joist has two horizontal flanges joined by one vertical web. The American Wood Council names these parts; their arrangement gives the member its letter-I cross section. “Wood I-joists are composed of two horizontal components called flanges and a vertical component called a web.” Source: American Wood Council, read 2026-10-31.

How are I-joists made?

The flanges and web use different wood products. The American Wood Council describes solid lumber or structural composite lumber flanges, with plywood or oriented strand board forming the web. “Flanges are manufactured from end-joined, solid sawn lumber or structural composite lumber (SCL), while webs typically consist of high strength plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).” Source: American Wood Council, read 2026-10-31.

What are common I-joist sizes?

APA lists four common I-joist depths: 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14 and 16 inches. Depth alone does not establish an allowable span; the series, spacing and loading conditions also matter. “Most I-joists are available in four depths: 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14, and 16 inches.” Source: APA – The Engineered Wood Association, read 2026-10-31.

What are the exposure limits for an I-joist?

APA describes I-joists as dry-service members and sets a 16% moisture-content limit in this guidance. Permanent weather exposure falls outside that guidance, even though normal construction exposure can occur. “I-joists must not be used in applications where they will be permanently exposed to weather or reach a moisture content of 16% or greater.” Source: APA – The Engineered Wood Association, read 2026-10-31.

Can I put holes in engineered wood beams or I-joists?

A hole for utilities can be acceptable, but its location matters. APA allows properly located holes; its guidance ties acceptability to published literature or analysis of the actual member and loading. “Holes are allowed in engineered wood beams, I-joists and APA Rim Board when properly located.” Source: APA – The Engineered Wood Association, read 2026-10-31.

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