Articles on how steel framing is sized, named, priced and ordered. Every figure comes from the AISC Shapes Database v16.0, a published standard or a manufacturer specification sheet, and each article says when the numbers were checked.
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Pole Barn vs Metal Building: Which Is Right for Your Shop?
Read the article: Pole Barn vs Metal Building: Which Is Right for Your Shop?Pole barn vs metal building: how post-frame and steel-frame buildings differ in foundations, span, cost drivers, insulation and durability, and which to pick.
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Post to Beam Connection: Notch, Post Cap or Bolts? (Deck Code Rules)
Read the article: Post to Beam Connection: Notch, Post Cap or Bolts? (Deck Code Rules)Post to beam connection rules for decks: notch a 6×6 or use a post cap, two 1/2 in through-bolts, no side-bolted beams. Based on AWC DCA 6 and the IRC.
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Beam to Beam Connection: How Steel Beams Frame Into Girders
Read the article: Beam to Beam Connection: How Steel Beams Frame Into GirdersHow a steel beam frames into a girder: shear tabs, clip angles, coped flanges, a W12x26 into W18x50 example and the OSHA two-bolt erection rule explained.
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Is Galvanized Steel Magnetic? Yes, Here’s Why (and the Magnet Test)
Read the article: Is Galvanized Steel Magnetic? Yes, Here’s Why (and the Magnet Test)Yes, galvanized steel is magnetic. Why the zinc coating does not stop a magnet, how magnetic gauges measure it, and how to tell galvanized from stainless.
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What Is a Rim Joist? What It Does and How to Insulate It
Read the article: What Is a Rim Joist? What It Does and How to Insulate ItWhat a rim joist is, what it does structurally, rim joist vs band joist vs rim board, common problems, and how to air seal and insulate it the right way.
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How to Sister a Joist: When It Works and How to Do It Right
Read the article: How to Sister a Joist: When It Works and How to Do It RightHow to sister a joist: when sistering fixes a cracked or sagging floor joist, lumber vs LVL vs steel channel, code notch limits and the mistakes to avoid.
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Floor Joist Spacing: 12, 16, 19.2 or 24 Inches On Center?
Read the article: Floor Joist Spacing: 12, 16, 19.2 or 24 Inches On Center?Standard floor joist spacing is 16 inches on center. See when 12, 19.2 or 24 inches makes sense, how spacing affects span and subfloor, and deck joist spans.
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Joist Hangers: Types, Nails, Sizing and How to Install Them Right
Read the article: Joist Hangers: Types, Nails, Sizing and How to Install Them RightHow joist hangers carry load, the main types, how to size one, which nails and screws to use, coating rules for decks and treated lumber, and common mistakes.
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How to Tell If a Wall Is Load Bearing: 7 Checks Before You Cut
Read the article: How to Tell If a Wall Is Load Bearing: 7 Checks Before You CutSeven checks to tell if a wall is load bearing: joist direction, what sits below, stacked walls, roof framing, point loads, and signs that prove nothing.
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Truss vs Joist: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?
Read the article: Truss vs Joist: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?Truss vs joist explained: how each carries load, spans, mechanical runs, who designs them, and why trusses can’t be cut. Covers roof and floor framing.
Reference information only, not engineering advice. Disclaimer.