Cost of Floor Joists

Cost of wooden floor joists

The type of wood plays a significant role. Softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir are common choices due to their affordability and ease of handling. These typically cost between £1.50 to £2.50 per linear foot ($2.00 to $3.50). For a room requiring 20-foot joists spaced 16 inches apart, you might spend around £300 to £500 ($400 to $700) on softwood joists.

Hardwoods such as oak or maple, though more expensive, offer superior strength and durability. They range from £3.50 to £6.00 per linear foot ($4.50 to $8.00). For the same size room, hardwood joists could cost between £700 and £1,200 ($900 to $1,600). Meanwhile, engineered wood options like Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) or I-joists provide a good balance between cost and performance, typically priced around £2.50 to £4.00 per linear foot ($3.00 to $5.00). For a medium-sized room, this could result in a total expense of £500 to £800 ($600 to $1,000).

Cost of labour to fit the floor beams

For a basic installation of wooden joists in a residential setting, you can expect labour costs to be around £30 to £50 per hour ($40 to $65 per hour). This lower rate compared to steel joists reflects the relative ease of working with wood and the fewer specialized tools required. A straightforward project in a small to medium-sized room might take one to two days, resulting in total labour costs of approximately £240 to £800 ($320 to $1,040).

For a basic installation of lightweight steel joists in a residential setting, labour costs are typically higher due to the need for more specialized tools and handling. Expect to pay around £40 to £60 per hour ($50 to $80 per hour). Similar to wooden joists, a simple project might take one to two days, leading to total labour costs of about £320 to £960 ($400 to $1,200).

Cost of extras to fit the floor joists

Fasteners are a primary consideration. For wooden joists, nails, screws, and bolts are required. Quality, corrosion resistant fasteners ensure longevity and stability. Typically, a box of 500 screws might cost around £30 to £50 ($40 to $65), and you'll need several boxes depending on the size of your project. Joist hangers, which secure the joists to the framework, are also necessary. These can cost between £1 to £5 ($1.50 to $7) each, with a typical room requiring anywhere from 20 to 40 hangers.

For metal joists, the fasteners differ slightly. Bolts, nuts, and washers designed for steel connections are essential. These can be more expensive than their wooden counterparts. A set of 50 bolts, nuts, and washers can cost about £50 to £100 ($65 to $130). Additionally, metal joist hangers and connectors, designed to handle the weight and properties of steel, can cost between £5 to £15 ($7 to $20) each, potentially increasing your costs significantly depending on the project size.

Besides fasteners, insulation and soundproofing materials are a must, especially in residential settings. Insulating between the joists not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces noise transmission. Standard insulation batts suitable for wooden or metal joists can cost about £0.50 to £1.00 per square foot ($0.65 to $1.30), meaning insulating a 200-square-foot room could cost around £100 to £200 ($130 to $260).