Joist hangers they have a very important role to play in our lives, and yet most people haven’t even heard of them. In every home there are dozens and dozens of them that help hold it together … they are a vital part of our homes.

If you are attempting any major renovation or DIY work, it is important that you understand the role they play in the home so that

a) does not damage existing ones or

b) replace and repair any of them that need to do so

Because without them you are in a world of trouble!

Joist hangers are very much like what the name suggests: they are used to hang joists. Specifically, they are used to anchor ceilings, floors, etc. in a safe way. They are literally withholding everything in almost every home.

These days they are generally made of metal (usually steel or aluminum) due to both strength and wear resistance. That said, it is still possible to find some made of wood.

They are specially designed to connect to beams (usually wood) on 3 sides of the beam, providing additional support to your load. The beam hanger is attached to the beam using screws or nails, and has a face plate that connects it, distributing the weight. This means that the connection is as secure as possible.

The main advantage of stud supports from other methods of securing floors and the like is that they can withstand much more “punishment” without warping or twisting in the way that screws or nails would if used alone. They are the safest way to keep the house together!