How To Choose The Right Joist Hanger for Your Project

Whether you're working on a new floor, extending a roof, or building a timber deck, joist hangers are essential components that ensure structural integrity and simplify construction. For both professional contractors and DIY home improvement enthusiasts, selecting the right joist hanger can mean the difference between a reliable, long-lasting build and a costly structural issue.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key joist hanger types, when and where to use them, and best practices for joist hanger installation. Let’s dive in.

What Is a Joist Hanger?

A joist hanger is a metal bracket that supports timber joists and secures them to other structural components like beams, walls, or ledger boards. Instead of cutting awkward joints or drilling into structural walls, joist hangers provide a quick, economical, and reliable method of joining timber elements—making them ideal for use in floors, ceilings, roofs, and decking systems.

Most joist hangers are made from galvanized steel to resist corrosion and are available in various shapes and sizes for different construction applications.

Joist Hanger Advantages

Using joist hangers brings several benefits:

• Time-saving – Quick to install, reducing construction time significantly.

• Strength & stability – Provide excellent load support and resist downward force.

• Versatility – Available in types for timber-to-timber or masonry-to-timber connections.

• Weather-resistance – Galvanized finish allows outdoor use without rusting.

• No damage to walls – Eliminates the need to cut into structural or masonry walls.

These benefits make joist hangers a favorite choice for DIY home improvement projects and professional builds alike.

Types of Joist Hangers

Choosing the right joist hanger depends on the type of connection required and the load being supported. Below are the most common joist hanger types used in construction:

1. Mini Joist Hangers

Ideal for light-duty applications such as ceiling trimmers, decking, or internal partitions. These hangers suit joists up to 78mm wide and 100mm deep, making them a go-to option for compact timber framing and smaller builds.

2. Face Fix Joist Hangers

These are timber-to-timber hangers used for securing joists to beams or ledger boards. They’re easy to install with nails or screws and are widely used in floor and ceiling construction.

3. Long Leg Joist Hangers

Long leg variants allow flexibility in multi-level floor systems. The legs can be bent to accommodate different floor depths and are particularly useful when floor levels vary.

4. Heavy Duty Joist Hangers

When structural load is higher, heavy-duty joist hangers offer added strength. They can support large timber beams or multiple trusses, making them ideal for industrial or multi-story buildings.

5. I-Joist Hangers

Designed specifically for I-Joists, these hangers offer full-depth support to prevent twisting or deformation under load. They’re available in face fix and top fix formats and include locating tabs for accurate placement.

6. Concealed Flange Joist Hangers

These hangers offer a clean, hidden aesthetic, commonly used in decorative timber frames or interior architecture.

7. Saddle Joist Hangers

These are used where a joist needs to straddle a supporting member and provide central load bearing. Ideal for mid-span support.

Masonry Joist Hangers: Connecting Timber to Masonry

When timber joists need to be anchored to brick or block walls, Masonry Joist Hangers are the answer. These eliminate the need for time-consuming wall recesses or coring.

Applications of Masonry Joist Hangers:

• Securing floor joists to external brick/block walls.

• Connecting timber beams in extensions or renovation work.

• Used both in new builds and restorations.

Types of Masonry Joist Hangers:

• Single Piece Joist Hanger – Basic and effective for general use.

• Welded Masonry Joist Hanger – Provides extra rigidity and strength.

• Welded Masonry Return Hanger – Adds lateral stability by wrapping around the back of the wall.

• Adjustable Lock Plate Hanger – Versatile with easy conversion to return hanger without special tools.

Note: When using masonry hangers, at least three courses of bricks (675mm) should be laid above the hanger before load is applied. The backplate should sit flush against the wall, with the flange inserted into a dry slot.

Joist Hanger Installation: Best Practices

Proper joist hanger installation is critical to ensuring structural performance.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Choose the Correct Size
   The hanger must match the width and depth of your joist. Always use full-depth hangers for full support.

2. Mark Spacing
   Joists are typically spaced at 400mm centres. Use a straight edge or a timber template for precise marking.

3. Fix with Nails or Screws
   Use only recommended fixings. Nails should be fully driven, and screws should be corrosion-resistant.

4. Install the Hangers Before or After Joists
   Many carpenters prefer nailing joists first and fitting the hangers later to ensure all joists sit flush.

5. Ensure Flush Alignment
   Check the top of all joists align with the supporting ledger or intermediate beams.

Choosing the Right Hanger for Your DIY Project

If you're tackling a DIY home improvement project, choosing the right joist hanger starts with understanding your materials and load requirements.

• For small timber framing like shelves, stairs or ceiling trimmers, go with Mini Joist Hangers.

• For decking and floor joists, Face Fix or Long Leg Joist Hangers are the best fit.

• For supporting heavy beams, opt for Heavy Duty Joist Hangers.

• For brick or block wall connections, select Masonry Joist Hangers for the best performance and ease of use.

Final Thoughts

The variety of joist hanger types available today makes them incredibly versatile, from small DIY tasks to full-scale construction. Whether you’re securing timber to timber or timber to masonry, there’s a perfect solution for every situation. With proper joist hanger installation techniques and an understanding of your project’s structural needs, you can ensure a safe, durable, and efficient build.

Looking for expert advice or need help selecting the right joist hanger? Reach out to our technical team—we’re here to support your next project from start to finish.