Joist vs. Beam: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A joist is a horizontal structure in flooring or ceilings for support, while a beam is a main horizontal structural member that carries loads, often found in roofs, bridges, or floors.
Key Differences
A joist is specifically used in floor and ceiling frameworks, providing support and stability. A beam, however, is a primary load-bearing element, integral to the overall structure of a building, bridge, or similar construction.
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Nov 28, 2023
Joists are designed to distribute weight across a floor or ceiling, typically supporting flooring material. Beams are engineered to carry significant loads, often transferring weight to columns or foundations.
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Joists are generally smaller and numerous, making up a repetitive framework. Beams are larger, fewer in number, and serve as the main structural support in construction.
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In many structures, joists rest on or are connected to beams, which in turn are supported by columns or walls. Beams can be independent structural elements or part of a larger framework.
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Both joists and beams come in various materials like wood, steel, or concrete, and their design varies based on architectural requirements. However, beams are typically more robust due to their critical load-bearing function.
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Nov 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Structural Role
Support floors and ceilings
Main horizontal support, carrying heavy loads
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Placement in Structure
Horizontal in floors and ceilings
Horizontal in roofs, floors, bridges
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Load and Function
Distributes weight across a surface
Carries significant weight to columns or foundations
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Interaction with Others
Often rest on or connect to beams
Support or are supported by columns, walls
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Joist and Beam Definitions
Joist
Horizontal support in floors/ceilings
The carpenters installed new joists in the floor.
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Nov 23, 2023
Beam
Carries loads to columns or walls
A steel beam transferred the roof's weight to the walls.
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Nov 23, 2023
Joist
Typically smaller than beams
The joists were less robust than the main beams.
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Nov 23, 2023
Beam
Larger and fewer than joists
Each beam in the structure was carefully placed.
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Joist
Support for decking or flooring material
The deck's durability depends on its joists.
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Beam
A squared-off log or a large, oblong piece of timber, metal, or stone used especially as a horizontal support in construction.
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Joist
Member of a framing system
Each joist was carefully measured for the framework.
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Beam
A transverse structural member of a ship's frame, used to support a deck and to brace the sides against stress.
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Joist
Any of the wood, steel, or concrete beams set parallel from wall to wall or across or abutting girders to support a floor or ceiling.
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Joist
A piece of timber or steel laid horizontally, or nearly so, to which the planks of the floor, or the laths or furring strips of a ceiling, are nailed.
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Beam
An oscillating lever connected to an engine piston rod and used to transmit power to the crankshaft.
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Joist
Parallel, repetitive structural elements
Joists were spaced evenly for stability.
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Beam
The main horizontal bar on a plow to which the share, coulter, and handles are attached.
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Beam
A concentrated stream of particles or a similar propagation of waves
A beam of protons.
A beam of light.
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Beam
To express by means of a radiant smile
He beamed his approval of the new idea.
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Beam
Any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use.
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Beam
One of the principal horizontal structural members, usually of steel, timber, or concrete, of a building; one of the transverse members of a ship's frame on which the decks are laid — supported at the sides by knees in wooden ships and by stringers in steel ones.
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Beam
(nautical) The maximum width of a vessel (note that a vessel with a beam of 15 foot can also be said to be 15 foot abeam).
This ship has more beam than that one.
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Beam
(nautical) The direction across a vessel, perpendicular to fore-and-aft.
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Beam
The crossbar of a mechanical balance, from the ends of which the scales are suspended.
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Beam
(textiles) A cylinder of wood, making part of a loom, on which weavers wind the warp before weaving and the cylinder on which the cloth is rolled, as it is woven.
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Beam
The central bar of a plow, to which the handles and colter are secured, and to the end of which are attached the oxen or horses that draw it.
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Beam
In steam engines, a heavy iron lever having an oscillating motion on a central axis, one end of which is connected with the piston rod from which it receives motion, and the other with the crank of the wheel shaft.
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Beam
A ray or collection of approximately parallel rays emitted from the sun or other luminous body.
A beam of light
A beam of energy
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Beam
(music) A horizontal bar which connects the stems of two or more notes to group them and to indicate metric value.
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Beam
(railway) An elevated rectangular dirt pile used to cheaply build an elevated portion of a railway.
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Beam
(ambitransitive) To emit beams of light; to shine; to radiate.
To beam forth light
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Beam
To transmit matter or information via a high-tech wireless mechanism.
Beam me up, Scotty; there's no intelligent life down here.
The injured crewmembers were immediately beamed to sickbay.
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Beam
To connect (musical notes) with a beam, or thick line, in music notation.
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Beam
Any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use.
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Beam
One of the principal horizontal timbers of a building or ship.
The beams of a vessel are strong pieces of timber stretching across from side to side to support the decks.
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Beam
The width of a vessel; as, one vessel is said to have more beam than another.
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Beam
The bar of a balance, from the ends of which the scales are suspended.
The doubtful beam long nods from side to side.
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Beam
The principal stem or horn of a stag or other deer, which bears the antlers, or branches.
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Beam
A cylinder of wood, making part of a loom, on which weavers wind the warp before weaving; also, the cylinder on which the cloth is rolled, as it is woven; one being called the fore beam, the other the back beam.
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Beam
The main part of a plow, to which the handles and colter are secured, and to the end of which are attached the oxen or horses that draw it.
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Beam
A heavy iron lever having an oscillating motion on a central axis, one end of which is connected with the piston rod from which it receives motion, and the other with the crank of the wheel shaft; - called also working beam or walking beam.
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Beam
A ray or collection of parallel rays emitted from the sun or other luminous body; as, a beam of light, or of heat.
How far that little candle throws his beams!
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Beam
One of the long feathers in the wing of a hawk; - called also beam feather.
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Beam
To send forth; to emit; - followed ordinarily by forth; as, to beam forth light.
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Beam
A signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides pilots in darkness or bad weather
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Beam
Long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in construction
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Beam
Emit light; be bright, as of the sun or a light;
The sun shone bright that day
The fire beamed on their faces
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Beam
Broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television;
We cannot air this X-rated song
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Beam
Especially of the complexion: show a strong bright color, such as red or pink;
Her face glowed when she came out of the sauna
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Beam
Experience a feeling of well-being or happiness, as from good health or an intense emotion;
She was beaming with joy
Her face radiated with happiness
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Beam
Primary horizontal support structure
The beam was crucial for the building's stability.
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Beam
Integral in roofs, bridges, or floors
The bridge's beams were inspected for safety.
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Beam
Can be made of wood, steel, or concrete
Concrete beams formed the foundation of the skyscraper.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can joists support a building structure?
They support floors and ceilings but are not primary load-bearing like beams.
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Nov 28, 2023
What is the main difference between a joist and a beam?
A joist supports floors and ceilings, while a beam is a main load-bearing element.
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Nov 28, 2023
How are joists and beams connected?
Joists often rest on or are connected to beams for support.
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Do joists need to be treated for outdoor use?
If used outdoors, like in decks, they should be treated for weather resistance.
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How long can beams span without support?
Span length varies based on material strength and the load they carry.
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Are beams always made of steel?
Beams can be made of various materials, including wood, steel, and concrete.
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Is the size of joists standardized?
The size can vary based on the building design and load requirements.
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Are beams visible in finished buildings?
Sometimes, especially in industrial or contemporary designs.
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Can joists be replaced or repaired?
Yes, but it typically requires professional assessment and work.
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What factors affect the choice of beam material?
Load requirements, architectural design, and environmental conditions.
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Do joists help in insulation?
They can play a role in housing insulation materials, especially in ceilings.
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Can beams be used in residential construction?
Yes, beams are used in various types of construction, including residential.
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How are joists spaced in a floor?
Spacing depends on the load they need to support and the floor material.
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Can beams be decorative as well as functional?
Yes, especially in architectural designs where aesthetics are a focus.
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Can beams be used in landscaping?
Yes, especially in structures like pergolas or garden features.
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How do environmental factors affect joist selection?
Factors like humidity, temperature, and potential pest issues are considered.
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Is it common to replace beams during renovations?
It depends on the building's condition and the extent of renovation.
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Nov 28, 2023
What maintenance do joists require?
Regular inspections for signs of wear, damage, or infestation.
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Are there different types of joists?
Yes, including solid lumber, engineered wood, and steel joists.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are beam and joist calculations part of architectural design?
Yes, they are crucial in ensuring structural integrity and safety.
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Nov 28, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
