Will 2x4's and joist hangers hold up drywall?

Question

I want to put a ceiling in my cottage. It currently has a vaulted ceiling and I want it to be an 8' instead. If I use joist hangers and 2x4's will that hold the weight of the drywall? And if so, how far apart would the 2x4's need to be to support it and what size and type nails would I use to hang the joist hangers?

Answer 1

Your question is unanswerable because there are no dimensions and no indication of how the hangers will be installed.  

Answer 2

   Woodtick asks a valid Q. What is the span? To further answer, with my own opinions, 2 x 6 at the very least, if for no other reason than to support gravity weight, and reduce a possiblity of warp and flex.

   Certainly joist hangers can work, as well as toe nailing.

   In your case 24 inch on center would be adequate, and it is unlikely there are any code issues, though I'd probably do 16 inch on center, even if it's overkill.

   The hardware has specific nails for the purpose, and I'd still toe nail screws into the joists to the framing.

Answer 3

What is the span of the ceiling?  2x4's will span no more than 8 feet or so.  Check with your local building inspector to verify what is required.  In any case, you will want to space them on 16" centers.  For the hangers you should use 1-1/2 joist hanger nails.  They are thicker than standard common nails and are manufactured specifically for that purpose.  To nail through the joists, it depends on the type of hanger you use.  Some use hanger nails, others require 10d or 16d sinkers cross nailed through the hanger into the ledger board.  Hope this helps.

Answer 4

It depends on 3 things: 1) what is the span? 2) what is the grade and species of the lumber? 3) is the attic intended for storage?

Lets start with the Span. IRC Table R802.4(1) allows 2x4 Ceiling Joists, 12" O.C., to span from 10'-10" up to 13'-2"; depending upon the species & grade of lumber used.

Around here, the normal framing lumber is #2 SPF; that will span 11'-10" with a deflection of 1/240 - IF there is no attic storage.

Now, here's a catch: the IRC requires any attic with a height of 30" anywhere in the attic, and a total area of 30 sq. ft., or more, to be accessible. Now, will your Building Inspector call that an attic with limited storage? If so, #2 SPF drops to an allowable span of 9'-5".

Some cottages might well be under 10'-11" in width, but not too many are narrow enough to be able to use 2x4 joists with limited attic storage. Even with Limited Storage, a 2x6 (#2 SPF) has an allowable span of14'-9", when installed 12" on center.

As for hangers and nails, if you are going to set the joists right on the top plate of the wall, you don't need hangers; and, since your rafters are probably not 12" O.C., you will have to set them on the top plate. Make sure it is a double plate, if it is not, you will have to set the joists within 5" of the stud below it. when talking about the construction of a "cottage", it is never wise to assume anything. It was probably built long enough ago that no permit was required, and with whatever materials the owner/builder could get his hands on CHEAP.

Whenever installing joist hangers, consult the Manufacturer's Installation Guide or Catalog. You will be surprised at how little those 1-1/2" "Hanger nails" are allowed to be used. In most cases, the smallest nail allowed is a "full" 3" 10d nail.

Check with your local Building Department to see what Code they use, and ask the Inspector for some Span Tables. Don't trust the guy at the local "home center" or even the lumber yard. Ask some questions of the right people, and avoid doing it over.