Advantages of Floor Trusses Over TGI Joists

When it comes to choosing the right floor framing system for your construction project, understanding the options available can significantly impact structural performance, installation ease, and overall cost efficiency. Two popular choices are floor trusses and TGI (Truss Joist I-Beam) joists. While both systems serve the purpose of supporting floors, floor trusses offer distinct advantages that make them an attractive option for many builders and homeowners.

1. Enhanced Design Flexibility

Floor trusses are highly customizable, allowing for greater design freedom compared to TGI joists. They can be engineered to accommodate longer spans, providing more open floor plans without the need for additional support beams or columns. This makes them ideal for modern designs that prioritize spacious layouts.

2. Simplified Installation of Mechanical Systems

One standout feature of floor trusses is their open-web design, which creates natural voids for running mechanical systems such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC ducts. Unlike TGI joists, which often require notching or drilling, floor trusses minimize the need for labor-intensive modifications, saving time and reducing the risk of compromising structural integrity.

3. Superior Strength and Load-Bearing Capacity

Floor trusses are engineered to distribute loads more evenly across the structure, resulting in higher strength and load-bearing capacity. Their construction can be tailored to meet specific project requirements, including heavy-duty applications, providing better overall performance than TGI joists in certain scenarios.

4. Reduced Construction Time

Thanks to their prefabricated nature and ease of installation, floor trusses can significantly speed up construction timelines. Their ability to accommodate mechanical systems without additional modifications further contributes to efficiency, reducing labor costs and ensuring a smoother workflow on-site.

5. Minimal Floor Bounce

Floor trusses are designed to reduce vibration and bounce, providing a more solid and stable floor system. This advantage is particularly important in residential settings, where comfort and quality are priorities. While TGI joists are also engineered to mitigate bounce, floor trusses tend to excel in this aspect.

6. Cost Efficiency in the Long Run

Although floor trusses may have a slightly higher upfront cost, their advantages in terms of installation efficiency, reduced modifications, and improved structural performance often translate to long-term savings. Builders and homeowners alike benefit from fewer labor hours, less material waste, and enhanced durability over time.

Conclusion

While TGI joists remain a reliable option for many projects, floor trusses provide unique benefits that cater to modern construction demands. With advantages in design flexibility, ease of installation, superior strength, and cost efficiency, floor trusses are the superior choice for projects that require high performance and adaptability.

Because we strive to build high performing homes at Bird Dog Construction, all of our projects utilize floor truss systems.  The allows us to provide a better longer lasting product that gives you as the homeowner a better, more livable home, while providing flexibility.