Floor Trusses: What Builders Need To Know Before Placing Their Order

The most effective way to fast-track construction is to utilize floor trusses – especially custom ones – which bring several advantages, including greater design freedom and amazing versatility. So if you have decided to order floor trusses for your next residential project in Ontario, you have made a wise choice. 

 

However, ordering these complex floor systems does not have to be a complicated affair. If you get a few key details right, you can avoid most issues that plague delivery – whether it's delays, redesigns, or expensive onsite modifications. 

 

At Fonthill Lumber Inc., we not only supply superior floor trusses in Ontario, but we also provide expert guidance on how to place the right order so the entire process is smooth for you – from the start to the finish. 

 

 

How To Place An Error-Free Floor Truss Order

 

Having helped countless contractors and builders with their floor truss requirements for the last 75 years, experts at Fonthill Lumber Inc. are here to show you how you can place an error-free order. 

 

 

Understand your span and load requirements

 

If you come to our team of truss designers for your next project, make sure you clearly state your requirements. This means providing accurate span and load information. When specifying your project, you must include critical details such as clear span lengths, live and dead loads, and the core purpose of the floor – whether it’s for residential use, storage rooms, mechanical rooms, etc. 

 

By furnishing accurate information, you ensure the floor trusses you order are manufactured in a precise manner, thus guaranteeing the correct fit the first time. That’s key to preventing issues such as revisions and inspection troubles later. 

 

 

Plan for mechanical and plumbing runs

 

Floor trusses feature an open-web design, which makes it super easy to accommodate HVAC ductwork, plumbing, and electrical runs. 

 

However, you can only make the most of their design flexibility if you discuss your project’s mechanical needs before the process of fabrication begins. When placing your order, you must share the exact dimensions of the ducts you intend to install, along with plumbing locations, so each element can be accommodated without the need for complex revisions on-site. 

 

 

Double-check floor depth and ceiling height measurements

 

The depth of a floor truss is a variable that is entirely dependent on the details of your project. So if you are not clear about the dimensions, the wrong depth size can adversely impact the finished ceiling height of your project, its stair rise and run calculations, and its overall elevation. 

 

However, by predetermining your desired floor thickness, you can avoid these issues, ensuring your project stays on track and aligns perfectly with its original blueprint. 

 

 

Know lead times and scheduling

 

While you might be able to get standard joists off the rack, floor trusses need to be carefully engineered before they can be shipped to your site. That means making them as per your project’s specifications can be a rather time-consuming prospect. 

 

It is critical to be mindful of various factors such as lead times, site readiness, and delivery coordination to ensure your order is processed smoothly. Coordinating with a reliable lumber yard can be useful in this regard. For example, at Fonthill Lumber Inc., we provide you with accurate and realistic timelines so you do not have to make last-minute changes to your framing schedule. 

 

 

Pre-arrange site access

 

Bear in mind that floor trusses make for a rather large shipment. So before they are delivered to your site, you must make a few crucial arrangements. These include offering clear access for delivery trucks, providing adequate staging space, and chalking out a proper storage area where you can keep the trusses safely off the ground. 

 

Preparing your site for delivery and storage can help you avoid unloading delays and pre-installation damage, thus saving you time and money. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

The most efficient and flexible floor system to work with, trusses can boost the longevity of your project – but only if you plan them right. Being careful and detailed with your order and partnering with the right lumber yard can set you up for a smooth and seamless delivery experience, which in turn can make it easier to finish your project on time and on budget. 

 

Fonthill Lumber Inc., one of the most reliable manufacturers of floor trusses in Ontario, is adept at designing and delivering premium materials that sync with the specifications of your project. Contact us to get trusses that keep your builds moving smoothly, right from framing to finish. 

 

 

FAQs

 

How long does it take to engineer floor trusses?

 

There is no fixed timeline when it comes to manufacturing floor trusses. Lead times can vary based on your project’s specifications, which is why it is important to plan early. 

 

Can floor trusses be used for renovation projects?

 

Yes, absolutely. When precisely specified and engineered, floor trusses can be the perfect addition or retrofit for various projects. 

 

Should builders review truss drawings before fabrication?

 

Yes, they should. A proper review of the specifications can be useful in avoiding unnecessarily expensive onsite modifications.