What Is a Joist Hanger?

A joist hanger is a metal bracket designed to support a timber joist without relying on end bearing. Instead, the joist is carried within the hanger and fixed back to masonry or timber using appropriate fixings.

Joist hangers are commonly used in:

• Floor construction
• Decking and external structures
• Loft conversions
• Stair trimmers and openings
• Timber framing and refurbishment work

Most joist hangers are manufactured from pre-galvanised steel for corrosion resistance, with stainless steel options available for higher exposure environments.

Masonry Joist Hangers

Masonry joist hangers are designed to support timber joists from brick or block walls. They can be built in during new construction or retrofitted during refurbishment by raking out existing mortar joints.

Single Piece Masonry Hangers

Single piece masonry hangers are formed from one section of steel and are commonly used where standard loading and access conditions apply.

They’re suitable for:

• New build masonry walls
• Refurbishment work where brickwork can be opened
• Supporting joists from block or brickwork

For joist depths over 150mm, hangers are typically manufactured slightly shorter to allow for notching and regularised timber.

Welded Masonry Hangers

Welded masonry hangers offer additional rigidity through a welded construction, making them suitable where higher loads or increased stability are required.

They’re often used:

• On heavier structural floors
• Where additional strength is specified
• On projects requiring higher corrosion resistance (with stainless options available)

As with single piece hangers, allowance is made for joist regularisation on deeper sizes.

Multi-Functional Joist Hangers

Multi-functional joist hangers are designed for applications where access to the top of the timber or steel is restricted, or where fixing conditions vary.

Multi-Functional Hangers

These hangers provide greater flexibility by allowing different fixing methods depending on the substrate and load requirements.

They’re commonly used:

• Where top fixing access isn’t available
• On steel or timber supports
• Where increased fixing options improve performance

The overall length refers to the hanger when laid flat, which is important when planning installation.

Mini Multi-Functional Hangers

Mini versions are designed for similar applications but in more compact or lighter-duty scenarios.

They’re often specified:

• Where space is limited
• On smaller joists
• Where flexibility is required without a full-size hanger

Timber-to-Timber Joist Hangers

Timber joist hangers are used to connect one timber member to another, rather than fixing back to masonry.

Mini Timber Hangers

Mini timber hangers are lightweight and economical, designed for light-duty timber connections.

Typical uses include:

• Loft hatches
• Decking
• Ceiling joists and trimmers

A tag on the base of the hanger helps prevent rotation during installation.

No Tag Timber Hangers

No tag timber hangers are designed for quick installation while still providing reliable support.

Key benefits include:

• Faster fixing
• Reduced nail requirements
• Suitable for joists up to 220mm deep

They’re commonly used on joists and stairwell trimming where efficiency matters.

Standard Timber Hangers

Standard timber hangers provide a simple, all-round solution for timber-to-timber connections.

They’re suitable for:

• General joist support
• Stair trimmers
• Floor construction

With increased leg lengths, they can accommodate joists up to 225mm deep.

Long Leg Timber Hangers

Long leg timber hangers are designed for deeper joist applications and situations where the hanger extends below the supporting beam.

They’re ideal for:

• Loft conversions
• Under-slung floor joists
• Deeper timber sections

These hangers can support joists up to 250mm deep and are commonly specified on structural refurbishments.

Bulk Supply for Trade Use

Joist hangers are typically installed in quantity, which is why they’re commonly supplied in bulk packs. Buying in bundles helps ensure consistency on site and avoids delays caused by shortfalls.

Our range of joist hangers includes bulk pack options suitable for professional installers, contractors and developers.

Choosing the Right Joist Hanger

When selecting joist hangers, consider:

• Whether you’re fixing into masonry or timber
• Joist depth and loading requirements
• Access to the top of the joist
• Installation type (new build or refurbishment)
• Environmental exposure and corrosion resistance

Using the correct hanger type helps ensure structural integrity and compliance with building requirements.

Trade-Grade Joist Hangers

We supply a range of joist hangers from Timco, selected for reliable performance and suitability for trade and site use.

Explore the relevant joist hanger categories to find the right solution for your application.