Timber purlins and joists form the roof and floor framing in timber framed buildings. The old school way to do the joinery is to dovetail them in. Unfortunately, the beautiful dovetail is hidden in the finished building, but its strength and integrity is not. It is a strong joint that lasts over time.
When very heavy loads are involved in a floor or roof system, we use shouldered lap joints. The lap joint allows us to maintain cross sectional area in the girts (main carrying beams).
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Have a Question?BROWSE THE TYPES OF JOISTS & PURLINS
Dovetailed Purlins in a Hip Rafter
Here, roof purlins are dovetailed into a heavy timber hip rafter.
Dove Tail Joint in Timber
This joint is strong and beautiful. It is held fast by hardwood wedges that are driving against the angled cut.
Lapped Purlins on Timber Rafter
In order to reduce the amount of wood that is cut out of this top chord, the purlins for the roof system were lapped in and screwed with log hog screws. There is a one inch deep cut in the top of the top chord, and a one inch cut in the bottom of the purlin.
Purlin and Rafter into a Valley
Another View of a Purlin and Rafter into a Valley
Lapped and Shouldered Floor Joist
This joint is used when a girt spans a long distance and every inch of section is critical.
INTERACTIVE PDFS
In order to gain an interactive 3D view of some of these joints and connections, download the required specialized applications below. Then click on the icons listed to view the interactive PDF.
