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UK Joist Hanger Sizes & Load Ratings

Standard joist hanger sizes for 47 mm and 75 mm timber, masonry and timber-to-timber types with safe working loads.

Standard Masonry Joist Hangers (47 mm wide)

For building into blockwork or brickwork mortar courses. Minimum 100 mm bearing into masonry.

Standard Masonry Joist Hangers (47 mm wide)
Hanger Size (mm)Joist SizeSafe Working Load (kN)Typical Use
47 x 10047 x 100~4.5Ceiling joists, light rafters
47 x 12547 x 125~5.0Ceiling joists, flat roof joists
47 x 15047 x 150~5.5Floor joists (short spans)
47 x 17547 x 175~6.0Floor joists
47 x 20047 x 200~7.0Floor joists (standard domestic)
47 x 22547 x 225~8.0Floor joists (longer spans)

Safe working loads are indicative — always check manufacturer rated capacity (e.g. Simpson Strong-Tie, BAT, Expamet).

Standard Masonry Joist Hangers (75 mm wide)

Standard Masonry Joist Hangers (75 mm wide)
Hanger Size (mm)Joist SizeSafe Working Load (kN)Typical Use
75 x 15075 x 150~8.0Purlins, heavy rafters
75 x 20075 x 200~10.0Ridge boards, trimmer beams
75 x 22575 x 225~12.0Large purlins, structural beams

Timber-to-Timber (Face Fix) Hangers

Nail or screw-fixed to a supporting timber beam or header. All nail holes must be filled for rated capacity.

Timber-to-Timber (Face Fix) Hangers
TypeJoist Widths (mm)FixingNotes
Standard face fix38–50Joist hanger nailsMost common for trimmed openings
Heavy duty face fix47–75Joist hanger nails + boltsHigher loads, wider joists
Concealed flange47–75Nails into concealed flangesHidden fixing for exposed beams

Fixing Nails

Joist hanger nails are shorter and thicker than standard nails to maximise shear strength in the thin metal flanges. Typical sizes are 3.75 x 30 mm or 4.0 x 30 mm. Never substitute ordinary round wire nails — they do not develop the rated shear capacity.

Related Calculators

Use the Timber Span Calculator to determine joist sizes, or the UK Timber Sizes reference for standard joist dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: April 2026

Verified against UK standards · estimates only, confirm with your supplier.