___ are heavy beams that support the inner ends of floor joists.

___ are heavy beams that support the inner ends of floor joists.

• A. Girders
• B. Beams
• C. Headers
• D. Struts

Answer: (A)

In floor framing, the main horizontal member that carries the load of the joists is the girder. The inner ends of floor joists sit on this heavy beam, which is supported by posts or walls and transfers the load down to the foundation. Girders are larger and stronger than ordinary beams because they support multiple joists and often an entire floor. Headers are the horizontal members above openings in walls, not related to supporting floor joists. Struts are diagonal or upright members that provide compressive support, typically in roofs or frames, not the joist ends. While a general beam can carry floor loads, the term that specifically describes the heavy primary support for the joist ends is girder.

In floor framing, the main horizontal member that carries the load of the joists is the girder. The inner ends of floor joists sit on this heavy beam, which is supported by posts or walls and transfers the load down to the foundation. Girders are larger and stronger than ordinary beams because they support multiple joists and often an entire floor.

Headers are the horizontal members above openings in walls, not related to supporting floor joists. Struts are diagonal or upright members that provide compressive support, typically in roofs or frames, not the joist ends. While a general beam can carry floor loads, the term that specifically describes the heavy primary support for the joist ends is girder.