Is it expensive to replace joists?

Author: Prof. Alice Heaney  |  Last update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

Floor joist replacement costs $12,500 on average, typically between $5,000 and $20,000. You might pay as little as $2,000, while the largest and most complex jobs cost up to $30,000. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $2,000 per joist depending on the extent of the damage and its accessibility to your contractor.

How much does it cost to replace joists?

Joists. The long beams that provide the main structural support for the floor can cost $200 to $500 per room or $10 to $67 per square foot to repair. A full replacement costs $5,000 to $20,000. If you're only repairing individual joists, expect to pay $100 to $300 per joist.

Does insurance cover a broken floor joist?

Foundation damage caused by shifting or settling earth or sagging floors caused by rotting floor joists are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage is caused by flooding or an earthquake, you'll typically require separate coverage.

How much does it cost to replace rotten joists?

In cases where joists are severely compromised by rot or insect damage, replacement might be necessary. This process involves removing the old joists and installing new ones. Costs for replacement generally range from £1,000 to £3,500, factoring in materials and labour in an average-sized room.

Is it easy to replace floor joists?

Ultimately ripping up the subfloor and replacing the joists might not be extremely difficult, just time consuming, but it could be if you are running new joists under interior walls. The problem is also it might not just be the joists.

Floor Joist Cost Comparison

Is a broken floor joist a big deal?

Floor joists are what support your entire flooring structure. Besides impacting the level of your flooring, compromised joists can lead to drywall cracks, sticking doors, or more significant damage to your home.

When should joists be replaced?

Typical signs include soft or spongy areas in the floor, musty odors, discoloration and visible mold growth. Few homes don't use wood for their floor joists, so homeowners should be wary of these warning signs.

Who fixes floor joists?

Sagging floors usually indicate subflooring and floor joist issues. These repairs are significant and require the expertise of a carpenter—not a handyperson. Before laying down finished floors, hire a local carpenter specializing in unfinished work to help you with this major home improvement project.

How much does it cost to replace ceiling joists?

Fixing ceiling joists costs between $150 and $700. Joists provide structure and stability to the ceiling, running between the beams.

Will homeowners insurance cover rotted wood?

Homeowners insurance doesn't typically cover rotting wood; however, there are a few exceptions. If the rot is caused by a covered peril, homeowners will likely cover it. Wear and tear and maintenance issues are not covered. Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims.

Will insurance pay to replace the entire floor?

Dwelling coverage, on your condo or homeowners policy, may pay to repair or replace your floors and carpet if they're damaged by a covered peril. For instance, if your home's floors are damaged in a fire, your home insurance may pay for new flooring, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.

How much does it cost to repair a sagging floor joist?

Floor joist repair costs for sistering range from $12-$14 per foot. A full replacement can cost $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of your room and extent of the damage. When your floor drops, dips, or slopes, it often means you need floor joist repair near you to address sagging floor joists.

Can you repair rotten floor joists?

Repairing localized rot: for localized rot, consider attaching a new joist alongside the damaged one. This reinforces the structure without complete replacement, preserving some of the historic material. Cut out decayed sections and replace them with new timber.

How much does it cost to replace a rotten rim joist?

Rim joist replacement will run you $10 to $67 per square foot. A full repair job will cost between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the extent of the damage and square footage of the area.

Are floor joists load bearing?

The primary function of floor joists is to bear a load. They serve as the primary support for upper levels and are responsible for transferring the weight to vertical supports within the foundation. When upper levels are present, floor joists also provide support to the walls.

How to tell if a joist is bad?

Your gut tells you something is wrong, but how do you know if floor joists are bad? Some telltale signs include rotting wood, skewed and unlevel or hard-shutting window frames and doors, sinking crawl space supports, and cracks in interior drywalls.

Can I sister a rotted floor joist?

Sistering a joist is a common solution for older homes with weakened or damaged floor joists and for new construction where design changes require additional support. It's an effective way to repair and reinforce weak spots in the structure.

How much does joist sistering cost?

The cost to sister band boards or rim joists is $40-$50 per foot.

How do I know if my floor joists are rotten?

Ways to Identify a Rotten Floor Joist on Your Property
  1. Cracked doors and windows.
  2. Stained floors or ceilings.
  3. Mold or new allergies.
  4. Sagging or uneven floors.
  5. High condensation levels.
  6. Pest issues.

Can you replace floor joists yourself?

Replacing a floor joist is dangerous work. If you don't have any carpentry experience, call a professional to help you with your project. If you install a new floor joist incorrectly, you may weaken the structural integrity of your house. Wear protective eyewear and a dust mask whenever sawing wood.

How much do new joists cost?

According to our experts, the average cost of replacing floor joists is £400. Naturally, costs will vary depending on the scope of the work required. If you're dealing with cracked floorboards, these can be replaced for a small fee of around £200.

What is the average cost of joists?

How much does a Joist cost? A typical price for a Joist is $65 but can range from approximately $21 to $156.

What is the difference between a floor joist and a ceiling joist?

In the case of ceiling joists, they help to transfer loads from the roof to vertical members, prevent walls from crumbling and also provide a structure to attach the ceiling to. Floor joists are built to support the floor and any live/dead loads that will be placed on them.

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