Learn what you can safely suspend from above
Ceiling joists support the roof and building weight.
Wooden joists hold 50 to 100 pounds per square foot.
Standard ceiling joist spacing is 16 or 24 inches apart.
Find joists with stud finders or by measuring, tapping, or looking at exposed joists.
Use the right hanging hardware to suspend items from ceiling joists.
Ceilings don’t have to be unused space. Thanks to the strength of ceiling joists, you can hang lighting and plants or suspend chairs and play platforms. Ceiling joists run above ceilings, support the roof, distribute the structural load, and prevent walls from bowing. Below, we discuss how much weight a ceiling joist can hold, how to find them, and how to hang your favorite decor safely.
How much weight ceiling joists hold depends on their size and spacing and what they’re made of. Wooden joists can support 50 to 100 pounds per square foot. Steel joists are more common in commercial buildings and can handle higher loads.
Joists are spaced at regular intervals of 16 or 24 inches apart. Larger joists spanning shorter distances can carry more weight. When joists are closer together, the weight distribution is greater, and their load-bearing capacity increases. The longer the span, the less weight the joist can handle.
When hanging something heavy from your ceiling, start by finding a joist. Just like with studs in walls, joists give you something solid to drill or screw into so the item you’re hanging isn’t relying on the strength of drywall or ceiling materials. Remember that joists are spaced on center, meaning you’ll measure from the center of one joist to the center of another.
Here are the four best ways to find a ceiling joist:
Use a stud finder: Electronic stud finders are the easiest way to locate ceiling joists. They detect dense materials, and joists are the densest material in ceilings. Run the stud finder across the ceiling until it beeps to indicate a joist.
Measure from the wall: Normal ceiling joist spacing is 16- or 24-inch intervals, so measure out from a wall to estimate where a joist will be. Then, use a stud finder or drill a small test hole to confirm.
Tap the ceiling: Joists are solid, and drywall isn’t, so you can hear a difference when you tap. Use a hammer or broomstick to gently tap the ceiling, moving out from a wall toward the center. You’ll hear a hollow sound when tapping between joists and a solid thump when tapping directly over one. This isn’t the most accurate method, so use it as a backup or to double-check other methods.
Look in your attic or basement: If you can access the attic or basement directly above or below the room where you want to hang an item from the ceiling, use visible joists in those rooms to help you do the math. Measure the joist location, then measure the ceiling to locate the joist. Use a stud finder to confirm.
If you’re uncomfortable or not confident finding ceiling joists, call a local ceiling company to help map out the ceiling or make repairs.
It’s crucial to understand the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists if you’re going to hang anything from the ceiling. If you exceed the weight limit of a joist, you can damage it or crack or collapse the ceiling. Once you’ve found a joist, confirm you’re using the right hanging method and hardware to suspend your item safely. Here are some of the best options:
Ceiling hooks and anchors: Buy heavy-duty ceiling hooks and anchors that are rated for the weight of your item. Screw the hook directly into the center of the joist.
Lag screws: When installing home gym equipment, punching bags, swings, or seats, use lag screws or lag bolts. These large wood screws have hexagonal heads designed to hold heavy weight and withstand movement stress. To install a lag screw, drill a pilot hole to prevent splitting the joist, then screw directly into the wood.
Mounting brackets or mounting beams: To hang heavy items like hammocks, chandeliers, floating beds, or platforms, consider specialized mounting brackets that distribute weight across several joists. Install a ceiling beam for maximum support.
Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them.
You can walk on ceiling joists, but do it carefully and only when necessary. Joists support the ceiling and moderate loads. If you must walk on them—for example, if you’re working in the attic—step directly on the joists, not the spaces between. Try to distribute your weight evenly to prevent ceiling damage. If you need to walk across ceiling joists frequently or during a longer job, place thick plywood across the joists as a walking surface that will distribute your weight more safely.
You can strengthen ceiling joists so they can handle more weight. One of the most common ways is sistering or attaching additional joists alongside existing ones. You can also add support beams or install strapping or blocking between joists to reduce flexing and movement.
Consider strengthening ceiling joists if you plan to hang heavy items from the ceiling or when converting an attic into a living space. But first, consult with a structural engineer to ensure your modifications meet safety requirements and local codes.
