What are Joist Hangers & Joist Hanger Nails?
Joist hangers are metal connectors that secure joists to ledgers, beams, or girders for a stronger, code-compliant connection. When paired with the correct joist hanger nails, they deliver high shear capacity, uplift resistance, and consistent installation—especially important for decks, docks, and outdoor structures where loads and moisture are a factor.
Why choose 316 Stainless for Decks & Docks?
- Superior corrosion resistance: 316 stainless is the preferred grade in coastal, dock, and salt-spray environments.
- Longevity: Resists staining, pitting, and galvanic corrosion—critical where treated lumber and fasteners interact.
- Code-forward choice: Modern deck codes emphasize connectors (not just toe-nailing) for shear and uplift performance.
Types of Joist Hangers We Offer
Standard Face-Mount Joist Hangers
Workhorse connectors for straight, square framing—fast, reliable load transfer into ledgers or beams.
Concealed-Flange Joist Hangers
Clean look with edges tucked inside the joist pocket. Great where visible hardware should be minimized.
Skewed Joist Hangers
Factory-skewed solutions for angled conditions (e.g., 45° bays or diagonal framing) while maintaining capacity.
Joist Hanger Specifications - Standard Joist Hangers
| Joist Hanger Size / Type: | 2 x 4 / Single | 2 x 4 / Double | 2 x 6 / Single | 2 x 6 / Double | 2 x 8 / Single | 2 x 8 / Double | 2 x 10 / Single | 2 x 10 / Double |
| Manufacturer Part Number: | JUS24 | JUS24-2 | JUS26 | JUS26-2 | JUS28 | JUS28-2 | JUS210 | JUS210-2 |
| Simpson Part Number: | LUS24 | LUS24-2 | LUS26 | LUS26-2 | LUS28 | LUS28-2 | LUS210 | LUS210-2 |
| Dimensions (Width): | 1-9/16" | 3-1/8" | 1-9/16" | 3-1/8" | 1-9/16" | 3-1/8" | 1-9/16" | 3-1/8" |
| Dimensions (Height): | 3-1/8" | 3-7/16" | 4-13/16" | 5-1/4" | 6-5/8" | 7-1/8" | 7-3/4" | 9-1/8" |
| Dimensions (Depth): | 1-3/4" | 2" | 1-3/4" | 2" | 1-3/4" | 2" | 1-3/4" | 2" |
| Floor Load (Lbs.): | 675 | 805 | 870 | 1040 | 1110 | 1325 | 1350 | 1845 |
| Uplift Load (Lbs.): | 510 | 325 | 1115 | 1355 | 1115 | 1355 | 1115 | 1980 |
| Steel Gauge: | 18 | |||||||
| Material: | 316 Stainless Steel | |||||||
When to Use Each Hanger Style
- Standard: Most deck joist-to-ledger or joist-to-beam connections; fast install, strong shear and uplift.
- Concealed-flange: Cleaner aesthetics on visible framing or fascia-adjacent joists.
- Skewed: For bays, bump-outs, and diagonal layouts where joists meet at an angle.
Joist Hanger Specifications - Concealed Joist Hangers
| Joist Hanger Size / Type: | 2 x 6 / Single | 2 x 6 / Double | 2 x 8 / Double | 2 x 10 / Double |
| Manufacturer Part Number: | JL26IF-SS | HD26-2IFSS | HD28-2IFSS | HD210-2IFSS |
| Simpson Part Number: | LUC26SS | HUC26-2SS | HUC28-2SS | HUC210-2SS |
| Dimensions (Width): | 1-9/16" | 3-1/8" | 3-1/8" | 3-1/8" |
| Dimensions (Height): | 4-1/2" | 5-1/8" | 7-1/8" | 9" |
| Dimensions (Depth): | 1-1/2" | 2-1/2" | 2-1/2" | 2-1/2" |
| Floor Load (Lbs.): | 695–830 | 1690 | 1975 | 2540 |
| Uplift Load (Lbs.): | 730 | 1140 | 1140 | 1905 |
| Steel Gauge: | 18 | 14 | ||
| Material: | 316 Stainless Steel | |||
Installation Tips (High-Level)
- Use the right fasteners: Hanger capacity depends on the specified nails (not drywall screws). For stainless hangers, use stainless nails of matching grade.
- Fill the holes as required: Face-nail and joist-nail patterns are part of the tested load path; don’t skip required holes.
- Flush fit: The joist should bear fully against the hanger seat and flanges—no gaps.
- Skewed/angled cases: Use purpose-built skewed hangers instead of bending standard hangers on site.
Joist Hanger Specifications - Skewed Joist Hangers
| Joist Hanger Size / Type: | 2 x 4 - L/R | 2 x 6 - L/R | 2 x 10 - L/R |
| Manufacturer Part Number: | SKH24L-SS / SKH24R-SS | SKH26L-SS / SKH26R-SS | SKH210L-SS / SKH210R-SS |
| Simpson Part Number: | SUL24SS / SUR24SS | SUL26SS / SUR26SS | SUL210SS / SUR210SS |
| Dimensions (Width): | 1-9/16" | 1-9/16" | 1-9/16" |
| Dimensions (Height): | 3-1/4" | 5-1/4" | 9-1/4" |
| Dimensions (Depth): | 1-7/8" | 1-7/8" | 1-7/8" |
| Floor Load (Lbs.): | 510 | 830 | 1790 |
| Uplift Load (Lbs.): | 565 | 1085 | 1565 |
| Steel Gauge: | 16 | ||
| Material: | 316 Stainless Steel | ||
Joist Hanger Nails vs. Screws
Most hangers are tested and listed with specific nails for both the face and the joist nailing pattern. Structural screws can be used only when the hanger manufacturer specifically allows them. For stainless hangers in coastal use, choose stainless nails of the same grade to reduce galvanic issues.
FAQs
Are joist hangers strong enough?
Yes—when installed with the specified nails and all required holes filled. They provide predictable shear and uplift capacity compared with toe-nailing.
Can I use screws in joist hangers?
Use only screws specifically approved by the hanger manufacturer. Otherwise, use the listed nails; unlisted screws can drastically reduce capacity.
Are joist hangers required by code?
Many deck code guides require approved connectors for joist-to-ledger/beam connections instead of toe-nailing, especially in high-wind or seismic regions.
Should I use stainless hangers on a deck?
For exterior and coastal projects, 316 stainless is the safest long-term option, resisting corrosion from moisture, salt, and treated-wood chemistry.
Are joist hangers stronger than screws?
In most deck applications, a listed hanger with the correct nails provides higher, verified load paths (shear/uplift) than ad-hoc screw fastening at the joist end.