Why should I even consider an engineered joist when traditional solid joists are cheaper?
Solid 2x joists are cheaper on a per unit basis. However, studies have shown that by the time culls, waste and labor are considered, a more superior TrimJoist™ floor system could have been installed. In addition, since TrimJoist™ products use 2×4 raw materials, the environmental impact is much smaller than the loss of large old-growth trees that are required for traditional joists. Approximately 35% of each TrimJoist™ is recycled material.