Page:Cassells' Carpentry and Joinery.djvu/87

 313 is a conventional view, and Fig. 314 a section through a floor of this description, clearly showing how the joists are supported by the brick fender round the fireplace. Oak is considered best for sleepers, and to ensure of its being thoroughly seasoned,





ship oak is sometimes specified. Formerly it was the practice, more so than at present, to notch or cog the joists to the sleepers. When the joists are deep enough, rows of herringbone strutting are introduced, as indicated at (Fig. 314), cut and fixed as shown later by Fig. 317.

The simplest floor consists of a row of beams or joists, varying in thickness and depth with the width or bearing between the walls on which they are supported. To the upper sides of these joists is nailed the floor-boarding, and to the under side the laths which carry the ceiling. These joists should not be placed at a greater distance than 15 in. from centre to centre. An ordinary example of a single floor is shown at Fig. 315, this figure being the plan of the timber of a floor of two