I am in the process of replacing 4 floor joists and the new 2x10s are 1/4" taller than what was previously there. I understand that as the lumber dries out it will shrink but how do i handle the 1/4" difference to have a level subfloor and not crack the tile i put on top.
How to deal with lumber size differences when replacing floor joists
joists
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Best Answer
I doubt your lumber will shrink 1/4" in width; it might shrink that much in length, but that won't affect your floor. Lumber has been cut differently over time. Just cut out a notch where the joist sits on the sill plate and center beam. If your lumber was too small, you would shim it, notching is just the opposite.
Once your subfloor is screwed or nailed with ring-shank nails(and glued to prevent squeaking) to the joist, there is little chance that there will be shrinking in a direction that causes any problems. Make sure you use quality flexible mastic under the tile and you will be fine.
I renovated an old house that had a variety of different thickness and width boards. You just notch and shim as much as you need to.