Builders who use parallel-chord floor trusses praise the fact that they let you run all your mechanicals without cutting holes, but complain that trusses can't be trimmed to fit. The Open Joist 2000 offers the best of both worlds. Like other trusses, the Open Joist comes in long lengths (up to 30 feet in 1-foot increments), but you can cut a total of 11 inches off of the overall length by trimming the solid web blocking on each end. And because the Open Joist's graded lumber is finger-jointed using a waterproof, resorcinol glue, it costs 25% less than trusses made from stress-rated lumber and steel plates. (Machinestress- rated lumber is available for longer spans.) The design doesn't
