Timber Framers Guild Forums Archive Archive -- TF design Floor-Over vs. T&G

I have a situation where we wish (new construction) to floor-over the kitchen and dining area so that I may use the area above it as storage or an extra bedroom. The hitch is that I want to use recessed lighting in the kitchen and dining area. So we wish to use sheet rock between the beams versus the typical T&G. Also, we want to maintain the beauty of the beams without lowering the area between the beams to accommodate the lighting fixtures. So I am looking for some suggestions & details as to how this might be accomplished.

Thanks in advance, York

York, Generally the floor joists are morticed in to the Tie beams or girts so that the tops of the joist and beam are flush to receive your T&G flooring. If you are using the room above for storage or a spare room, place the joists on top of the beams raising the floor the thickness of floor joists. This will allow you to place recessed lighting between the floor joists and you can sheet rock or T&G the bottom of your floor joists, leaving you fully exposed beams. Most new recessed lighting have cans that are 4",5",or6" deep that will work in your application.
Good Luck, John

A similar solution to John's suggestion is to use a conventionally framed flooring system over the timber frame. Should cost less and allow for additional flooring choices.

York, I agree with M.T.F. A floor joist system over your timber frame is a great suggestion. This is also a great place to hide all your mechanicals. Good luck, John