Why is installing joists with hangers preferred over toe-nailing them to beams?

Installing joists with hangers is preferred primarily because it provides more protection against uplift and twisting. Joist hangers create a secure, fixed point where the joists connect to the beams or ledger boards. This connection enhances the structural integrity of the framing by providing a solid anchor, which helps to keep the joists in place during various stresses, such as those caused by wind or seismic activity.

When joists are toe-nailed, they rely on nails driven at an angle to hold them in place, which can be less reliable than a joist hanger connection. This method can also create vulnerabilities where the joists might twist or move, leading to increased risks of structural failure. By utilizing hangers, builders can ensure that the forces applied to the structure are more effectively managed, resulting in a safer and more durable assembly.

Options related to aesthetic appeal, structural weight, and labor intensity might be situationally relevant, but they do not directly address the crucial factors of stability and protection against movement that come from using joist hangers.