Which type of joist depth allows less fraying of the material when notching?

Choosing a joist with a greater depth, such as a 2x12, allows for less fraying of the material when notching. This is because a deeper joist provides more material around the notch, offering greater structural integrity and reducing the likelihood of damage to the wood fibers that can occur during cutting.

In applications where notching is necessary, such as to accommodate plumbing or electrical runs, deeper joists maintain their strength better because the sides of the notch are further from the edges of the joist. This results in a more stable structure overall, as it minimizes the risk of splintering or weakening the wood.

Using shallower joists, such as 2x6 or 2x8, would lead to closer proximity of the notch to the edges, which increases the risk of fraying. Although the 2x10 also offers some increased depth compared to a 2x6 or 2x8, it still does not provide as much structural benefit as the 2x12. Therefore, the 2x12 is considered the best choice for applications involving notching due to its ability to sustain integrity during modifications.