Pieces of lumber, called floor ________________, give strength and stability to the floor of a building.

The pieces of lumber referred to as floor joists play a crucial role in providing strength and stability to a building's floor. Joists are horizontal supports that are typically spaced evenly apart to hold up the floor decking. They help to distribute weight from the flooring materials and any loads that may be placed on the floor, such as furniture or people, ensuring the floor remains stable and can handle these loads without sagging or collapsing.

Joists are vital in maintaining the structural integrity of a building's floor. They allow for an even surface while also facilitating airflow and insulation between the spaces below the floor, which is especially important in residential construction. Unlike beams, which are larger horizontal supports that can span wider spaces and carry heavier loads, joists are specifically designed for flooring applications.

Additionally, rafters are components associated with the roof structure, while planks generally refer to wider, flat pieces of lumber used for various purposes, such as flooring surface but not specifically as the supporting members. This distinction underlines why joists are the accurate term for the lumber pieces that directly contribute to a building’s floor stability and strength.