The floor joist span distance for a cantilevered balcony is influenced by which of the following?

The correct answer focuses on how joist size, species, and grade directly affect the structural capacity and performance of a cantilevered balcony. Floor joists are crucial in supporting loads, and their dimensions play a vital role in determining how far they can span safely.

Larger or higher-grade joists can bear more weight and can thus be used for longer spans. Different wood species also have varying strengths and properties, meaning that some may be better suited for specific applications based on their load-bearing capabilities. Therefore, when designing a cantilevered balcony, understanding these factors helps ensure that the structure will be safe and stable under the expected loads.

While potential wind load and the number of occupants may have some influence on overall structural design considerations, they do not specifically dictate the maximum span distance of the joists. Similarly, design aesthetics, though important in the overall look of the structure, do not impact the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the joists. Therefore, when determining the joist span for a cantilevered balcony, the focus must be on the size, species, and grade of the joists used.