California Real Estate Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct term for the series of parallel beams to which floorboards and ceiling laths are nailed is "joists." Joists are horizontal structural members that provide support for floors and ceilings, ensuring that the weight is distributed across the larger beams, girders, and bearing walls. These beams play a crucial role in the structural integrity of a building by allowing for the safe distribution of loads.

Braces, guides, and plates serve different purposes in construction. Braces are typically used to provide additional support and stability, especially in areas requiring reinforcement against lateral forces. Guides refer to components used to direct or control movement in some specific context, often not related to structural load-bearing. Plates, on the other hand, can refer to flat components used to distribute loads over a wider area or to connect various structural elements, but they do not serve the same function as joists. Understanding the specific roles these terms play in construction helps clarify why "joists" is the appropriate answer.