An attachment system is provided for attaching furring strips to joists, each such joist having a bottom surface, an upper surface and a sidewall. The attachment system for each furring strip including a fastener having a shaft and a head, the fastener secured to the sidewall of the joist in a position vertically displaced from the bottom surface. At least one length of wire is provided with a mid-portion and two free ends, the mid-portion being looped around the fastener. The free ends are wrapped around the furring strip and fastened to each other to securely hold the furring strip to the floor joist.