The frame of a building is like its skeleton, holding everything together. In this section, we'll learn some basic terms used in construction, like what studs and headers are, and what materials are commonly used. We'll also discuss why buildings are constructed a certain way and what benefits these methods offer. Understanding these basics will give us insight into how buildings are built and why they're built the way they are.
The standard parts of a framed residential wall using lumber that you will find in any wall.
Stud
Header
Sill
Sole Plate
Double Top Plate
King Stud
Jack Stud
Cripple Stud
Steps on how to draw this wall in SketchUp with a video tutorial
One of a series of vertical structural members in walls and partitions
Made with either 2"x4" or 2"x6"
Spaced 16" off center of stud
Common ceiling heights of 8' have studs that are 92" long
Studs travel from floor to ceiling uninterrupted
Horizontal structural member above a rough opening
Bears building load for opening
Built with thicker materials for strength, the bigger the opening the bigger the header.
Serves as the bottom of a window opening
Generally the same width as your stud lumber
Bottom part of the wall often called bottom plate
Where the studs are attached
Gets nailed directly to the subfloor or concrete floor
Servers to strengthen wall and provides a secure attachment point for the ceiling or roof framing
Over lap at wall intersections and wall breaks to create added strength
Short vertical studs placed above or below the window or door openings, between the header and the top plate.
They provide additional support and help distribute the weight of the structure evenly.
Also known Trimmer Studs
Shortened studs that serve to stiffen up rough openings
Bears direct weight of header
A full length stud that butts up with the Jack stud.
Endcaps the header
The materials commonly used for framing a house include wood, steel, aluminum, and engineered wood products. Each material has its own advantages and considerations, influencing the choice of material for framing. Here's a discussion on each:
Wood:
Advantages: Wood, particularly lumber such as dimensional lumber (2x4s, 2x6s, etc.), is widely used in residential framing due to its availability, affordability, and ease of construction. Wood is lightweight and relatively easy to work with, making it a preferred choice for DIY builders and contractors alike. It also provides good insulation properties, which can contribute to energy efficiency in the home.
Considerations: While wood is versatile and cost-effective, it is susceptible to moisture, rot, pests, and fire. Proper treatment and maintenance are essential to protect wooden framing from these hazards.
Steel:
Advantages: Steel framing offers strength, durability, and resistance to pests, rot, and fire. It provides excellent structural support and is often used in areas prone to high winds or seismic activity due to its strength and stability. Steel framing also allows for longer spans without the need for additional support columns, providing greater design flexibility.
Considerations: Steel framing materials can be more expensive upfront compared to wood, and they require specialized tools and expertise for installation. Additionally, steel is a conductor of heat and cold, so proper insulation is necessary to prevent energy loss.
Aluminum:
Advantages: Aluminum framing offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability, making it suitable for applications where weight and longevity are important factors. It is often used in commercial construction and in areas where moisture or salt exposure is a concern, such as coastal regions.
Considerations: Aluminum framing materials can be more expensive than wood and steel, and they require specialized tools and techniques for cutting and joining. Additionally, aluminum is a conductor of heat and cold, similar to steel, so proper insulation is necessary to prevent energy loss.
Engineered Wood Products:
Advantages: Engineered wood products, such as plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and engineered lumber (e.g., laminated veneer lumber, glue-laminated timber), offer increased strength, stability, and dimensional consistency compared to traditional lumber. These products are often manufactured from sustainable wood sources and utilize wood efficiently.
Considerations: Engineered wood products may be more costly than traditional lumber, but they often provide better performance and structural integrity. They may also require specialized fasteners and installation techniques.
The choice of framing material depends on various factors such as budget, local building codes and regulations, environmental considerations, structural requirements, and personal preferences. Builders and homeowners often weigh these factors carefully to select the most suitable framing material for their specific project.