Carpentry Frame

Framing is the basic building skill of new construction and almost every remodeling or addition project. By itself, a piece of framing is rather weak. It is only strong when connected to the other framing pieces. If framed joints look tight, feel solid, and members run true, the house will finish out better and be more structurally sound.

Materials

Although lumber is by far the most popular construction framing material, other materials such as steel, brick and concrete are also used to frame. These materials can support more weight than wood framing, but are generally more costly and require special equipment and skilled professionals.

Platform Framing

Platform framing is the most common type used in residential construction. The subfloor sets flush on the foundation walls and functions as a platform for the wall framing to set on.

Balloon Framing

Balloon framing isn't commonly used anymore because the wall studs run the entire height of a two-story house. Today, lumber strong enough to hold that weight isn't readily available.

Post-and-Beam Framing

Post-and-beam framing utilizes notched sill beams that run on top of the foundation perimeter. Subfloor joists set in the beam notches. A series of long vertical posts are set 6 to 8 feet apart and notched to support a second-floor subfloor plate.