
Walls are actually constructed as one individual piece, or as sections in the case of long walls. Studs are nailed to the sole plates and top plates are nailed to the studs. The walls consist of sole plates nailed to the subflooring, or anchored with anchor bolts to the concrete slab. Wall ConstructionĪfter the deck or floor has been constructed, you’re ready to construct and erect the walls. The walls are then constructed on the slab or subfloor. In the past solid wood 1-by boards were applied on the diagonal. Decking is typically oriented-strand board (OSB), or 3/4-inch plywood sheathing. With the floor framed in, decking, or a subfloor, is added. The girder should be supported by piers or foundation and footings. Today’s girders are commonly made of engineered wood.

In many instances of larger buildings, or those with joist spans over 16 feet, a girder is installed to provide support for the floor at these locations. Metal hangers make installing the joists easier than toe-nailing them in place. The headers and outside joists should fit flush with the outside edges of the foundation. Sill plates are anchored to the foundation, then the floor joists are fastened to the sill plates and their ends boxed in with joist headers. If constructing on a foundation, the first step is to construct a floor on the foundation. In this case the floor is first framed, anchored to the foundation, and covered with a subfloor. The most common construction is on a foundation. Then the walls are framed on the floor (or slab) and raised in place. The slab acts as a floor a foundation requires a floor to first be constructed. Wall construction on a concrete slab is anchored to the slab with anchor bolts through the wall sole plate.Įither construction can be done on a concrete slab or on a foundation. Platform framing is easier than balloon framing because you can construct and erect the second story walls on the second story floors. Constructing a single-story is the easiest, a two-story or split level is harder. Fire stops are automatically created with this type of construction. Platform framing can be used for either single or two-story and is the easier and most common method of construction. First step is to lay the sole plate for slab construction, or sill plate for a foundation/floor, against the anchor bolts, mark their location and bore the holes.

Fire stops must, however, be installed at the second story floor level between the studs. This type of construction is the most difficult, but does provide unobstructed openings between the floors allowing for easy installation of utilities without notching and cutting openings. The second story floor joists are supported by a ribbon board set into the studs. In balloon framing the studs extend as one, from the sill to the top plate of the second story. Balloon framing is sometimes used with two-story buildings. Two methods are used in standard wood house or “stick” framing-balloon or platform-and both have advantages and disadvantages.

Two types of construction are used, balloon and platform, with platform being the most common. Regardless of the type of construction, make sure you check with local building authorities as to regulations pertaining to construction and framing, as well as to obtain any needed permits.
HOW TO MAKE PHOTO FRAME AT HOME STEP BY STEP CODE
Metal may be desired in some areas and may be a code regulation in other areas as well. The most common framing material is wood, but metal framing is becoming more popular. A building is basically framed in sections and the sections joined together. Make sure you follow all specs and elevation drawings. In most instances you will be constructing from building plans, and that’s definitely the easiest for the inexperienced. A garage or garden shed is a good example. It is a good idea, however, for the inexperienced to begin with a small, simple construction, rather than a two story, complex design. With today’s advances in air tools, such as framing nailers, you don’t even have to be an experienced hammer swinger to frame a house. Taken in that context, house or building framing is not all that difficult. House framing actually consists of several separate “projects” assembled into one to create the finished home. When viewing a framed house before the wall coverings are installed, the building often seems complicated and to some, a daunting project. Alternative Heating & Fireplace Inserts.
