House Framing Basics: Types, Terms, and Components
Jul 16, 2020

Light frame construction (known simply as “framing” in residential construction) is the technique of creating a structure based on vertical components, known as studs, which provide a stable frame for interior and exterior wall coverings Horizontal elements, called joists, run the length of the floor, or between walls or beams The joists support ceilings and floors
Today, platform framing—in which each story is framed on top of the previous one—is the method of choice among most builders Using one floor as the platform for the construction of the next floor creates a stable work surface It also allows builders to use widely-available pieces of dimensioned lumber, versus the longer or more natural cuts of wood used in older methods
In this article
Framing: a quick history lesson
Timber framing
Timber framing, which involves fitting together large posts and beams and connecting them with wooden pegs, was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries In timber framing, builders work with natural logs and trees, rather than lumber pre-cut to common dimensions (like 2x4s) This framing method fell out of fashion because timbers were hand-hewn, and the advent of machine-sawn lumber allowed builders to construct homes more quickly with standard-sized (dimensional) lumber
Balloon framing
In the 1830s, balloon framing became popular This method involves using long, vertical 2x4s as studs, which extend from the sill on top of the foundation up to the roof, and which are secured by nails, rather than pegs In balloon framing, a single stud could run up to 30 feet The problem with using uninterrupted studs is the fire hazard: without breaks in the studs, a fire that starts low in the house can quickly shoot up to the top, razing the structure to the ground
Platform framing
The most common framing technique in modern residential construction is platform framing, in which each story is framed on top of the previous one
Builders will frame in one-story platforms of typically eight- or nine-foot-high stud walls resting on a subfloor—the platform Each story is then framed on top of the next, and the roof rests on top of the construction This method can be used for one- or two-story houses, and has become the standard among contemporary homebuilders because:
- Platform framing uses shorter pieces of lumber than previous techniques, like balloon framing, which is an advantage because longer studs are more difficult to obtain and more expensive
- The breaks in the studs from level to level create natural firebreaks
- Since builders erect the next floor right on a platform, they are building on a solid work surface—a safer environment, with high structural integrity
Framing is one of the myriad aspects of construction that are captured in a set of blueprints Learn everything you need to know about reading blueprints in MT Copeland’s online class, taught by professional builder and craftsman Jordan Smith
Components of framing
Here are common framing elements you will use in each part of the house:
Floor
- Joists: These are horizontal framing components that run the length of the floor They make up the support for the floor of the home and the platform that the wall panels will attach to Floor joists are covered with subflooring (usually made of plywood)
- Truss: A floor truss consists of 2×4 or 2×3 lumber connected with metal plates There are a number of configurations a truss can take, but it essentially forms a stable “web” to support the floor and resists bouncing
- Sheathing: Floor sheathing, commonly known as the sub-floor, is a structural panel that is fastened to the floor structure It carries the loads from above to the floor joists below
Walls
Interior walls fall into two categories: load bearing and non-load bearing A load-bearing wall supports a load from above, such as another floor or a roof A non-load bearing, or a partition wall, is built separately from the main load bearing structure and can be an exterior or an interior wall It functions as a divider but supports no weight A third kind of wall—a
Light frame construction (known simply as “framing” in residential construction) is the technique of creating a structure based on vertical components, known as studs, which provide a stable frame for interior and exterior wall coverings. Horizontal elements, called joists, run the length of the floor, or between walls or beams. The joists support ceilings and floors. Today, platform framing—in which each story is framed on top of the previous one—is the method of choice among most builders. Using one floor as the platform for the construction of the next floor creates a stable work surface. It also allows builders to use widely-available pieces of dimensioned lumber, versus the longer or more natural cuts of wood used in older methods. Timber framing, which involves fitting together large posts and beams and connecting them with wooden pegs, was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. In timber framing, builders work with natural logs and trees, rather than lumber pre-cut to common dimensions (like 2x4s). This framing method fell out of fashion because timbers were hand-hewn, and the advent of machine-sawn lumber allowed builders to construct homes more quickly with standard-sized (dimensional) lumber. In the 1830s, balloon framing became popular. This method involves using long, vertical 2x4s as studs, which extend from the sill on top of the foundation up to the roof, and which are secured by nails, rather than pegs. In balloon framing, a single stud could run up to 30 feet. The problem with using uninterrupted studs is the fire hazard: without breaks in the studs, a fire that starts low in the house can quickly shoot up to the top, razing the structure to the ground. The most common framing technique in modern residential construction is platform framing, in which each story is framed on top of the previous one. Builders will frame in one-story platforms of typically eight- or nine-foot-high stud walls resting on a subfloor—the platform. Each story is then framed on top of the next, and the roof rests on top of the construction. This method can be used for one- or two-story houses, and has become the standard among contemporary homebuilders because: Framing is one of the myriad aspects of construction that are captured in a set of blueprints. Learn everything you need to know about reading blueprints in MT Copeland’s online class, taught by professional builder and craftsman Jordan Smith. Here are common framing elements you will use in each part of the house: Interior walls fall into two categories: load bearing and non-load bearing. A load-bearing wall supports a load from above, such as another floor or a roof. A non-load bearing, or a partition wall, is built separately from the main load bearing structure and can be an exterior or an interior wall. It functions as a divider but supports no weight. A third kind of wall—a shear wall, often used in multi-story buildings—is not built to bear a vertical load. Rather, shear walls are meant to resist lateral forces, such as wind and earthquakes. They are typically braced wooden walls with shear panels, reinforced concrete or masonry, or steel plates. The elements of framing can seem complex, but by learning them and their essential value in constructing a solid frame, you’ll learn one of the most important steps of home building. Not only does a frame give the home a structure and shape, it is integral to every aspect of the construction that comes after it, from interior and exterior finishes, to laying in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans. MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications, like how house framing works. Classes include professionally produced videos taught by practicing craftspeople, and supplementary downloads like quizzes, blueprints, and other materials to help you master the skills. Featured Instructor Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction. After spending a couple of years working with industry leading builders in Austin, Jordan and his wife Veronica struck out on their own to form Smith House Co.
Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings.Framing: a quick history lesson
Timber framing
Balloon framing
Platform framing
Components of framing
Floor
Walls
Ceiling
Roof
Jordan Smith