What Materials are Needed for Wood Frame Construction: A Comprehensive Guide

Wood frame construction is a popular method used in residential and commercial building projects. This article aims to provide a simple and easy-to-understand guide on the materials required for wood frame construction. Whether you are a homeowner planning a renovation or a professional builder, this information will be invaluable in ensuring a successful project.

Benefits of Wood Frame Construction:

  1. Cost-effective: Wood frame construction is generally more affordable compared to other building methods, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals or organizations.

  2. Sustainability: Wood is a renewable and environmentally friendly material, making it a sustainable choice for construction projects. By opting for wood frame construction, you can contribute to reducing carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.

  3. Versatility: Wood is a versatile material that offers flexibility in design and construction. It allows for various architectural styles and can be easily modified or expanded in the future.

Materials Required for Wood Frame Construction:

  1. Lumber:
  • Studs: Vertical wood members that form the framework of the walls.
  • Plates: Horizontal wood members placed at the top and bottom of the wall, providing support and stability.
  • Joists: Horizontal wood members used for floor and ceiling framing.
  • Raft

The materials used to form the frame are normally wood, industrialised wood or structural steel. The alternative to construction using the framing technique is generally called solid wall construction (using pillars, carved stone, brick and masonry), and in Europe it is still the most widely used construction system.

What is balloon structure in construction?

A balloon frame structure is a timber frame structure, where the studs run continuously from the sole plate to the rafter plate. The studs are typically a soft pine dimensional lumber. These studs are placed 16 inches on center, OC, to accommodate the 4 foot increments of the sheathing material.

What is the major problem with balloon frame construction?

Disadvantages of Balloon Framing

The biggest is fire safety due to not having any way to stop the spread of fire once it begins. Fire Safety: There are no firebreaks between floors due to the long studs. A fire could spread quickly and steadily without a firestop.

What is the balloon framing method of construction?

In balloon framing, the studs (vertical members) extend the full height of the building (usually two stories) from foundation plate to rafter plate, as contrasted with platform framing, in which each floor is framed separately.

What is the difference between platform construction and balloon construction?

The main difference between platform and balloon framing is at the floor lines. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the first story all the way to the top plate or end rafter of the second story. The platform-framed wall, on the other hand, is independent for each floor.

What are screens in construction?

A shrink-wrap construction screen is designed to protect workers against adverse weather and enable projects to continue internal fit out before cladding or glazing is installed.

What is screening in construction?

Screening is the separation of material into 2 - 6 different sized products. The material is separated by passing it through a vibrating 'screen box' which has a number of different sized screens, or meshes, which the material falls through like a seive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of screens?

Window screens allow fresh air inside your home while keeping out bugs out. If you've noticed your window screens have failed to perform their protecting duty, it may be time to take a closer look at the state of your screens and perform some routine maintenance and cleaning.

When did lumber become standardized?

The increasing demand for dimensional wood after World War I led to the first national size standards in 1924. Those standards were revised several times until the demand for lumber during World War II led to the use of large quantities of wood in specific sizes.

Why are 2x4s so popular?

The size of the 2x4 is more or less reverse engineered from the way houses are framed. The dimensions allow for the right amount of space for pipes, electrical, insulation, etc while still conserving the most amount of material and providing the right amount of structural support based on standard framing patterns.

What materials are used for a wood frame construction?

The two most common engineered wood products used in modern framing are LVL beams and I-joists. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is just what it sounds like: wood veneers (typically poplar, pine, or fir) laminated together under heat and pressure with a moisture-resistant resin.

What are the basics of wood frame construction?

Each frame has components like studs, vertical members that are within the walls; joists, the wooden beams that support the floor; sloping beams on the roof called rafters. The structure is then sheathed where sheets that are used to connect the studs, and the exterior walls are clad with siding.

What are the basic components of a wood frame structure?

The basic elements of a wood frame include the roof truss, the purlins, the purlin cleat, the truss web, and the rafter. However, depending on the structure and strength of the latter, the framework may have other strings to its bow.

What are the 7 types of framing?

The seven models involve the framing of situations, attributes, choices, actions, issues, re- sponsibility, and news. Each of the seven models are summarized in Table 1 and discussed next. Researchers from anthropology and sociology were the first to examine communi- cation using a framing paradigm.

What is the main difference between balloon framing and platform framing?

Part. So here we can see an example of platform framing the plate for the wall is sitting on the floor. Then we go up.

Why do we use balloon framing?

The main advantage balloon framing has over platform framing is the increased wind load strength. The roof structure tied to the sole plate by the continuous studs make balloon framing very popular in hurricane-prone areas. Balloon frame structures also have less settling than platform framing as a result of shrinkage.

Why is balloon framing not used anymore?

Disadvantages of Balloon Framing

Fire Safety: There are no firebreaks between floors due to the long studs. A fire could spread quickly and steadily without a firestop. Studs All the Way to Roof: Long studs run continuously from the foundation to the roof, allowing air movement.

What are the disadvantages of platform framing?

One of platform framing's biggest downsides is waste; while the frame is being constructed, lumber is repeatedly shaped and resized on site, creating a tremendous amount of environmental waste, not to mention a financial loss to the client.

What advantage does balloon framing have over platform framing?

Less Settling and Shrinkage: Another advantage is that balloon framing has much less settling. Because there are no platforms or heavy floors to pull on the frame, there is less shrinkage. Easier to Build: Lastly, balloon framing is easy to build from a construction standpoint and if you can find long studs.

What is the difference between platform framing and balloon framing?

Hey folks thanks for joining me again today. I would like to talk to you about the differences between platform and balloon framing platform framing is just basically a series of boxes. So you'll have

Why is platform framing easier than balloon framing for multilevel structures?

At each story, joists are covered by subflooring providing a platform, or work surface, on which walls and partitions are easily erected. The benefits of platform framing include the fact that walls can be constructed on the ground and less effort is involved in lifting them into place than in balloon framing.

What is platform framing in construction?

Platform framing (also known as western framing) is the most common framing method for residential construction where each floor of a pole barn or conventional building is framed independently by nailing the horizontal framing member to the top of the wall studs.

What is the difference between a braced frame and a balloon frame?

In the braced frame, each wall consists of the sill, at the bottom, the plate at the top, two corner posts, one or more girts supporting the upper floors, diagonal braces at each corner, and studs running from sill to girt. In balloon framing, the studs run from sill to plate, and there are no braces and no girts.

Why has platform framing become the more common method?

The advantages of platform framing are the lumber is short and easy to handle, the vertical hollow spaces are automatically firestopped at each floor, and the platforms serve as good working spaces for the carpenters.

What is the most common framing method of frame construction?

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.

What are the advantages of a platform frame?

Platform beds have an extra sturdy bed frame which, in conjunction with a flat platform, makes them more stable than other bed frames. The additional stability is ideal for individuals who toss and turn as well as heavier people who require a safe, sturdy bed.

When did platform framing become popular?

Around 1930 “platform construction,” using even shorter lengths of lumber, was adopted. Most American homes today use this method. It features a floor system framed and completed with walls built on top.

What is the purpose of platform framing?

Platform framing often forms wall sections horizontally on the sub-floor prior to erection, easing positioning of studs and increasing accuracy while cutting the necessary manpower.

FAQ

What are the types of floor framing?

The basic types of floor framing are Platform (building one story/level on top of another) and Balloon. Of these two methods, Platform Framing is used more extensively because it is easier, faster and safer.

What is box sill construction quizlet?

Box sill. used for framing floors in platform construction. consists of sill plate anchored to foundation wall, floor and rim joists, and subflooring. subflooring. consists of engineered wood sheets or construction grade lumber.

What is the name of the construction component that supports the floor frame?
Floor joists are horizontal structural members that span an open space, often between beams, which subsequently transfer the load to vertical structural members. These joists, part of the floor system, carry the weight of everything inside a room, including walls, furniture, appliances, and even people.

Which type of construction is called ordinary construction?

Structural Frame. 1 Hr. Floor/Ceiling/Roof Protection. TYPE III-B--Unprotected Combustible (Also known as "ordinary" construction; has brick or block walls with a wooden roof or floor assembly which is not protected against fire. These buildings are frequently found in "warehouse" districts of older cities.)

What are the different types of structural floors?

Structural Installations

Structurally installed floors are considered permanent floors because they're part of your home's structure. The most common structural floor installations include solid hardwood that is 3/4-inch or thicker, stone, and ceramic tile.

What is the difference between balloon and platform?

Platform framing is very similar to the balloon frame. It uses 2x4s spaced 16″ on center and requires the same basic layout except for a few key differences. A platform frame uses shorter lengths of lumber because each story of the building is built individually and placed on top of the one below.

What is a platform in construction?

In platform framing, each floor is framed separately, as contrasted with balloon framing, in which the studs (vertical members) extend the full height of the building. Freed from the heavy timbers of the post-and-beam system, platform framing offers ease of construction.

What is balloon type construction?

A balloon frame structure is a timber frame structure, where the studs run continuously from the sole plate to the rafter plate. The studs are typically a soft pine dimensional lumber. These studs are placed 16 inches on center, OC, to accommodate the 4 foot increments of the sheathing material.

Is platform framing the same as balloon framing?
Platform framing is very similar to the balloon frame. It uses 2x4s spaced 16″ on center and requires the same basic layout except for a few key differences. A platform frame uses shorter lengths of lumber because each story of the building is built individually and placed on top of the one below.

How many floors can you build with wood frame?

Many design professionals who are familiar with wood construction for two- to four-story residential structures are not aware that the International Building Code (IBC) allows five stories of wood-frame construction in many residential building occupancies and six stories for business occupancies.

How many stories can you build with wood construction?

In multi-family occupancies, a Type IIIA or IIIB building can include five stories of wood framing while type VA can include four stories of wood framing. For additional information on allowable building sizes and opportunities for wood's use in mid-rise structures, check out this WoodWorks publication.

What is the maximum amount of floors a structure can have with wood framing?

The Los Angeles Building Code (LABC) which is based on the California Building Code, allows a wood frame apartment building, with properly rated fire walls and fire sprinklers, up to 5 stories and 65 feet high.

How many floors can be built on load bearing wall?

The load bearing building structure is preferred for constructions of up to 2 floors only.

Can you build a two story house with 2x4 walls?
Existing 2 x 4 walls do not preclude a second floor, but they must be looked at carefully (visually and by calculation) to assure that they will accept additional load.

What are the advantages of platform frame construction?

Today, platform wood framing remains the favored method for home construction for a number of reasons: wood is still relatively abundant, the cost of materials is low (compared with other methods), and wood components are easily customizable.

What are the disadvantages of balloon frame construction?
Disadvantages of Balloon Framing
  • Fire Safety: There are no firebreaks between floors due to the long studs.
  • Studs All the Way to Roof: Long studs run continuously from the foundation to the roof, allowing air movement.
  • Long studs and Imperfection in Wood: The most important piece in balloon framing is the long studs.
Why is platform frame construction one of the most commonly used framing methods?

Easy, fast and clean construction as well as lighter weight and less material requirements are the main advantages of such systems that result in lower environmental load and enhanced seismic resistance. Platform framing is nowadays the most common process in wooden house construction.

Why is platform framing the easiest type on two story buildings?

Platform Frame

Walls are assembled flat and are tilted vertically. Second storeys can be built the same way, and a roof is built on top. As wood frames are short and light in weight, they do not need heavy machinery to set up. Therefore, this method of wood framing is easier to handle and highly favored.

Why is platform framing better than balloon framing?

The two major cons of balloon framing are that long studs are less efficient to erect then shorter ones used in platform framing and the continuous spaces between studs act as chimneys during a fire, unless closed off with a fire-stop.

What is balloon framing in building construction?

In balloon framing, the studs (vertical members) extend the full height of the building (usually two stories) from foundation plate to rafter plate, as contrasted with platform framing, in which each floor is framed separately.

What materials are needed for wood frame construction

Does balloon framing have load bearing walls? This framework consists of a platform where stud walls are built, creating load-bearing walls. A second platform is built on top of the first using floor joists.

Which of the following are characteristics of balloon frame construction?

Balloon framing makes use of many lightweight wall members called studs rather than fewer, heavier supports called posts; balloon framing components are nailed together rather than fitted using joinery. The studs in a balloon frame extend two stories from sill to plate.

What is a balloon frame wall?

A balloon frame structure is a timber frame structure, where the studs run continuously from the sole plate to the rafter plate. The studs are typically a soft pine dimensional lumber. These studs are placed 16 inches on center, OC, to accommodate the 4 foot increments of the sheathing material.

What does framing do in construction?

Framing, in construction, is the fitting together of pieces to give a structure support and shape. Framing materials are usually wood, engineered wood, or structural steel.

What is a framer in construction?

A framer is a construction industry professional who is responsible for building and repairing the wooden frames (the walls, floors and roofs) of structures. Framers help construct residential as well as commercial and industrial buildings. Framers might also place doors, windows and fixtures.

What is the difference between a carpenter and a framer?

Framers exclusively build framing for housing or other buildings. The difference between a framer and a rough carpenter is that a framer specializes in only framework and is often individually hired for lone projects or on a contract.

What does framing work include?

As a Framer, your duties may include the following: Selecting, measuring and marking materials for exterior doors and windows, foundations, floors, walls and roofs. Cutting and shaping materials and joining them with nails, screws, bolts or glue. Developing work plans.

What kind of construction is framing?

House Framing Basics: Types, Terms, and Components. 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.

What type of construction is balloon frame in firefighting?

The balloon frame uses a continuous wood stud wall member that stretches from the foundation to the attic. These stud walls are usually 16 inches apart and contain no inherent vertical fire stops, except for a possible window or door.

What is the most common material for balloons?

Latex balloons

The most common type of balloons is of course the latex balloons. These balloons inflate to an oval shape, are made of recyclable latex, and can be easily customized by screen printing your logo, text, or artwork design.

What is the construction definition of wood?

2.1 WOOD AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

Wood is an organic material, produced by a large number of woody plants and quite variable in properties. In fact, the term "wood is not much more definitive than the term "metal." Many species with differ- ing characteristics are used in construction for many purposes.

What is lumber in construction?

Lumber, collective term for harvested wood, whether cut into logs, heavy timbers, or members used in light-frame construction. Lumber is classified as hardwood or softwood.

What type of wood is used in construction? Hardwoods are commonly used in the construction of walls, ceilings, and floors. Most popular hardwoods include: Oak: It is extremely durable and resistant to insect damage. It's reliable and valuable for homes and businesses, like engineered wood flooring and engineered wood beams.

What are 3 disadvantages of using wood?
  • Shrinkage and Swelling: Trees need water to grow and wooden materials can easily absorb water if not treated or maintained properly.
  • Pests & Fungi: Certain pests, insects, and fungi have the ability to digest wood.
  • Fire: Unless treated with chemicals, wood can easily catch fire and is considered a combustible material.
What are the cons of wood construction?

The disadvantages to wood construction include vulnerability to water damage, fire, decay, and termites.

What are the different types of framing?

Building framing is divided into two broad categories, heavy-frame construction (heavy framing) if the vertical supports are few and heavy such as in timber framing, pole building framing, or steel framing; or light-frame construction (light-framing) if the supports are more numerous and smaller, such as balloon,

What are the 3 types of framing for wood structures?

Modern wood framing essentially includes three types: balloon, platform and semi-balloon framing. With long lumber lengths, vertical load-bearing framing studs run continuously from foundation to roof. Intermediate horizontal floor joists are nailed to the sides of the vertical studs and bear on a ledger.

What are the different types of wall framing?

Framing consists of light, heavy, and expedient framing. There are three principal types of framing for light structures: western, balloon, and braced. Figure 6-1, page 6-2, illustrates these types of framing and specifies the nomenclature and location of the various members.

What does framing mean in construction?

• Framing is the process of connecting building materials together to. create a structure. Framing is a construction system. • Studs, plates, headers, rafters, girders, flooring and joists are all terms used to identify different components in framing.

What are the 7 kinds of framing?

The seven models involve the framing of situations, attributes, choices, actions, issues, re- sponsibility, and news. Each of the seven models are summarized in Table 1 and discussed next. Researchers from anthropology and sociology were the first to examine communi- cation using a framing paradigm.

  • What are the three 3 types of scaffolding?
    • Workers who use scaffolds can be divided into three groups:
      • Suspended Scaffolds.
      • Supported Scaffolds.
      • Aerial Lifts.
  • What is wood scaffolding called?
    • Scaffolding made entirely from wood materials is referred to as wood pole scaffolding. Scaffolding can either be a single frame or a double frame. A single frame means there is only one frame supporting one side of the scaffolding with the structure itself acting as another support.

  • What is a wood scaffold system?
    • Wood Scaffolds - A supported scaffold consisting of a platform supported by brackets attached to a building or structural walls. Metal Scaffolds - Horse Scaffolds - A supported scaffold consisting of a platform supported by construction horses (sawhorses).

  • What are the 6 types of scaffolding?
    • 6 Types of Scaffolding for Construction
      • Supported Scaffolding. The most common type of scaffolding is supported scaffolding.
      • Mobile Scaffolding.
      • Suspended Scaffolding.
      • Cantilever Scaffolding.
      • Trestle Scaffolding.
      • Chicken Ladders.
  • What is a platform scaffold?
    • A scaffold is an elevated, temporary work platform. There are two basic types of scaffolds: Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load- bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc.

  • What is an extended rounded arch used to support a structure?
    • A vault is an arched ceiling or roof of a building, typically constructed from stone or brick. The most important part of the vault is the arch, a structure with a curved top that supports weight because a vault is essentially just an arch extended into space to make a tunnel.

  • What construction method allows for the development of the skyscraper?
    • It was, however, the refinement of the Bessemer process, first used in the United States in the 1860s, that allowed for the major advance in skyscraper construction. As steel is stronger and lighter in weight than iron, the use of a steel frame made possible the construction of truly tall buildings.

  • Which types of materials are suitable in the construction of load-bearing architecture?
    • Load-bearing walls are made out of resistant materials, such as stone, steel, concrete, or brick. These materials make it possible to bear large loads without any deformations. Load-bearing walls act to support the building. They differ from other types of walls whose function is to separate spaces.

  • Which might be best for the skeleton of a very tall skyscraper?
    • Steel, which is even lighter and stronger than iron, made it possible to build even taller buildings. The central support structure of a skyscraper is its steel skeleton.

  • What is an extended arches in architecture called?
    • ARCADE: a series of arches supported by columns or piers, it may be attached to a wall (blind) or freestanding. ARCH: a method of spaning an opening, stronger than a lintel. Usually a curved or pointed structural member, however there are many different types.

  • What method of sill construction is still used in platform construction?
    • Sill and Floor Construction

      TermDefinition
      Box SillA type of sill construction that is used in platform framing.
      Cantilevered JoistsWhen the floor joists run perpendicular to a section of floor that projects beyond a lower level.
      Cement Mortar MixA mixture of one part Portland cement and six parts sand.
  • Why is platform framing the norm in most construction?
    • Use in building construction

      In platform framing, each floor is framed separately, as contrasted with balloon framing, in which the studs (vertical members) extend the full height of the building. Freed from the heavy timbers of the post-and-beam system, platform framing offers ease of construction.

  • What is another name for platform framing?
    • Platform framing (also known as western framing) is the most common framing method for residential construction where each floor of a pole barn or conventional building is framed independently by nailing the horizontal framing member to the top of the wall studs.

  • When using platform framing to construct a floor what is the starting point?
    • When using platform framing to construct a floor, what is the starting point? Sill. What members provide support for the flooring? Joists and beams.

  • What is platform framing method?
    • In platform framing, each floor is framed separately, as contrasted with balloon framing, in which the studs (vertical members) extend the full height of the building. Freed from the heavy timbers of the post-and-beam system, platform framing offers ease of construction.

  • What are construction platforms called?
    • Scaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and all other human-made structures.

  • What is platform in building construction?
    • The 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), published by the International Code Council (ICC) defines a platform construction as: 'A method of construction by which floor framing bears on load bearing walls that are not continuous through the story levels or floor framing.

  • What is a platform in carpentry?
    • The name comes from each floor level being framed as a separate unit or “platform. ” This is a more efficient manner of construction, lending to the ability to construct some wall systems modularly, and allows builders to use the first level as a “platform ” to project the next floor, and the next floor, and so on.

  • What is a platform framing system?
    • In the Platform-Frame construction system each floor of a building functions as a platform to support the floors above. Although developed in Northern Europe, the Platform-Frame system is widely used in North America. Each wall or floor is composed of evenly spaced laminated wood or KVH structural timber studs.

  • Why is balloon framing used rather than platform framing in conjunction with masonry and concrete load bearing construction?
    • Balloon framing is used instead because it minimizes the sloping of floors that might be caused by wood shrinkage. 8. In cold climates special precautions are necessary. Keeping masonry units and sand dry, protecting them from freezing temperature…

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