In our previous episode -- Framing Devices -- you saw how to install a wood frame for a single-story house. In this episode you'll find out how to frame a two-story and multiple-story home.
Framing BasicsFraming refers to the process of creating a frame, the skeleton (figure A) on which the other parts of your home will eventually be hung. The frame of the house serves two functions:
- It carries the load of the roof down to the foundation so the entire structure is supported.
- It provides a weather-tight barrier to protect the inside of the house from the outside elements -- rain, ice and other natural elements.
A house frame can be made from many different materials, but the most common are wood, concrete and steel.
Note: Be sure to re-visit our last episode (link, above) for more details on the specifics of framing.
Wood Frame ElementsBecause most homes still use lumber for framing, it's important to know the elements involved in wood frame installations:
A wall, which is made up of three parts -- 1) top plate, 2) bottom plate and 3) studs.
The top horizontal boards are called "top plates" (figure B) and the bottom horizontal boards are called "sill plates" (figure C). The studs (figure D) are the vertical pieces in a wall frame.
There are also horizontal members that are used to support your floors and ceilings, and these are called "joists" (figure E).As the joists, sill plates and studs are nailed together, your house frame will come together one wall at a time. No matter what kind of framing you use -- lumber, concrete or steel -- you'll need help putting it all together. The person on your home-building team who will provide that help is your framing contractor.
The most important thing in framing a house is, obviously, to find a framing contractor who has been this for some time. In most states they're now required to be skilled, as well as trained. And some are certified framers.
Tip: To ensure the best quality during the framing process, have your builder recommend a framing contractor that is licensed and insured.
Keep in mind that with framing -- no matter what the medium -- precision is of the utmost importance. Remember that the frame is the skeleton of your house and if there are imperfections at this stage they will only cause problems later on.
If the framing is not accurate, all trades that follow -- the drywallers, finish carpenters, cabinet hangers, etc. -- will all have a hard time if the walls are not plumb or if the ceilings and floors are not level.
In the next segment you'll learn the differences between framing a single-story home and a two-story house.
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