DIY Network

Different Types of Framing

Think of framing as the skeleton of the home. Its purpose is to create the basic structure of the home's floor, walls, ceiling, and roof. The most widely used method of framing is platform framing construction, which involves constructing a single story at a time, adding each new story on the finished floor, or platform, below it. This type of construction is stick-framed on site, using dimensional lumber, which has been cut in a mill to specific, commonly used sizes, such as 2x4, 2x6, etc.

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	Platform framing using dimensional lumber.
	Balloon Framing
	Panelized Walls
	Wall made with engineered lumber studs.

Alternate methods of and materials for framing exist, however, and are used for various reasons. The following bullet points describe alternate framing methods and some reasons for using them.

• Method We've Discussed -- Platform Framing: A common framing system that involves constructing a single story at a time, adding each new story on the finished floor, or platform, below it.

• Alternate Method -- Balloon Framing -- A method of framing in which exterior wall studs are single, continuous pieces that extend from the basement to the roof.

• Reasons for Using Alternate -- 1) Two-story room with exterior walls and 2) Cathedral ceiling on an exterior wall.

• Method We've Discussed -- Stick Framing: A type of framing that uses individual studs, or sticks, and is constructed on the home site.

• Alternate Method -- Panelized Walls: Wall sections assembled in a manufacturing plant and delivered to the home site ready to install.

• Reasons for Using Alternate -- 1) Reduced on-site labor, 2) Lower skill requirement for laborers, 3) Less wasted material and 4) Framing can be completed more quickly.

• Method We've Discussed -- Dimensional Lumber for Walls: Lumber that's been mill-cut to specific, commonly used sizes, such as 2x4, 2x6, etc.

• Alternate Method -- Enginerred Lumber Studs: Framing materials made of recycled or fast-growth lumber, which are manufactured for specific strength.

• Reasons for Using Alternate -- 1) Stronger than dimensional lumber, 2) Precise -- no bowing or twisting, 3) Less shrinkage and 4) Made of recycled materials, an attractive feature for environmentally focused builders and home buyers.