Floor Construction Methods

Learn all about the different types of floor construction.

Excerpted from Do It Yourself Home Improvement

Platform Framing and Foundation

Since the 1930s, the most common type of floor framing in the U.S. has been platform framing, also called “western” framing. Joists, studs, rafters and plates are the members that are used to construct platform framing. Each floor is constructed as its own unit, helping to prevent fire from spreading between floors. Platform frames are started with a sill plate attached to the foundation, and joists run perpendicular from the sill plate. A joist header attaches to the end of each joist. The studs are then attached to the joists, running the ceiling height of the floor. The subflooring is installed on top of the joists. A sole plate is then installed on top of the subflooring material.