C H A P T ER
11
Wall and Ceiling Framing
OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you will be able to: ■
■■ Identify the main parts of a wall frame.
■■ Explain methods of forming the outside corners and partition intersections of wall frames.
■■ Show how rough openings are handled in wall construction.
■■ Explain plate and stud layout.
■■ Describe the construction and erection of wall sections and partitions.
■■ List the materials commonly used for sheathing.
■■ Demonstrate the process of ceiling frame construction.
■■ Explain the benefits of using advanced framing.
■■ Explain what SIPs are and how they are erected.
■ Estimate materials required for wall frames, ceiling frames, sheathing, studs, and headers.
TECHNICAL TERMS
advanced framing
ceiling frame
ceiling joist
cripple stud
header
housewrap
metal-strap bracing
nailer
partition
rough opening
sheathing
soffit
sole plate
story pole
strongback
structural insulated panel
(SIP)
stud
top plate
trimmer stud
W
all framing is assembling the vertical and hori-
zontal members that support the outside and
inside walls of a structure. This frame also
supports upper floors, ceilings, and the roof. It serves
as a nailing base for inside and outside wall-covering
materials. Inside walls that do not carry any structural
load are called partitions.
There are references to 16d common nails and 8d
common nails throughout this chapter. Wherever
penny sizes are referenced, the equivalent size nail gun
nail is acceptable.
11.1 Parts of the Wall Frame
Anyone planning to become a carpenter needs to know
the correct names for the parts of a house frame. The
wall-framing members used in conventional platform
construction include sole plates, top plates, studs, head-
ers, and sheathing. Studs are the vertical members of the
wall frame. Except where interrupted by openings for
windows and doors, they run full length from sole plate
to top plate. The sole plate is the horizontal member
at the bottom of the wall frame, supported by a wood
subfloor, concrete slab, or other closed surface. The
top plate is the horizontal member at the top of a wall
frame. All of these components covered on the exterior
by boards or prefabricated panels known as sheathing.
Short studs, known as cripple studs, are used above
and below wall openings. Full-length studs become
cripple studs when they end due to an opening. See
Figure 11‑1 and Figure 11‑2. Note that extra studs
are used at the corners, at the sides of the rough open-
ings for doors and windows, and where an interior wall
meets an outside wall.
11
Wall and Ceiling Framing
OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you will be able to: ■
■■ Identify the main parts of a wall frame.
■■ Explain methods of forming the outside corners and partition intersections of wall frames.
■■ Show how rough openings are handled in wall construction.
■■ Explain plate and stud layout.
■■ Describe the construction and erection of wall sections and partitions.
■■ List the materials commonly used for sheathing.
■■ Demonstrate the process of ceiling frame construction.
■■ Explain the benefits of using advanced framing.
■■ Explain what SIPs are and how they are erected.
■ Estimate materials required for wall frames, ceiling frames, sheathing, studs, and headers.
TECHNICAL TERMS
advanced framing
ceiling frame
ceiling joist
cripple stud
header
housewrap
metal-strap bracing
nailer
partition
rough opening
sheathing
soffit
sole plate
story pole
strongback
structural insulated panel
(SIP)
stud
top plate
trimmer stud
W
all framing is assembling the vertical and hori-
zontal members that support the outside and
inside walls of a structure. This frame also
supports upper floors, ceilings, and the roof. It serves
as a nailing base for inside and outside wall-covering
materials. Inside walls that do not carry any structural
load are called partitions.
There are references to 16d common nails and 8d
common nails throughout this chapter. Wherever
penny sizes are referenced, the equivalent size nail gun
nail is acceptable.
11.1 Parts of the Wall Frame
Anyone planning to become a carpenter needs to know
the correct names for the parts of a house frame. The
wall-framing members used in conventional platform
construction include sole plates, top plates, studs, head-
ers, and sheathing. Studs are the vertical members of the
wall frame. Except where interrupted by openings for
windows and doors, they run full length from sole plate
to top plate. The sole plate is the horizontal member
at the bottom of the wall frame, supported by a wood
subfloor, concrete slab, or other closed surface. The
top plate is the horizontal member at the top of a wall
frame. All of these components covered on the exterior
by boards or prefabricated panels known as sheathing.
Short studs, known as cripple studs, are used above
and below wall openings. Full-length studs become
cripple studs when they end due to an opening. See
Figure 11‑1 and Figure 11‑2. Note that extra studs
are used at the corners, at the sides of the rough open-
ings for doors and windows, and where an interior wall
meets an outside wall.