Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
246 Section 2 Foundations and Framing
The height of walls in residential construction var-
ies from one region to another. For example, 10′ high
walls are not uncommon in warm climates. High walls,
resulting in higher ceilings, are used to create a feel of
spaciousness in a room. In colder climates, 8′ high walls
are more common to help minimize heating costs.
Wall-framing lumber must be strong and straight
with good nail-holding power. Warped lumber is not
acceptable, especially if the interior finish is drywall.
Stud grade, also called No. 3 grade, is approved and
used throughout the country. Species such as Douglas
fir, larch, hemlock, yellow pine, and spruce are satis-
factory. Where straightness is especially critical, such
as kitchen walls where cabinets will be installed, en-
gineered lumber studs can be used. See Chapter 3,
Building Materials, for additional information.
Pro Tip
Wall studs can be purchased precut to 92 5/8″ for a
standard wall height of just over 8′. Buying precut studs
saves cutting time on the job.
11.1.1 Corners
Any of several methods can be used to form the out-
side corners of the wall frame. In platform construc-
tion, the wall frame is usually assembled in sections on
the rough floor and then tilted up into place. Corners
are formed when a sidewall and end wall are joined.
One common method of corner construction uses a
stud spaced a distance equal to the wall thickness from
the end of the wall. Three or four short pieces of block-
ing are nailed in the space between the two studs. The
adjoining wall is butted against the double stud, form-
ing a surface for fastening interior wall finish on both
walls, Figure 11‑4A. Another method is to turn the
extra stud 90°, as shown in Figure 11‑4B.
Select only straight studs for corners. Assemble the wall
with 10d nails spaced 12″ apart. Stagger the nails from one
edge to the other. Attach the filler blocks with nails as well.
In climates that require the house to be well insulated,
2×6 studs are commonly used for exterior walls. This
allows thicker insulation to be installed. Figure 11‑5
shows typical corner construction for 2×6 framing.
B Cynthia Farmer/Shutterstock.com
Figure 11‑3. Two methods of wall bracing. A—The entire house is sheathed in OSB panels. B—Plywood is placed only at
critical points for rack resistance.
A Cynthia Farmer/Shutterstock.com
Assemble with
side wall frame
Part of end
wall frame
B
Subfloor
End wall Side wall
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑4. Placement of studs to form corners in platform construction. A—Corner built from three full studs and blocking.
B—Corner built with three full studs and no blocking.
Side View
Blocking
Blocking (2×4)
assemble with
side wall frame
Part of end
wall frame
Subfloor
End wall Side wall A
246 Section 2 Foundations and Framing
The height of walls in residential construction var-
ies from one region to another. For example, 10′ high
walls are not uncommon in warm climates. High walls,
resulting in higher ceilings, are used to create a feel of
spaciousness in a room. In colder climates, 8′ high walls
are more common to help minimize heating costs.
Wall-framing lumber must be strong and straight
with good nail-holding power. Warped lumber is not
acceptable, especially if the interior finish is drywall.
Stud grade, also called No. 3 grade, is approved and
used throughout the country. Species such as Douglas
fir, larch, hemlock, yellow pine, and spruce are satis-
factory. Where straightness is especially critical, such
as kitchen walls where cabinets will be installed, en-
gineered lumber studs can be used. See Chapter 3,
Building Materials, for additional information.
Pro Tip
Wall studs can be purchased precut to 92 5/8″ for a
standard wall height of just over 8′. Buying precut studs
saves cutting time on the job.
11.1.1 Corners
Any of several methods can be used to form the out-
side corners of the wall frame. In platform construc-
tion, the wall frame is usually assembled in sections on
the rough floor and then tilted up into place. Corners
are formed when a sidewall and end wall are joined.
One common method of corner construction uses a
stud spaced a distance equal to the wall thickness from
the end of the wall. Three or four short pieces of block-
ing are nailed in the space between the two studs. The
adjoining wall is butted against the double stud, form-
ing a surface for fastening interior wall finish on both
walls, Figure 11‑4A. Another method is to turn the
extra stud 90°, as shown in Figure 11‑4B.
Select only straight studs for corners. Assemble the wall
with 10d nails spaced 12″ apart. Stagger the nails from one
edge to the other. Attach the filler blocks with nails as well.
In climates that require the house to be well insulated,
2×6 studs are commonly used for exterior walls. This
allows thicker insulation to be installed. Figure 11‑5
shows typical corner construction for 2×6 framing.
B Cynthia Farmer/Shutterstock.com
Figure 11‑3. Two methods of wall bracing. A—The entire house is sheathed in OSB panels. B—Plywood is placed only at
critical points for rack resistance.
A Cynthia Farmer/Shutterstock.com
Assemble with
side wall frame
Part of end
wall frame
B
Subfloor
End wall Side wall
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑4. Placement of studs to form corners in platform construction. A—Corner built from three full studs and blocking.
B—Corner built with three full studs and no blocking.
Side View
Blocking
Blocking (2×4)
assemble with
side wall frame
Part of end
wall frame
Subfloor
End wall Side wall A