Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 249
In conventional framing, extra studs are included
around rough openings, as shown in the assembly in
Figure 11‑10. The studs and trimmers support the
header and provide a nailing surface for window and
door casing.
11.1.4 Alternate Header Construction
In large window openings, the size of the header may
reduce the length of the upper cripple studs to a point
where they cannot be easily assembled. In this case,
the cripple studs can be replaced with flat blocking.
Another solution is to increase the header size to com-
pletely fill the space to the plate. Some builders fol-
low this practice and extend it to include all openings,
regardless of the span. The cost of labor required to cut
and fit the cripple studs is usually greater than the cost
of the larger headers. A disadvantage of such construc-
tion is extra shrinkage. Shrinkage may cause cracks
above doors and windows unless special precautions
are taken when applying the interior wall finish.
Green Note
As described in the previous paragraph, headers are
often sized to fill the space above the rough opening to
the wall plate. Without any added insulation, this creates
a tremendous thermal bridge. To cut heat loss and build
greener headers, size headers properly and add a layer
of rigid foam insulation between a built-up header’s
layers or to the exterior face.
11.2 Plate Layout
Sole plates and top plates are the same size as the studs,
typically 2×4 or 2×6. Use only straight stock for plates.
Select two pieces of equal length and lay them side by
side along the location of the outside wall. The length is
determined by what can be easily lifted off of the floor
and into a vertical position after it is assembled. Remem-
ber that the weight may include all of the framing for
rough openings, bracing, and sheathing. If wall jacks or
a forklift are available for lifting, sections can be made
larger. Where they must be lifted by hand, attach sheath-
ing after the wall is up. Always locate joints over a stud.
The centerlines of rough openings are marked first.
Pro Tip
Carefully check over your rough opening layouts for
errors. Do the math before cutting and framing.
11.2.1 Laying Out the Second
Exterior Stud Wall
Laying out the second exterior wall follows the
same procedure as the first outside wall, with one
exception. If sheet material is used for rough sid-
ing, then the location of the first stud from the
corner post must allow for the edge of the panel to
be flush with the outside edge of the siding. If the
siding is 3/4″ thick and the studs are 16″ OC, lay
out the first stud 15 1/4″ from the end of the plate.
Double top plate
Regular
studs Trimmer stud
Header
Rough sill
Cripple
studs
Header
Trimmer
stud
Sole plate
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑10. Framing door and window openings. Notice how the wide header above the window eliminates cripple studs
between the header and the top plate.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 249
In conventional framing, extra studs are included
around rough openings, as shown in the assembly in
Figure 11‑10. The studs and trimmers support the
header and provide a nailing surface for window and
door casing.
11.1.4 Alternate Header Construction
In large window openings, the size of the header may
reduce the length of the upper cripple studs to a point
where they cannot be easily assembled. In this case,
the cripple studs can be replaced with flat blocking.
Another solution is to increase the header size to com-
pletely fill the space to the plate. Some builders fol-
low this practice and extend it to include all openings,
regardless of the span. The cost of labor required to cut
and fit the cripple studs is usually greater than the cost
of the larger headers. A disadvantage of such construc-
tion is extra shrinkage. Shrinkage may cause cracks
above doors and windows unless special precautions
are taken when applying the interior wall finish.
Green Note
As described in the previous paragraph, headers are
often sized to fill the space above the rough opening to
the wall plate. Without any added insulation, this creates
a tremendous thermal bridge. To cut heat loss and build
greener headers, size headers properly and add a layer
of rigid foam insulation between a built-up header’s
layers or to the exterior face.
11.2 Plate Layout
Sole plates and top plates are the same size as the studs,
typically 2×4 or 2×6. Use only straight stock for plates.
Select two pieces of equal length and lay them side by
side along the location of the outside wall. The length is
determined by what can be easily lifted off of the floor
and into a vertical position after it is assembled. Remem-
ber that the weight may include all of the framing for
rough openings, bracing, and sheathing. If wall jacks or
a forklift are available for lifting, sections can be made
larger. Where they must be lifted by hand, attach sheath-
ing after the wall is up. Always locate joints over a stud.
The centerlines of rough openings are marked first.
Pro Tip
Carefully check over your rough opening layouts for
errors. Do the math before cutting and framing.
11.2.1 Laying Out the Second
Exterior Stud Wall
Laying out the second exterior wall follows the
same procedure as the first outside wall, with one
exception. If sheet material is used for rough sid-
ing, then the location of the first stud from the
corner post must allow for the edge of the panel to
be flush with the outside edge of the siding. If the
siding is 3/4″ thick and the studs are 16″ OC, lay
out the first stud 15 1/4″ from the end of the plate.
Double top plate
Regular
studs Trimmer stud
Header
Rough sill
Cripple
studs
Header
Trimmer
stud
Sole plate
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑10. Framing door and window openings. Notice how the wide header above the window eliminates cripple studs
between the header and the top plate.