Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 259
11.6.5 Straightening Walls
At this point, corner posts are plumb and top plates are
doubled. Now, the wall needs to be straightened and
braced between the corners. Obtain three blocks of the
same thickness. Tack one at each end of the wall. Tightly
stretch a line between the two blocks. Using the third
block as a gauge, align the wall and brace it at intervals.
Be careful that the gauge comes up to, but does not touch,
the line. If it touches the line, the line is no longer straight!
This procedure is a two-person job as described. It is
difficult for one person to hold the wall while securing
the brace. Some carpenters use a manufactured brace
that can be adjusted to align the wall. Others fashion
spring braces on the job.
11.7 Tri-Level and
Split-Level Framing
Tri-level and split-level housing presents special chal-
lenges in wall framing. Generally, a platform type of
construction is used. However, the floor joists for upper
levels may be carried on ribbons let into the studs. The
plans prescribe the type of construction. They should
also include calculations of distances between floor levels.
When working with split-level designs, a good carpenter
prepares accurate story poles that show full-size layouts of
these vertical distances for all levels of the building.
11.8 Special Framing
Framing carpenters are sometimes asked to build struc-
tures with special features. It helps if these features are
carefully engineered and detailed by an architect. In
such cases, construction details are included in the plans.
When they are not, a carpenter must develop the plan.
Most bay windows are prefabricated by the window
manufacturer. However, a carpenter may be asked to
build a bay window. When asked to do so, the carpen-
ter must visualize the details of construction, lay out
and construct the floor frame to carry the project,
and build the wall and roof frame. See Figure 11‑31.
Stud
Plate
Blocks
Double joist
Double joist
Joist
Header
Rafter
Sill
Header
National Forest Products Assn.
Figure 11‑31. Traditional framing for a bay window. To illustrate how joists are extended over the sill, the subfloor is not shown
here. Joists at either side of the extension should be doubled.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 259
11.6.5 Straightening Walls
At this point, corner posts are plumb and top plates are
doubled. Now, the wall needs to be straightened and
braced between the corners. Obtain three blocks of the
same thickness. Tack one at each end of the wall. Tightly
stretch a line between the two blocks. Using the third
block as a gauge, align the wall and brace it at intervals.
Be careful that the gauge comes up to, but does not touch,
the line. If it touches the line, the line is no longer straight!
This procedure is a two-person job as described. It is
difficult for one person to hold the wall while securing
the brace. Some carpenters use a manufactured brace
that can be adjusted to align the wall. Others fashion
spring braces on the job.
11.7 Tri-Level and
Split-Level Framing
Tri-level and split-level housing presents special chal-
lenges in wall framing. Generally, a platform type of
construction is used. However, the floor joists for upper
levels may be carried on ribbons let into the studs. The
plans prescribe the type of construction. They should
also include calculations of distances between floor levels.
When working with split-level designs, a good carpenter
prepares accurate story poles that show full-size layouts of
these vertical distances for all levels of the building.
11.8 Special Framing
Framing carpenters are sometimes asked to build struc-
tures with special features. It helps if these features are
carefully engineered and detailed by an architect. In
such cases, construction details are included in the plans.
When they are not, a carpenter must develop the plan.
Most bay windows are prefabricated by the window
manufacturer. However, a carpenter may be asked to
build a bay window. When asked to do so, the carpen-
ter must visualize the details of construction, lay out
and construct the floor frame to carry the project,
and build the wall and roof frame. See Figure 11‑31.
Stud
Plate
Blocks
Double joist
Double joist
Joist
Header
Rafter
Sill
Header
National Forest Products Assn.
Figure 11‑31. Traditional framing for a bay window. To illustrate how joists are extended over the sill, the subfloor is not shown
here. Joists at either side of the extension should be doubled.