Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
260 Section 2 Foundations and Framing
Framing of the floor extension is best done by extend-
ing the floor joists, cantilevering them over the founda-
tion. To help carry the weight of the structure, double
the joists forming each side of the bay. A header over
the opening in the wall carries the weight of the struc-
ture above. It also provides a nailing surface for the
window’s ceiling joists.
Another special framing project might be a cabinet
soffit that closes in the space between the ceiling and the
tops of cabinets. Soffits are most often found in kitchens,
although bathrooms frequently have them, too.
Construction of a soffit begins by snapping a
chalk line on the studs at the bottom edge of the
soffit. This is usually 84″ from the finished floor.
Next, nail a 2×2 along this line using one 10d nail at
each stud. Then, snap a second chalk line snapped
along the ceiling at a distance that is at least the
depth of the cabinets. Nail another 2×2 onto the
ceiling along this line. If the ceiling joists run par-
allel to the soffit, 2×4 blocking is used to bridge be-
tween two joists and provide support for the 2×2.
Next, cut a 2×4 or 2×2 for the lower front edge of
the soffit and blocking to frame the front and bot-
tom of the soffit. These pieces are attached with
screws or 8d nails. See Figure 11‑32.
11.9 Multistory Floor Framing
Framing the upper floor of a multistory dwelling is
similar to framing the first floor, Figure 11‑33. Joists
are placed on top of the double plate along with headers
=Soffit framing =Wall framing =Ceiling framing
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑32. A framed soffit before the firestops are
installed. Note the 2×2 frame against studs and ceiling
joists. Special blocking is used at the corner.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑33. In platform framing, the first story wall framing is independent from the second story wall framing. The floor and
ceiling joists create a platform on which the second story is formed.
260 Section 2 Foundations and Framing
Framing of the floor extension is best done by extend-
ing the floor joists, cantilevering them over the founda-
tion. To help carry the weight of the structure, double
the joists forming each side of the bay. A header over
the opening in the wall carries the weight of the struc-
ture above. It also provides a nailing surface for the
window’s ceiling joists.
Another special framing project might be a cabinet
soffit that closes in the space between the ceiling and the
tops of cabinets. Soffits are most often found in kitchens,
although bathrooms frequently have them, too.
Construction of a soffit begins by snapping a
chalk line on the studs at the bottom edge of the
soffit. This is usually 84″ from the finished floor.
Next, nail a 2×2 along this line using one 10d nail at
each stud. Then, snap a second chalk line snapped
along the ceiling at a distance that is at least the
depth of the cabinets. Nail another 2×2 onto the
ceiling along this line. If the ceiling joists run par-
allel to the soffit, 2×4 blocking is used to bridge be-
tween two joists and provide support for the 2×2.
Next, cut a 2×4 or 2×2 for the lower front edge of
the soffit and blocking to frame the front and bot-
tom of the soffit. These pieces are attached with
screws or 8d nails. See Figure 11‑32.
11.9 Multistory Floor Framing
Framing the upper floor of a multistory dwelling is
similar to framing the first floor, Figure 11‑33. Joists
are placed on top of the double plate along with headers
=Soffit framing =Wall framing =Ceiling framing
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑32. A framed soffit before the firestops are
installed. Note the 2×2 frame against studs and ceiling
joists. Special blocking is used at the corner.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑33. In platform framing, the first story wall framing is independent from the second story wall framing. The floor and
ceiling joists create a platform on which the second story is formed.