Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 206 Section 4 Reading Prints Wood Framing Wood is the most widely used residential construction material. Its availability and affordability lead to its popularity and the methods of wood framing are widely known. Wood has proved to be a durable, dependable material for houses. The following sections describe the common wood framing systems used in residential construction and the manner in which each of these systems is shown on prints. Floor Framing The basic component terminology related to floor framing is described as follows. Typical floor framing and wall framing members used in residential construction are shown in Figure 12-2. • Sill plate. The sill plate is a board attached to the top surface of the foundation wall. Anchor bolts cast in the concrete are used for the connection. A 2×4 or 2×6 × × member is often used for the sill plate. • Header. The header, also called a r r rim joist, is t nailed to the top of the sill plate at its exterior edge. The header is positioned with its longer cross-sectional dimension vertical. The header is the same size as the joists that attach to it. • Joists. Joists are horizontal floor-supporting beam members. The ends of the joists rest on the sill plate and are nailed to the header. Joists commonly span from the sill plate to an interior wall or a beam. See Figure 12-3. Joists are normally spaced 12″–16″ ″ apart. Common lumber sizes used ″ for joists are 2×8, 2×10, and 2×12. The joists shown in Figure 12-3 are solid wood joists. Engineered wood joists are also available and are used for spanning longer distances. Wood I-joists, T he framing (structural) systems commonly used for residential construction are similar to the large steel and concrete framing systems used in commercial construction. Beams and joists are used to support floors. Columns are used in situations where a wall would be inappropriate, such as open areas found in basements or open areas between large gathering areas. However, there are several differences between heavy commercial frames and light residential frames: • Wood members are more commonly used, rather than structural steel or concrete. See Figure 12-1. Wood frames are lightweight and easier to construct. • Many more members are used in wood-framed residential structures, because the wood is relatively weak as compared to concrete or steel. • Walls are also constructed as a frame, with wood studs spaced every 12″, 16″, ″ or 24″ ″ on center. ″ • The weight from a floor is supported by the entire length of the wall, rather than by columns. • Residential framing plans may include additional information, such as the roofing material, sheathing, and finish details. Light-gage steel is sometimes used in residential frames instead of wood. However, the framing systems do not change significantly when steel members are used. When using light-gage metal framing, the system should be designed by an engineer for structural integrity. Residential foundation systems are similar to heavier structural systems used in commercial construction, except that residential foundations are much simpler in most situations. Usually, a residential foundation consists of concrete footings and loadbearing walls, and some- times simple retaining walls. Residential foundation systems are discussed in Unit 10. Dan Dorfmueller Figure 12-1. Wood is the most widely used framing material in residential construction, due to its flexibility and ease of use. Subfloor (plywood or lumber) Anchor bolt Sill plate Joist Foundation wall Header (rim joist) Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 12-2. Basic components of floor framing construction.