Platform framing

Framing is a term used to describe the process of erecting a framed structure. Platform style wood-frame construction is described in more detail below. This style of framing is the common method of constructing homes and apartment buildings throughout North America.

The floors, walls and roof of a framed structure are created by assembling consistently sized framing elements (2"x4", 2"x6", etc.) at consistent spacings (12", 16", & 24" on center). The floors, walls and roof are typically made torsionally stable with the installation of a plywood or composite wood "skin" referred to as sheathing. Spacing the framing members properly allows them to magically align with the edges of standard sheathing.

The framed structure sits atop a concrete (most common) or treated wood foundation.

From the foundation, a framer will bolt or otherwise connect a sole or sill plate. Then, depending on the design of the structure, a framer may install a floor, short "pony walls", or full height walls.

Where the design calls for a framed floor, the resulting platform is where the framer will construct and stand that floor's walls (interior and exterior load bearing walls and space demising, non-load bearing "partitions"). Additional framed floors and their walls may then be erected to a general maximum of four. There will be no framed floor in the case of a single level structure with a concrete floor known as a "slab on grade".

Stairs between floors are framed by installing stepped "stringers" and then placing the horizontal "treads" and vertical "risers".

The top floor's walls will receive the roof. A framed roof is an assembly of prefabricated trusses (most common) or hand cut rafters. The roof members are covered with sheathing or strapping in advance of the finish roofing material.