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There are several different ways to approach the framing of a house, but which makes the most sense for you? Learn more in this guide to house framing.
Did you know that building a home in 2017 was $52,000 less than in 2015? Are you wanting to build your future home but are curious about the different frames out there?
In this article, you’ll learn all about the many different house framing options out there. Read on to discover these different frames and what will suit your home best.
What Is Framing a House?
Framing houses are known as the skeleton of a home. When you have a strong frame, then the home is supported. If you have a weak frame then any finishes to the home will be noticed. A weak frame leads to granite countertops falling, walls cracking, and flooring will squeak.
Pneumatic nail guns are now used to speed up the process, metal connectors for sturdiness, and lumber is used instead of sawn boards. Using strong materials is important, but you also want a skilled carpenter building your frame. It’s important to know what’s important to your home’s frame so you don’t remove anything important such as a load-bearing wall.
- Balloon Framing
If you choose balloon framing, studs will run full height from the top plate to mudsill. This wood frame was extremely popular before the 1930s and can still be used for masonry-walled and stucco 2 story homes. It’s more dangerous to build because of its height and weight along with the studs.
- Wood Framing
When you’re looking for different types of framing, consider wood since it’s the most popular out there. They’re easy to build and the materials necessary aren’t hard to find. There are downsides such as using untreated wood which attracts termites. You want to make sure the wood is treated with rot-resistant chemicals to help keep the termites at bay.
It’ll also do poorly if it’s exposed to moisture, and it can expand as well. One type of wood home framing is known as platform framing. A subfloor is put on top of the concrete foundation and wood framing is on top of the subfloor. There’s also beam and post framing which has sill beams on top of the foundation perimeter.
Another option is doing a comparison of icf vs wood frame for your home and seeing the benefits of each.
- Platform Framing
Platform framing is very similar to balloon framing but safer. It still uses the same 2x4s spaces 16″ and the same layout. Shorter lengths of lumber are used since each story is built individually. Shorter lengths cost less and the space between each floor creates a fire block that’s not available with a balloon frame.
These frames can be built without scaffolding. Platform framing is the most common frame you can choose.
- Timber Framing
Timber framing is the oldest type of wood construction you can find. This type of frame can last centuries since they’re extremely stable. They’re also powerful and rigid without using nails. They use tenon joinery and mortise instead of nails to have the beams form together. It was popular until the 1800s when balloon framing became more popular.
This type of frame is completely self-sufficient so sheathing and cross-bracing aren’t necessary. Even though they’re extremely strong, there are some cons to timber framing. This type of build requires large pieces of wood that aren’t always easy to find. They aren’t available in some locations.
You’ll also need a master craftsman to build this home which can be expensive. You won’t want just anyone building a timber frame because you’ll need someone who can make the matching joints required to place the timber frame together.
Building Tips
Never overdrive since a nail that’s too deep into wood can’t use its full weight. Ensure you’re using the correct sized nails paying attention to their girth, length, and the number of nails needed. When you’re placing studs, joists, and rafters, leave enough space for solid support.
Always keep wood dry by covering them with a tarp, and use dry wood since it’s not as likely to twist or warp. When you’re sheathing, lay sheets perpendicular to the frame since this will increase the strength. Always use plywood clips on the wall and roof panels. When you’re in the application process, use an adhesive since that’ll increase the bond’s strength.
Building Your Own Home
When you’re deciding whether to build your own home or hire a professional, keep in mind that you won’t be able to do everything on your own and will need a qualified professional. You can save a lot of money by doing most of the work yourself. If you decide to do most of the work on your own, you can become easily overwhelmed. A good contractor will know suppliers, permitting offices, and how to decrease downtime.
If you hire a professional to do the framing of your home, you can start to see the shape of your home in a week or 2. Once the frame is done, this is a good point that you can help out the crew. You can help lay the floor sheathing over the wallboard or joists.
Your crew will first come up with an order of what’s needed as far as nails, lumber, house wrap, etc. Next, that’s when they’ll begin framing your house. After that’s done they’ll install any skylights, doors, and windows. Then, finished siding is placed over the sheathing.
Deciding on House Framing
While there are many house framing options out there, you must decide what style works best for you and your home. Would you like to learn more about building and architecture? Check out our other articles.
