The wood framing industry is big business and is one of the top industries in the United States. This comes as no surprise as most homes in the United States are built using wood frame construction as its structural foundation. As technology and mechanization advance rapidly, we see wood framing methods become more modernized to fit more contemporary building designs in demand.
Compared to its more manufactured counterparts like steel, concrete, and brick, wood framing is an eco-friendlier way of structural framing. It is a renewable resource and can offset carbon emissions, as the material acts as a carbon sink. It is also durable, flexible, and easy to handle, making it the top material for structural framing in the United States.
Selecting the Right Type of Wood
Understanding the type of wood you are using is integral in determining the structural integrity of your home. Wood is a complex material and has unique properties that you should do your prior research before picking the type you should use for your property. Considering the kind of wood you use is also vital as various woods have different grades, strengths, versatility, availability, workability, and costs.
Different woods are also ranked according to the extent of the defects and rate of growth, as they are affected by moisture that can impact the material’s durability. Many contractors will use weather barriers and protective coating to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture and shrinking, which can cause a change in the size and structure.
Setting the Foundation
To reinforce the structural integrity of your building, you will have to take extra precautions in ensuring that the foundation has been laid carefully. For instance, most contractors will combine wood with concrete and lay it as the property’s foundation in wood framing. In addition, the ground must be made stable and prepared according to the soil and the wooden frame’s capacity by removing stray tree roots and tamping any loose backfill to prevent future issues.
Wood Framing Components
Wood framing is a structural building system where various vertical and horizontal elements are fitted together and combined through mortise and tenon joints to create a desired structure and frame. The components used in wood framing are integral in supporting and building internal and external fixtures such as walls, floors, and roofs. Each frame comprises components such as studs, joists, and rafters that are assembled to form a sheathed structure under stud-connecting sheets.
Wood Framing Methods
There are two main methods used in wood framing – light-frame construction and heavy-frame construction. The light-frame construction utilizes numerous, smaller supports, while the heavy-frame construction uses lesser but heavier supports in the frame. Here are some common methods of wood framing construction:
- Balloon: In this method, a single stud will span from the foundation sill to the roof plates. In a two-story building, it is supported by ribbon strips which are difficult to handle and increase the flammability of the building.
- Platform: A light-frame construction method that creates a ground floor platform and assembles walls flat, which are then tilted vertically. This is a popular method for contractors due to its lightweight and ease of handling, cutting labor and material costs.
- Planks and Beam: A heavy frame construction method that eschews the use of rafters and joists. Subfloors are made using planks, walls are supported using studs, and roofs are created by placing beams at the end of studs – creating a system where the components support each other.
- Truss-Framed: A rigid and durable frame construction method where the roof and floor truss are joined together by wall studs.
Your First Choice for Wood Framing
At US Framing, our goal is to provide our customers with the highest-quality wood construction at the fairest, most competitive, and ethical prices. We have never stopped trying to achieve this endeavor since we opened our doors. We persevere in creating long-lasting relationships with our clients, partners, and customers. We believe in a people-first approach to foster and create a positive and mutually beneficial environment in the wood framing industry.
For more information on the types of wood framing services we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us today!
