| Framing, in construction is known as light-frame | | | | different light frame construction systems used in |
| construction. It is a building technique based around | | | | North America. |
| structural members, usually called studs. It provides a | | | | In Canada and the United States, the most common |
| stable frame to which interior and exterior wall | | | | method of light-frame construction for houses and |
| coverings are attached. This is covered by a roof | | | | small apartment buildings as well as some small |
| comprising horizontal ceiling joists and sloping rafters | | | | commercial buildings is platform framing. The framed |
| all of which are covered by various sheathing | | | | structure sits atop a concrete (most common) or |
| materials to give weather resistance. | | | | treated wood foundation. A sill plate is anchored, |
| Lumber is by far the most popular Framing | | | | usually with 'J' bolts to the foundation wall. Generally |
| Construction material because it's readily available, | | | | these plates must be pressure treated to keep from |
| easy to work with, and comparatively less expensive | | | | rotting. The bottom of the sill plate is raised a |
| than other framing materials. Modern light-frame | | | | minimum 6 inches above the finished grade by the |
| structures usually gain strength from rigid panels used | | | | foundation. This again is to prevent the sill-plate from |
| to form all or part of wall sections, but until recently | | | | rotting as well as providing a termite barrier. |
| carpenters employed various forms of diagonal | | | | A framed roof is an assembly of rafters and wall-ties |
| bracing (called "wind braces") to stabilize walls. | | | | supported by the top story’s walls. Prefabricated |
| Diagonal bracing which is used to stabilize walls is | | | | and site-built trussed rafters are also used along with |
| required by building codes in many municipalities or by | | | | the more common stick framing method. "Trusses" |
| individual state laws in the United States. | | | | are engineered to redistribute tension away from |
| Light frame construction using standardized | | | | wall-tie members and the ceiling members. The roof |
| dimensional lumber has become the dominant | | | | members are covered with sheathing or strapping to |
| construction method in North America and Australia. | | | | form the roof deck for the finish roofing |
| It is because of its economy. Use of minimal | | | | material.Floor joists can be engineered lumber |
| structural materials allows builders to enclose a large | | | | (trussed, I-beam, etc.), conserving resources with |
| area with minimal cost, while achieving a wide variety | | | | increased rigidity and value. They allow access for |
| of architectural styles. The ubiquitous Platform | | | | runs of plumbing, HVAC, etc. and some forms are |
| Framing and the older Balloon Framing are the two | | | | pre-manufactured. |