Whether you’re building a house, adding an entire room, or erecting a wall, a skeleton or rough frame is the most important component of the structure.  A solid frame with a good foundation can keep a house from collapsing. It sets the stage for all the other components in a building project. Any overlooked detail or faulty framing can have serious implications when the project is complete.

What Is Rough Framing?

Rough framing uses materials such as wood, metal, and concrete.  Wood is the most common framing material used to frame a house. It is measured, cut, and assembled for the walls and subfloors, along with other vital structural supports.

Platform framing is the most popular method used among builders.  This method is where each story is framed on top of the lower one. Platform framing can be used for one- or two-story houses. It allows builders to use widely available pieces of dimensioned wood and has become the standard among contemporary home builders because:

• Platform framing uses shorter pieces of lumber than techniques used in the past.
• The breaks in the studs from level to level create natural firebreaks.
• They are building on a solid work surface, creating a safer environment with high structural integrity. 

Rough Framing Basics

Rough framing is the beginning of a solid and strong home or building. If you’re thinking about building a new home, here are a few tips to understand rough framing.

1. Building Codes Compliance

Regardless of the type of construction, regulations on framing set by local building authorities must be followed. These rules are set in place to ensure any structure being built follows the basic principles of construction and engineering. Rough framers or carpenters follow the building codes and the blueprints to ensure the structure is strong and properly built. Adhering to building codes is why your home remains solid for decades.

2. A Strong Foundation

Construction can be done on a concrete slab or on a foundation that acts as a floor. The concrete is poured near the surface or a floor beneath the ground for a basement. Beams are often sunk into the foundation to provide support for load-bearing walls inside the house. Concrete is used because it is inexpensive and tough.

3. Framing Materials

While many commercial buildings are framed using metal, most house framing is done with wood because it:

• Is less expensive
• Is easier to work with
• Requires no welding
• Can easily be cut
• Weighs less
• Has proven durability

4. Basic Structure Creation

Rough carpentry is work done on the framing of a building, including basic things as the walls, floor, and roof. Rough framing consists of the creation of a structure based on vertical components, known as studs, which provide a stable frame for interior and exterior wall coverings. Horizontal elements called joists, run the length of the floor, or between walls or beams. The joists support ceilings and floors. 

• Floor Components: Joists make up the support for the floor of a home. They serve as a platform that the wall panels will attach to. Floor joists are covered with subflooring. A floor truss supports the floor and resists bouncing.
• Walls: Interior walls can be load-bearing and non-load bearing. A load bearing wall supports a load from above, such as another floor or a roof. A non-load bearing, or a partition wall, supports no weight and can be an exterior or an interior wall. Shear walls resist lateral forces such as wind and earthquakes. These are often found in multi-story buildings.
  Exterior wall sheathing strengthens the walls by tying the studs together. Builders commonly use wall panels such as gypsum, reinforced cement board, or plywood.

• Sill: This anchors the house to the foundation.
• Ceilings: Ceiling joists are horizontal elements that span the ceiling and transfer the load of the roof to the studs. Rafters run from the ridge to the wall plate of the external wall and support the roof sheathing. Rafters are good for those who want a vaulted ceiling or extra room in the attic to convert into a room.
• Truss: A truss is a wooden structure that is designed to distribute the weight of a roof over a broad area. The roof decking is the section of the roof assembly that sits on top of the rafters or trusses.

Ready to Build?

The elements of framing are essential in constructing a solid frame, one of the important steps of homebuilding. RT Construction is well-versed in design, construction, and building codes. Our team is ready to help you build a strong foundation for your new space. Contact us today for a free consultation.