BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION-II
WALL FRAMING
Module 07
Dr. Dennis L. Estacio, uap
Wall Framing System
Objective:
This module aims to provide an in-
depth understanding of the
components, design, and installation
techniques involved in wall framing
systems for residential.
Definition of walls in building
construction
In building construction, a wall is a
vertical structural element that
defines an area, carries loads,
provides shelter, security, and divides
spaces, serving both structural and
functional purposes.
Introduction to Wall Framing
Wall framing is the structural skeleton of a building that supports vertical
loads (like the roof, floors, and any live loads) and provides lateral stability
against forces like wind and earthquakes. The wall framing also serves as a
surface for mounting windows, doors, and finishes.
Types of Wall Framing:
Load-bearing walls: Carry vertical loads from the roof, floors, or
upper levels.
Non-load-bearing walls: Serve as partitions and do not carry
vertical loads.
FUNCTION
Walls are essential for:
Enclosing and dividing spaces: They create rooms, hallways, and other areas
within a building.
Structural support: Walls, especially load-bearing walls, support the weight of
floors, roofs, and ceilings.
Providing shelter and security: They protect occupants from the elements and
offer a degree of security.
Enhancing interior design: Walls can be used to create interesting textures,
patterns, and visual appeal.
Thermal and sound insulation: Walls help regulate temperature and reduce
sound transmission.
Materials Used in Wall Framing
The materials used in wall framing depend on building codes,
environmental conditions, and design preferences. Common
materials include:
1.) Lumber (Wood Framing):
◦ Most common for residential buildings.
◦ Standard lumber sizes: 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, etc.
◦ Treated wood may be used in areas prone to moisture (e.g., exterior
walls or basements).
Materials Used in Wall Framing
2. Steel (Metal Stud Framing):
◦ Used in commercial buildings, multi-story buildings, and areas with
high fire risk.
◦ Offers high strength-to-weight ratio.
◦ Standard metal stud sizes: 3-5/8 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches.
Materials Used in Wall Framing
3. Concrete (Masonry Wall Framing):
◦ Typically used for exterior or foundation
walls.
◦ Concrete blocks or poured-in-place
concrete are used for stability and fire
resistance.
Components of Wall Framing
The basic components of a wall framing system include:
1. Sole Plate (Bottom Plate):
◦ The horizontal member that sits on the floor and anchors the wall.
◦ Typically made of treated lumber for moisture resistance.
2. Top Plate:
◦ The horizontal member that sits on top of the wall studs and supports
the roof or upper floor framing.
◦ Usually consists of two layers of 2x4s or 2x6s, nailed together for
strength.
Components of Wall Framing
The basic components of a wall framing system include:
3. Studs:
◦ Vertical members placed between the sole plate and top plate.Typically
spaced 16 or 24 inches apart (center-to-center).
◦ Can be made from wood or steel.
4. Headers:
◦ Horizontal beams placed above doors and windows to carry the
weight of the structure above.
◦ Made of engineered wood or steel.
Components of Wall Framing
The basic components of a wall framing system include:
5. King Studs and Jack Studs:
◦ King studs: Full-height vertical members on the sides of a window or
door opening.
◦ Jack studs (or trimmer studs): Shorter vertical studs that support the
header above an opening.
6. Cripples:
◦ Short studs located above or below window or door openings.
◦ Provide additional support and help distribute loads evenly.
Header Head Plate
Vertical Stud
Cripple Stud
Door Jamb
End Stud
Plaster Board
Noggin
Sole Plate
Joist
WALL FRAMING
Components of Wall Framing
The basic components of a wall framing system include:
7. Sheathing:
◦ A layer of material (e.g., plywood or OSB) applied to the exterior side of the
wall framing.
◦ Provides structural stability, wind resistance, and a surface for attaching
siding.
8. Bracing (Diagonal Bracing):
◦ Provides lateral support to the wall, preventing it from racking or leaning.
◦ Common types: Let-in bracing, metal straps, and shear panels.
Wall Framing Techniques
Wall Layout and Measurement
◦ Mark the wall centerline: For accurate placement of studs, start by
marking the centerline of the wall on the floor and ceiling.
◦ Establish the wall height: Wall height is determined by floor-to-ceiling
requirements or architectural specifications.
◦ Stud spacing: Typically, studs are spaced 16 inches apart, but in some
situations, they may be spaced 24 inches apart for cost savings.
◦ Position the plates: Lay out the sole plate and top plate according to
the measurements, ensuring that the openings for doors and windows
are accounted for.
Wall Framing Techniques
Assembling the Wall Frame
◦ Cutting the studs: Measure and cut the studs to the desired
height. Be sure the studs are straight and free of defects.
◦ Installing the studs: Fasten the studs to the top and sole plates
using nails or screws. Ensure they are plumb and aligned.
◦ Window and door openings: Insert headers and trimmers to
support the openings. The headers should be strong enough to
carry the load above the opening.
Sheathing and Bracing
◦ Attach sheathing: Apply plywood or OSB sheathing to the
exterior of the wall frame using nails or screws. Make sure the
edges are flush and well-aligned.
◦ Install bracing: Depending on the design, use diagonal braces or
shear panels to add lateral stability to the wall.
WALL AND FLOOR
FRAMING CONNECTION
FLOOR FRAMING PLAN
SILL PLATE
•Wood floor system should be anchored to the foundation to
resist wind forces acting on the structure
•Anchorage is done with a 2x6-inch sill plate attached to the
foundation by ½-inch anchor bolts at 2.5 m (8-feet) intervals
•Floor joist are toe-nailed to the sill plate
•Sill may also be attached with anchor straps embedded in the
foundation in the same manner at the same spacing a anchor
bolts
•These devices do not require holes in the sill plate
▪ Where sill plate is omitted, anchorage of the floor system
may be provided anchor strap devices; straps should be
spaced to coincide with joist locations so that each may be
nailed directly to the side of a joist
▪ Pressure-treated wood does not require a sill plate or
special anchor devices; floor joist bear directly on the top
foundation wall and are toe-nailed to provide anchorage
▪ Metal straps are simply bend around the plate and nailed
▪ Anchor straps are less exacting and do not interfere with other
framing
▪ Sill plates may be eliminated where the top of a poured concrete
or concrete block foundation is sufficiently level and accurate
▪ Joists may bear directly on a solid concrete wall or on a top
course of solid concrete block; on cross webs of hollow core
block or on cores that have been filled with mortar
Source: National Association of Home Builders Research Center. Wood Frame House Construction, p46.
Anchoring floor
system to poured-
concrete foundation
wall with sill plates
Anchoring floor
system to poured-
concrete foundation
wall without sill
plates
END OF PRESENTATION
THANK YOU!
