WALL FRAMINGKey Terms, and Concepts

Mr. Paules

Key Terms in Wall Framing

Sole Plates – Lowest horizontal strip on wall and partition framing. Walls are laid out on two plates Top and bottom match

Studs – Vertical structural framing members in wall and partitions.

Terms Cont.

Jack or Trimmer Stud – A stud that supports the header for a wall opening.

Header – Horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening (window or door)

Rough Sill – Window sits on this horizontal framing member. Is supported by cripple studs

Cripple – A stud used above or below a wall opening. Extends from header to top plate or from sole plate to

rough sill. King Stud – Is always next to the jack stud and

creates extra support for an opening.

Terms Cont.

Double Top Plate – Horizontal member that locks intersecting walls together. Is nailed onto top sole plate after all walls

have been set in place. Plumb – Perfectly straight vertically. Walls need to be plumb for materials, and

stability.

Rough Opening

Opening in a wall in which a window or door is to be installed.

Rough opening is determined by window sizes and door sizes.

Rough opening is always 2” bigger around the opening.

Headers are put into openings that are load baring walls.

Header length is equal to rough opening size, plus thickness of two trimmer studs.

16” O.C

16” O. C concept is not based upon load to be carried.

It is designed to accommodate wall covering materials (drywall, paneling, sheathing).

Layout wall from left to right, making first mark at 15 ¼”. Then mark 16” O.C from thereafter.

Other Things to Know

The size nails used for framing are 12p, common, which are 3 ¼” long

Also 16p common nails, which are 3 ½” long. Exact size – actual size of a framing member. Examples – Actual size of a 2”x4” is 1 ½” x 3

½”. Actual size of a 2” x 6” is 1 ½” x 5 ½” Nominal size – Size used to order lumber.

Example – “I’d like to order 50 - 2” x 4’s.” Load Bearing Wall – A wall which carries weight

from above. These wall require a framed header. Example – Exterior walls.