THE

ioU'"

LGUIDE TO

==-

Table of Contents
Estimating Materials
Converting linear Feet to Board-Feet .... .1

Floor Openings ..... .. .................

.... ..... 28

Cantilevered Floors ....... ... ....

..... .. 28

Floors and Ceilings ........... .... .... .............. ..... 1

Walls ........................ .. ... ............................ .. 3
Roofs ... ........ .... ................................................ 5

Floors:
Subflooring
Subfloor Spans .... .... ........ ..... .... ....

Selecting Lumber

.........30

Fastening Subfloor Panels .................. ... .30

Selecting Dimensional Lumber .................. 6

Selecting Sheathing and
Subfloor Panels .................. ...................... 9
Selecting Engineered Lumber ................. 10

Floors:
Wood I-Joists
Boring and Notching I-Joists .................... 31
I-Joist Bearing ...... ............................... .... ..... 31

Nails

Temporary-Bracing for I-Joists .. ............... 31

Holding Power of Nails ............................. 13

I-Joist Load Paths ..... ............ ........ .......... ... 33

Pneumatic Nails .................. ........................ 15

Floor Openings ...... .... .. .

.................... 36
Cantilevered I-Joists ..... ......... .............. ..... .36

Galvanized Nails ... ... .. ........ .................... .... 15

Aluminum and Stainless-Steel Nails ...... 1 8

Nailing Rules of Thumb ............................. 18

Floors:
Trusses

Framing Connectors

Truss Types .. ................................................ 37

Hangers for Solid Wood Joists ............... 1g

Handling Trusses ...................................... .. 37

.... .. 20

Installing Floor Trusses ... .. ... ... .. ........... .....38

Wood I-Joist Hangers .... ........... .

Bracing Floor Trusses ..... .... ..... .................. 39

Floors:
Dimensional Lumber

Fire-Stopping for Floor Trusses ............... 4 0

Walls
Joist Depth .... .......... ..................................... 22
Design Loads for Floor Joisls ................. .22

Stud Spacing ....... ...... ... ......................... ...... 41

Joist Spacing ............ .. ................. ........... .....23

Top Plates ........... ...... ................................... 41

Joist Span Tables .. ... .............. .... ................ .23

Maximum Stud Lengths ............................. 42

Framing Details .........

......................... 24

Notching and Boring Siuds and Plates ......42

Load Palhs ........................................... ... .... 26

Corner Studs .. ........................... .............. .... 43

Wall Bracing ........ ...... ... ................. ..... .........43

The Essential Gllide to Framing

Table of Contents
Headers .. ................. ...................... ..... .. ....... .45

Fire-Stopping Details for Walls .... .......... 47

Seismic and Wind

Bracing
Shear Walls . .. ....... ..... .................................. 74

Roofs:
Dimensional Lumber

Stacked Wall Connections ........... .. ......... 78

Rafler Loads ... ............................................ 48

Roof Connections .............................. ......... 78

Common Rafter Spans......

...................48

Hip and Valley Raflers ... ......... .................. .4B

Rafter Bearing ... ...... ......... ..... .............. ... ....52
Structural Bracing ................. ... ......... .... .....52
Raised Rafter Plates ...... ..... ....................... 56
Blocking for End Restraint ............... .......56
Overhangs ................... .......... ................ ....... 56
Roof Openings ................... ................ ........57
Shed Dormers ...... ... ....................................58

Roofs:
Wood I-Beams
Structural Ridge Required

Anchoring to Fou ndations ......................... 77

Energy-Tight Details
Sealing the Rim Joist ............................. ... 80
Partition Channels ......................................81
Sealing Knee Walls ..... ............ ....... .......... 81
Sealing Cantilevers ......................... ........... 82
Sealing Balloon-Framed Walls ................ 83
Seal ing Framing Projections .................... 83
Cathedral Ceiling Options ........................ 84

Steel in Wood Frames

.. .... .... .6 1

Eaves Connections .................................... 62

I-Beam Overhangs .. .................................... 63
Temporary Bracing for I Beams . .......... ... 64

Roofs:
Trusses
Truss Types ............................................ ...... 65
Handling and Storing Trusses ................. 68
Bracing Roof Trusses ................................68

Structural Steel Headers .......... ......... ....... 89

Steel-toSteel Connections .. .... .... ..... ... ... 91
SteeHoConcrete Connections .............. 9 1
Steel-toWood Connections .................... 91
Flitchplates ..................................... ....... ... ... 93

Span Tables
Joist Spans ............. ..
Header Spans ............... ..
Rafter Spans ...................... ....

.. .. 94

..... ........ 98
.. ........... 104

Piggyback Trusses .. ... .... ........ .................... 73

The Esuntial Guidi to Framing

Estimating Materials

Converting linear Feet

to Board-Feet

Figure 1. linear Feet to Board-Feet Conversion

Formula method. To find board-feet,

multiply the total length (in ft. ) by the
nominal lumber thickness by the width
(in in. ), and then divide the total by
12. For example: (10) 8-ft. 2x4s = (80
x 2 x 4) + 12 = 53.3 board-feet
(LxTxW)+ 12

Factor method . Alternatively, usc the

conversion factors in Figure 1.

Floors and Ceilings

Estimating Number of Joists

To calculate the number of joists) usc

the formulas shown in Figure 2 for the
appropriate Oil-center spacing.
Estimating Rim Joists

Remember to include rim stock in the

total joist cou nt . Rim joist stock is calculated as fo llows:
Bl'ILDJ\:l; LENGlH n-T.)

x 2/

Nominal Lumber Size

Conversion Factor

1>4

.33333

1>6
1>8

.50000
.66667

1x10

.833333

1x12

1.00000

2x3

.50000

2,4

.666667

2,6
2,8

1.00000

2:<10

1.66667

4,4

1.33333

4,6
6,6

2.00000

1.33333

3.00000

As an alternative method of calculating boardfeet, multiply the lin.

ft. of each lumber stze you are using by the correspond ing conversion factor. EJcample: (10) Sft. 2x4s"" SO x .666667:: 53.3
boardfeet

Lumber lengths should be multiples of

the o.c. spacing. For example, use 12s,
16s, 20s, etc. , for 16-in. o.c. joist spacing. Depending on the length of the
building, it may be more efficient to
count these indi\~duaUy, mixing lumber
lengths that break evenly on the joists.

L UJ\1RER LI-':,\'(; rH

The Essential Guide to Framing

Estimating Materials
Figu", 2. EsHmating Joists and Raft...

1 16" 1 16"1

16

"

16"

16

'

-r "i
16

L+ l.25+1

r 19.,, [

To calculate the

19., , [

19.,,,[ 19'" [19,'''1

number of

joists needed:
1) Measure the

width of the
room (ft.);
2) divide by the

appropriate a .c.
spacing (ft.); and

L+l.5+1

3) add one to

start.

r--- "" f
~
~

24"

L+ 2 +1

'r

24"

Estimating Subflooring

The most accurate method of estimati.ng subtloori ng is to graph scaled lines

over the floor plans in 4x8-ft. incre ments. For a quick altcrnativl:, calculate as follows:
For each section of subfloor, square
off any jogs or cantilevers from the
outside perimeter on the plans to
form one large perimeter rectangle .
For each section , multiply th e
length by the width of t he perimeter rectangle .
The Essential Guide 10 Framing

'r

""[

Divide by 32 (for 4x8 panels).

FLOOR AR!-~'" "" LF1\GTI! X WIDTH
SI!!-"ATH 1~l; ( 4x8 I'ANH.s) = Fl.OOR

AIU:,\ .;. 32
Remember to add a couple of sheets to
the rotal panel coum to accommodate
cuttin g error and waste, especially if
there are jogs in the floor plan .

Estimating Materials

Walls
Estimating Plate Stock

Order wall plates in a quantity that's at

least four times the total length of the
walls. On walls that run in the same
direction as the trusses or joists, an
additio nal plate is needed tor drywall
backing at the ceilin g. More will be
needed to cover waste , miscellaneous
backing, and continuoll s fire blocking
for waUs over 8 ft. high .

doors; cou nt French doors or slid ers as 2;

2 ) Multiply by 2 ;

3 ) Divide by 3 and order that many

10 -footers.
For extra large or extra narrow WHldows, calculate headers individ ually.
Estimating Wan Sheathing

For rectangular wall areas:

WALl. AREA .. TOTAL \VAl L L ENGTH X
WAl.L f-i EH,;HT

Estimating Studs

For a small house (less than 2 ,000 sq.

ft.) with 16 -il1 . O.C. framing, order 1
srud for each lin . ft. of wall fram ingboth interior and exterior. Fo r a larger
ho use framed J 6 in. O.C., order 1.25
studs for each lin. ft. o f wall fram ing.
Estimating Headers

In a house with windows under 36 in.

\\~ dc) usc the following shortcuts:

SHEATHI1\G (4;..:8 'rAl\I';LS) ;;; WAl .L AREA

+ 32

1) Multiply the torallength of exterior

walls by the wall height to get tOtal
wall area ;

2) Subtract the areas o f major openings

such as sliders or large windows;
3) Divide by 32 (fo r 4x8 panels).
Remember ro aCCount for gable-end
walls.

For solid -sawn headers:

For regular gables (sam e p itch both

sides of r idge):

1) Cou nt the number of windows and

doors; Coullt French doors or slid ers as 2;

Multiply span by rotal rise. This gives

you the rotal for two gabl c-ends .

2 ) Divide by 3 and order that many

10 -footers.

For irregu1ar gables or sin gle gableend walls:

For doubled -2x head ers:

1) Multiply cotal ru n by total rise for

each gable end;

I) Count the number of windows and

2 ) Divide by 32.
The Essenli. 1Guide to fnlming

Estimating Materials

Figure 3. Rafter Lin. lengtfl (ll) Ratios

Roof

COM LL

HIV LL

Roof

COM LL

H/V LL

Pltch/12

Ratio

Ratio

Ratio
1.2019
1.225 4
1.2500

1.0035

1.4167

Pltchl12
8

1.0078
1.0138

1.4197

8 1/2

1.4240

1.0215

1.4295

9
gl/2

3
3112

1.0308
1.0417

1.4361

10

1.3017

1.4440

10tt2

4
4112

1.0541

1.4530

11

1.0680

1.4631
1.4743

11'/2

1.3288
1.3566
1.3851

Ratio
1.5635
1.5817
1.6008
1.6207
1.6415
1.6630
1.6853
1.7083

1.4142

1.732 1

1.5366
1.6667
1.8028

1.8333
1.9437

t 1/2

2
21/2

5
5 1/2

1.0833
1.1000

1.4866

12
14

6
6112

1.1 180

1.5000

16

1.1373

1.5 144

7
7112

1.1577

1.5298

18
24

1.1 792

1.5462

1.2754

2.2361

2.0616
2.4495

To convert Rafter Run to Line Length:

1) Select l L ratio for given slope in table

above;
2) Multiply raher run by LL ratio.
To find Full Rafter Length (add for any
overhang at the eaves):

1) Multiply the horizonlallenglh of overhang

by the same lL ratio;

Rise

11
Rafter run

2) Add this overhang length to the rafter LL.

Vllhen estimating rafter lengths and calculating spans, convert the rafter run (horizontal distance) to a sloped distance
(line length) using these ratios.
Examples: On a 6/1 2 roof with a run" of 15 ft., find the net rafter length for the common ralters: 15 It. x 1.1 18 = 16.77
ft. or 16 ft. 9 11 in. Round up to the ne:ct 2ft. increment for the lumber length needed (1 8-footers).
If the roof has a 16-in. overhang, measured along the rafter, the job will requite 20ft. rafters: 16 in. x 1.118 = 1.491
ft. + 16.77 ft. = 18.261 ft. or 18 ft. 3Y. in. Round up 10 20foolers .
For more precise calculations of rafters, use an effective run, which is shorten ed for the ridge thickness. For more
information, see A Roof Cutter's Secrets to Framing the Custom Home (JLC Books)

The Essential Guide to Framing

Estimating Materials

Roofs

Estimating Roof Sheathing

Roof ARI-'_ "'-

PrRI ,' IFTER \VAl I

Estimating Rafter Length

U-SGIH\ (I:-.'<.L 0'1-](

To find Ole full rafte r length, multiply

the correct line knb'th ratio in Figure
3 by the hori zontal n Ul o f the rafter.
This gives the nct rafter length, or line
length, from top plate to ridge. Then
add for the plumb cu t at the ridge and
overhang to find the fu ll rafter length.

X RAFT!'R L!:\\-_ LF"GIH

Estimating Number
of Common Rafters

To calculate dle number of common

rafters, lI SC the for m was provided in
F igure 2 (page 2) for the appropriate

Oil -center spacin g.

Remember to incl ude ridge stock.
Estimating Hip and

H.J,..'\(",,)

SHb\I HI:-':G (4 x8 r_"'~n...,) - ROOI- All!,_'"

+ 32

1) Add overhang distance to exterior

wall lengths;
2 ) Multiply the total length of the
perimcter (wall lcngrh + overhang)
by thc rafter line length (Figure 3 )
to get toral roof area (on gable
roofs , do n't include the gable-end
wall in the torallength );
3 ) Divide by 32 (for 4x8 pands).
Calculate roofs of djffcrcnt pitches
individuaJ ly_
Remembe r to add a couple of sheets to
the total to account for error and
waste _

Valley Rafter Lengths

To calculate the length of each hip

rafter, usc the HipjVallcy LL ratio
shown in Figure 3 .
Estimating Jack Rafters

For a simple hip or valley, each pair of

jack rafters is equ al in length to one
common (one long jack + one short
jack - one common ).

The Essential Guide to Framinll

Selecting Lumber

Selecting Dimensional lumber

Pine-Fir (Canadian ), Dou glas FirLarch, Hem-Fir, and Southern Pine

(typically pressu re- treated ). Each
species group is available in a number

Dimensio nal lumber is differen tiated

by several species groups. T he main
species groups in the U.S. are Spruce-

of grades, but unless otherwise

Figure 4. Slrenglll of Wood

Design Values'" for 2x8 (Nominal) Lumber
Extreme Fiber Stress
in Bend ing (Fb)(2)

Modulus of
Elasticity ( E)ll)

Species Group

Grade

D-Fir-L

Select Strength

1,620

1.9

No. 11 No. 2

1,020

No.3

Select Strength

570
1,500

1.6
1.4
1.5

No. 1/ No.2

1,050

1.4

600
1,560
1,200

1.2
1.7
1.6

690

1.4

Select Strength

2,3 00

1.8

No. 1

No. 2

1,500
1,200

1.7
1.6

No. 3

6 00

1.4

SPF

No. 3
Hem-Fir

Select Strength

No. 11 No. 2
No.3

Syp

(1) These values include a sile factor for a-inch-wide nominal members used in normal conditions (lumber with a moislure
content <= 19% placed 01"1 edge). Wet lumber or flat members require higher values. (2) psi (3) million psi
This table shows comparative design values for the four main wood species used in this manual. The values assume the
lumber will be loaded on the edge. Extreme fiber stress in bending (Fb) is a measure of the lumber's strength to resist
loads applied perpendicular to the grain. This load produces tension in the wood fibers along the edge farthest from the
applied load, and compression in the fibers along the edge nearest to the load. The Modulus of Elasticity (El is a ratio of
the amountlhe wood will deflect in proportion to the applied load. E is a measure of stiffness, w hereas Fb is a meas
ure of strength.

The Essential Guide to Framing

Selecting Lumber
Figure 5. Predicted Shrinkage of Dimension Lumber
Width @

Width @
8% MC

Width @
6% MC
(Arid
Climates)

Size

Actual
Width

Width @
19% MC
(at Delivery)

11%MC
(Humid
Climates)

2x4

3 1/2"

31f2"

3 7/16"

33fa"

3%"

2x6

5 1/2"

5 '/2"

53Ja"

5 5/16"

55f16"

2x8

7'/2"

71J4"

7"

2xlO

91f4"

7'/8"
9 1/1 6"

71116"

9 1/4"

9"

8 15116"

2x1 2

11'/4"

11 1/4"

11 "

10 '5/16"

10 7/8"

Lumber

(Average
Climates)

Framing lumber shrinks primarily across its width; shrinkage from end to end is insignificant. Actual shrinkage varies
depending on the lumber's moistu re content when delivered and the area's cl imate.

specified, most framing lumber is #2 .

Lowcr grades may be aUowed for studs
(Stud -Grade ) and [OP plates (UtilityGrade ).
Strength values for these and other
North American species and species
groups are shown in Figure 4 . For
convenience, the span tables in this
book (pages 94-117 ) are listed by
species group. If a species o r group is
not listed in the charts, usc the spans
for a species or group wirh the same or
higher Fb value .
Shrinkage

Ki ln-dried lumber is scamped K-D

(kiln -dried ) or S-Dry (surf.l ce dry),
and is shipped with a moisture conteO[

of about 19%. Anything larger than a

6x6 is generally not avail able K-D.
In a completed building , framing
eventually dries to an average of 6% to
1 1% moisture content, depending on
climate. This drying callses the lumber
to shrink across the grain; shrinkage
along the grain is negligible. F igure 5
shows the degree of shrinkage in tlatsawn framing lumber. Shrinkage in
large carrying beams can cause one
part of a hOllse to settle more than
others, causing drywall cracks and
other problems (Figure 6 ).
However, using flush beams wi th
han gers, or engineered lumber or
sred , can reduce the potential for
shrinkage problem s. If dimensional
The Essential Gliide to Framinll

Selecting Lumber
Figure 6. Avoiding Cumulalive Shrinkage
A~emative:

~l

Flush-framed

girder

~cr- ...Il1I;-. f==4-~

I

Alternative: /
LVL girder

~WJ. /

The two

2~12

girders in

th is building will shrink

enough to cause a 1/2in.
drop in the secondfloor
level - enough to cause

nail pops and cracks in

the finis hes. Use steel,

2x12 girdfr

engineered lumber, or
flush framing to eliminate
the problem.

Figure 7. Rushed-Framed Floor Joisls

Problem

~---

2x12 floor joist

after shrinking
Plywood

subfloor

lVL girder

Get tops of
floor joists
1/2" higher than

Solution

engineered lumber

VJhen installing dimeosionaHumber floor joists

flush with the top of
engineered o r steel
beams, install the joists
1/2 in. higher than the
girder to accommodate

shrinkage.

Plywood
subfloor

lVl girder

The Essential Guide to Framing

Selecting Lumber
lumber is hung flush ITom a beam
made of steel or engineered lumber,
the result can be a bulge at the beam
(see Figure 7).

Figure 8. Reading Sheathing Grade Stamps

APA

Use rating ~

THE ENGINEERED

WOOD ASSOCIATION

Selecting Sheathing and

Subfloor Panels
Sheathing and subflooring should consist of performance-rated structural
panels. These are made from plywood
or oriemed-strand board (OSB ), and
should carry a st amp (Figure 8 )
from APA-The Engineered Wood
Association (formerly the Ameri can
Plywood Association ).
Panel Use Ratings

For framing, choose only from the fol lowing panel grades:
Sheathing pands are designed for
use on roof decks and walls;
Structural 1 panels are designed
for use on shear walls;
Srurdi-Floor tonguc-and-groove
panels arc designed for use as subflooring.
Panel Exposure Ratings

For framing, select panels \\~th only

the following exposure ratings:
Exterior panels can be used ou[doors;

Span rating ~

,.~

Thickness
RATED SHEATHING /
23/32 INCH

48/24

~o~"
durability rating ~

~ Mill Number

SIZED FOR SPACIMG

EXPOSURE 1

,
Code rec()Qn~ion ' - _
000
_
/ ' APAs
of APA as a quality _____
~2 SHEATtlIMG .....- Ilerformanceaswrance agency
PRP-Ioa HUD-UM44
Rated Panel
Standard
The key information found on a grade stamp for sheathing-rated
plywood or OSS panels includes the panel's use rating, span
rating, exposure durability, and thickness.

Exposure 1 panels can withstand

moisture during normal construction delays - up to a full season,
according to APA. However, the
panels should be covercd up as
soon as possible::.
Othcr exposure ratings for wood pan els include:

Exposure 2 panels are typically uscd

for protected construction and indusnial applications where the potential
for high humidity and water leakage
may exist for limited timcs;

Interior panels are made with

water-soluble interior-grade glues
and arc intended for interior appli cations only, not for framing .
Panel Span Ratings

Span ratings on sheathing grade

stamps ma~' have two numbers such as
The Essential Guide to framing

10

Selecting Lumber

24/16. The first indicates the allowable

roof span (in this case, 24 in. o.c. ) and
the second indicates the subflooring
span ( 16 in . o .c. ). Span ratings for mul tipurpose panels are: 24/0, 24/16,

32/16,40/ 20, and 48/ 24.

If a sheathing panel stamp includes

only onc span number, the panel is for

lise on walls onl~'.
Sturdi -Floor panels arc engineered for
usc as su bflooring. They have span ratings of 16-,20-, 24-,32-, and 48 -in .
Panel Thickness

Pl ywood and OSB are always !j32 in.

smaller than their nominal sizes. for
example, !j2-in . plywood act ua ll y
measures only 15/32 in .
Roof Panel Span

Roof pands should be a minimum of Y2

in. thick for 16-in. O.c. framing, and o/M

in. thick for 24-in. o.c. fTam.ing.

For roofs framed 24-in. o.c., usc Hclips [Q support the edges of the
sh eathing at mid-span. Clips create the
prope r gap and help stiffen panel edges.

avoid OSB in subfl ooring, especially in

kitchens or baths, where exposure to
wet conditions is likely. Some flooring
contractors will not install hardwood
flooring over aSB subflooring, although
tests have shown that it performs the
same as plywood in this application.
is not considered a suitable underlayment for lISC directly under ceramic
tile or resilie nt flooring, however.

ass

Unused aSB should be stored under

cover Oil the job site. lfan installed aSB
subfloor is left uncovered for a long period after installation, consider treating it
with a water repellent.

Selecting Engineered lumber

Engineered smds and beams arc not
direct substitutes for solid lumber. Each
engineered product has special installation requirements. Be sure to consult the
product's tec hnical literature before
using any new engineered product.
/v lost engi neered lumber is made with
c:\.1:crior glue. The glue will hold up tmder
normal construction delays, but it is not
waterproof. Therefore, all engineered
ILIDlber should be protected from the
weather on-site and stored fiat.

OSB
VJhilc the strength and nail-holding
ability afOSB and plywcKxi arc equal for
similarly rated panels, aSB swells more
when wet. Because of this, some builders
The Essential Guide 10 Framing

Wood IJoists
Using wood I-joists places the strongest
m aterial (typi cally LVL ) where the

Selecting Lumber
bending stresses arc greatest - in thc
flanges along the top and bortom of dle
beam. Thi s lets the lightweight beams
span great distances with minimal
deflection, providing a vcry stitT floor.
I-joist webs consist of pl~'\Vood or OSB,
making them more susceptible [0 water
damage than sawn lumber. Therefore,
I-joists must be stored under cover particularly those with ass webs. Care
must be taken when drilling or notch ing the webs to allow mechanicals to
pass through (see "Boring and
Notching I-Joists," page 3 1).
Engineered Studs

For taU walls and kitchen walls that

mll st remain straight for collntenop and
cabinet runs, engin..:ered studs arc a costeffective alternative to dimensional lum ber. Follow manufucturers' gujdelincs for
installing specific products. General use
precautions are shown in Figure 9.
Finger-jointed studs aren't any
stronger than dimensional lumber of
the samc species, but because the
defects have been cut Ollt, tbey arc
more dimensionally stable. In addition , tbe grain is interrupted by glue
joints, making finger-jointed studs less
likely to nvist and bow.
The glue that holds the joints together
is water- resistant, but these studs
should be protected trom prolonged
exposure to the weather.

Figure 9. Engineering Studs for Tall Walls

Notches and holes shall
not occur in the same
__
crass-section
~~

5/8" min. edge

~ distallce

nr~
U[

I~

Do n~t notch in the

middle '/3 of length
of stud

OR hrn' d;.m".,
13/8" for 2x4
23/16" for 2x6

I~

Max. nolch width:

IK
7/8" for 2x4
I~ ~
13/8" f.or 2x6
~

Certain restrictions may apply to drilling holes and culling

notches in tall engineered studs. Whenever using engineered
lumber, consult the manufacturer's specs for design va lues,
load tables, and nailing requ irements.

Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL).

LSL is made from strands of wood
bonded with a polyurethane adhesiYe,
and it is ust:d mostly for rim boards,
studs, and headers. LSL studs are
straight and true, but heavier than solid
lumber. They have sharp edges so wear
gloves when handling. LSL studs take
air nails about the same way dimen ~
sionallumber docs, but there are fewer
problems ,,~th splits if nails are kept at
least 1/2 in. from the edges.
Engineered Beams

Engineered beams may consist of

lam inated veneer lumber (LVL ),
Tlle Essential Guide 10 Framing

11

12

Selecting Lumber

----------------

glue -laminated timbers (glulams ), or

paraUc1-strand lumber (Parallam). Be

aware that the large loads carried by an
engineered beam will concentrate at
the bearing points. To keep the beam's
fibers fro m crushing under the weight,
be sure to aHaw sufficient bearing surface. Installation of large engineered
beams m ay require a crane or lift.

Laminated-Veneer Lwnber (LVL).

LVL is a strong, versatile, engineered
product that resembles plywood. LVL
beams are typically built up from several
LVL members nailed or bolted together.
Bolting is preferable where the beam is
side-loaded (e.g., a floor system ,,~th
flush framing) or where it will be exposed
to the weather. Side loading with joist
hangers can cause the outer LVL members to "peel oft" if they are not bolted
together.
Before ordering LVL, it's important to
note the gradl:, species, and manufacturer specified by the designer. For example,
Douglas-fir LVL is somewhat weaker
than yellow-pine LVL. While most LVL
has a water-resistant coating, it is still vulnerable to cupping when exposed to
moisture. So store it dry.
Glue-Laminated Timbers (g1u1anlS). A
gilliam consists of dimension llmlocr
face- laminated with structural adhesives.
Three appearance grades are available industrial, architectural, and premilID1.
Design values are the same for all three
The Essential Guide to Framing

grades, but the bettl:r grades have fl:wl:r

surface defects. This is important in residential construction where most glulams
are left exposed.
Glulams come in widths ranging from
2 1/2 to lO3j4 in. Depths are multiples of
the lamination dlickness. For example, a
glulam widl eight 11/2-in. laminations
will be 12 in. deep.
Most giuJams are delivered in a wrapping that protects the surflcc of any
exposed beam during shippin g and
installation. If possible, don't rl:nlove
this wrapping until aU interior finishing is
complete. Protect wrapping so that water
doesn't leak in and become trapped.
Never notch or drill a glu1am without
consulting eidler the fabricator or a
strltcmrai engineer. Connections should
oc made so that the beam can swell and
shrink with moisurre swings .

Para1Id-Sttand Llmlber (Para1IamO).

Sold under the brand nanle Parallam~,
this product consists of strands of veneer
that arc aligned, coated with glue, and
cured with a combination of pressure
and microwaves. The resulting beanl is
stronger and stiffer than solid-sawn lumber and is equivalent in strength to multiple LVLs. H owever, you save the
expense of bolting and don't need to
worry about side loading or warping
from moisture. The material is somt:what
harder to cut and nail than solid lumber.

13

Nails

Holding Power of Nails

nails should be loaded only laterally

(where the load acts perpendicular to

the shank) . Also, nails have more hold -

A nail's holding power is a fimction of

its diameter, how far it penetrates the
wood , and the type of wood it pene trates. In framing, nails should never
be loaded in withdrawal (where the
load acts parallel to the nail shank and
tries to pull it out). Instead, framing

ing power when driven into the side

grain rather than into the end grain. In
fan , nailing into the end grain will
reduce a naiJ's lateral load capacity by
approximately Ol~e - third .

Figure 10. later.1 Strength of Common YS. Box Nails

Side

Penny Wt.

NaillWe

memb~r

Bd

f!..~-- Main member

J
10d

Common

80'

Diameter (in.)

0. 131

0. 113

Side Member
Thickness (in.)

0- 3/4

12d

80'
0.148 0.128

Common

0-3/4

Common

16d
80'

0.148 0. 128
0- 3/4

20d

80'
0.1620. 135

Common

Common

80'

0. 192 0.148

11/2

1 1/2

Lateral Rating (lb.)

SPF
DFL
Hem-Fir

SYP

70
90
73
104

57
72
58
79

83
105
85
121

68
87
70
101

83
105
85
121

68
87
70
101

120
141
122
154

88
103
89
113

144
170
147
185

100
118
102
128

Nails are rated for ' lateral capacity," which is greatly affected by the nail's diameter. Since box nails are skinnier than
commons, they have lower strength values. The ~a l ues shown ~ary with the type of framing lumber used, and they
assume the nail will penetrate the main member (illustration at top) at least 12 d iameters.

The Essential Guide to framinll

II

14

Nails
Box vs. Common Nails

Lateral strength is largely a fUllction of

a nail's diameter and the density of the
type of wood into which the nail is
driven. For example, 1Od and 12d nails
have the same diameter and the same
lateral strength in each type of wood.

Common nails are stronger than box

nails beca use of their greater diameter

(Figure 10 ).
Vlhcn substitmin g box for common
nails, calc ulate the nail size needed
using the .con version ratios shown in

Figure 11. Conversion Ratio for CDmmon tu Box Nails

Withdrawal Strength of Nails

Nails arc much stronger whe n loaded

laterally (across the nail) than when
loaded in with3rawal (along the length
of the nail ). Withdrawal from end
grain is particu larly weak and not
accepted as a structural conn ection by
most codes. Withdrawal values trom
sidcgrain arc given in Figure 12 .

To convert required number of common nails of a given size

to box nails, multiply by the appropriate ratio and round up.

Pennywt.
Ratio

ad

lDd

12d

16d

20d

1.23

1.22

1.22

1.36

1.44

Figure 11 .

SPF lumber assumed.

Do not substitute a common nail that's specified on the plans for

an equal number of box nails. Instead, multiply the specified num
ber of common nails by the conversion rat io shown in the chart
and round up to find the equivalent number of box nails.

Figure 12. Wilhdmwal Strength Design Values 01 Common vs. Box Nails
ad

Pennywt.

NaillYPe

Common

Diameter (in.)

lDd
8o,

0.13 1 0.113

12d

Common 80'

0. 148 0.128

C ommon 8o,

0.148 0.128

16d

2Dd

Common 8 o,

Common B ox

0.1620.135

0.192 0.148

Withdrawal Value

SPF
D-F-L
Hem-Fir

SYP

21
32
22
41

18
28
19
35

23
36
25
46

20
31
21
40

23
36
25
46

20
31
21
40

26
40
27
50

21
33
23
42

30
47
32
59

23
36
25
46

psi per Inch of penetra~on into sKle grain of main member

This table shows the allowable load values for typical common and box nails. These values represent the pounds per
square inch of load applied per penetration into the side grain of the main member.

The Essential Guide to Framing

Nails
Toenails
For toenails loaded

15

Figure 13. Proper Toenailing

withdrawal,
multiply the values in Figw-e 12 by
.67. For toenails loaded lateraUy, mul tiply the values in Figure 10 by .83.
Toenails should be driven at an angle
of about 30 degrees from the face of
the stud or other mem ber being
attached (Figure 13 ).
III

Pneumatic Nails
Pneumatic nails are typically sold by a
specified shank diameter III inches
(. 120, .13 1, and .148 are common for
framing nails). These are typicaJly skin nier than common nails of equal
length and, therefore, have lower lateral strength (Figur e 14) and withd rawal values (Figure 15 ). Consult man ufact urers fo r lateral strength of
specific nail types .

Galvanized Nails
Galvanized nails are made from zmccoated steel. The zinc protects the steel
from rust. H ow well a nail resists rust
depends o n the amOllnt of zinc and
how it's applied .

n
V

\(

l/'1'
(

~\

\/

\
(

::.

Place toenails away from the end of the board a d istance thai's
equal to one-third th'e length of the nail. Angle the nail so it comes
through at the center of the board's thickness.

Figure 14. lateral Strength of Air Nails

Wood Species
Nail Diameter

SPF

DFL

0.12"

19
21
23
26

29
32
36
40

0.131 "
0.148"
0.1 62"

Hem-Fir SYP

20
22
25
27

37
41
46
50

Values are based on a 10-year "normal" load duration, and

assume: 1) smooth-shank nails dri~en perpendicular to the wood
grain; and 2) both side and main members are of the same wood
species. When toenailing, multiply the ~alues by .83, as described
in "Toenails, top of page.

H ot -dipped nails (coated by immersion

in mol [en zinc ) are d1e mos[ durable.

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

16

Nails

Figure 15. Wrthdrawal Strength lJIad Values for Air Nail.

Wood Species
Nail Length Nail Oia. SPF
2'/2"

3"

0.131 "
0.12"

3"
3"

0.148"

3 1 /4"

0.12"

3'/4"

0.131"
0.162"

3 112"

0.131 "

52
69
79
84
69
79
92

DFL Hem-Fir SYP

62
81
93
99
81
93
109

54
71
80
86
71
80
94

67
89
101
109
89
101
11 9

Withdrawal values (psi per inch of penetration into the main member)

are based on a I Q-year "normal" load duration, and assume: 1)

smooth-shank nails driven perpendicular to the wood grain; and 2)
both side and main members are of the same wood species. VVhen
toenailing, multiply the values by .83, as described in "Toenails~
previous page.

Hot-galvanized (H G ) nails are coated

with zinc chips in a hot tumbler, a
process that can leave an uneven coating. A certain percentage of these nails
will rust when used o utside.

Electroplated nails are smooth and

shiny, but tile thin zinc coating will
oxidize away quickly when exposed.
This makes them a poor choice for
exterior work.

Mechanical plated, or "pee n" plated,

nails have a zinc layer that isn't as thick
as that used on a hot-dipped nail , so it
is less corrosion -resistant. However,
mechanical plating is appropriate for
screws as the thin coating won'r clog
the t hreads.

Figure 16. Nailing Schedule.

Roof Framing

Number of Common Nails Number of Air Nails

Rafter to top plate (toe-nailed)(1)

3-8d per rafter

3-3 x .13 1 per rafter

Ceiling joist to top plate (toe-nailed) (1)

3-16d per joist

5-3 x .131 per rafter

Ceiling joist to parallel rafter (face-nailed)(1)(2)

3-16d per joist

4-3 x .13 1(1) per rafter

Ceiling jois1laps over partitions (faced-nailed)

3-1 6d per lap

4-3 x .131 per rafter

Collar tie to rafter (face-nailed) ll )

3-16d per joist(1)12)

43 x .13 1 per rafter

Blocking to rafter (toe-nailed)

2-8d each end

2-3x .131 each end

Roof rafter to ridge beam(1 )

3-10d per rafter

3-3x. 131 per rafter

Jack rafter to hip (toe-nailed)

3-10d per rafter

3-3 x .131 per rafter

1-Bd every 6 in. edge,

12 in. field

1-21/2X .1 3 1 every6 in.

edge, 12 in. field

Roof Sheathing(l)
Structural panels

The Essential Guide to Framing

Nails

17

Figure 16. Nailing Schedules, coniinued

Wall Framing

Number of Common Nails

Number of Air Nails

Top or bottom plate to stud (end-nailed)ll)

2- 16d per stud

3-3 x .131 per stud

3- ' 6d per 2x6 stud

4-3 x .13 1 per stud

Top or bottom plate to stud (loe-nailed)(1 )

3-c'~6~d~pce~,~s~t~"=d_ _ _ _ _ _4~=3~,~.~1~3~1~pce~,~s~t="=d __

4-16d per 2x6 stud

5- ' 6d per stud

2 , 6d every 1 6 in.

3-3x.13 l per stud

Top plate to lop plate (face-nailed)!1)

Top plates al intersections (face-nailed)

2-16d each side of joint

4-3 x .131 each side of joint

Stud to stud {face-nailed}

2-16d every 24 in.

1-16d every 16 in.

2-3 x .1 31 every 16 in .

Header to header (face-nailed)

2-3x.13 1 every 12in.

' -3x. 131 every 12 in.

along edges

along edges

1-16d every 16 in .

1-3x .1 31 every8in.
along edges

1-8d every 6 in. edge,

12 in. field

1-21/2 x .13 1 every

6 in. edge, 1:2 in. field

Joist to sill, top plate or girder (toe-nailed)

4-8d per joist

4-3 x .13 1 per joist

Bridging to joist (toe-nailed)

2-8d each end

2-21/2 x .131 each end

Blocking to joist (toe-nailed)

2-8d each end

2-2 1/2 x .1 31 each end

Blocking to sill or top plate (toe-nailed)

3- 16d each block

4-3 x .131 each block

Ledger strip to beam (face-nailed)

3- 16d below each joist

4-3 x .131 below each joist

Joist on ledger to beam (toe-nailed)

3-8d per joist

3-3 x .13 1 per joist

Rim joist to joist (end-nailed)

3-16d per joist

4-3x.131 per joist

Rim joist to sill or top plate (toe-nailed) (1)

2 16d every 12 in .

2-3x.13 1 every8in.

1 in. or less

1-8d every 6 in. edge,

12 in. field

1-21/2 x .13 1 every

6 in. edge, 1 2 in. field

Greater than 1 in.

1-10d every 6 in. edge,

6 in. field

6 in. edge, 6 in. field

Bottom plate to floor joist, band joist,

end joist, or blocking (face-nailed)(31(4)

Wall Sheathi ng(1)

Structural panels
Floor Framing

Floor Sheathing
Structural panels

1-31J4x. 131 every

(1) For high wind areas, conSlJ1t local codes.

(2) See Figure 81, page 53, lor detal~ SGhed~les to accommodate spec llic roolloadlng conditions.
(3) Nailing reqUirements are based on waH sheathing nailed (I In. o .c. at the pand edge. If wall sheathing IS n!IJled 3 in. o.c.
allhe panel edge 10 oblaln higher shear capacr\les, nailing requirements lor structural membe~ must be doubled, or alternate
connectors, such ss shear plates, must be used to maintain the load path.
(4) VVhen wall sneatl1irlg Ij! continuous Oller cormocted members, the tabulated number of nails can be reduced to

116d r.ail per fool

The Essential Guide to framinll

II

18

Nails

Aluminum and
Stainless-Steel Nails
Aluminum nails are sometimes used
to faste n exterior siding. The),'rc vcry
resistant to rust and corrosion, but
may corrode when used with some
flas hing metals.
Stainless steel. White expensive,
stainless-steel nails are the most ru stresistant under nearly al l conditions.
They are highl)' recommended below
g rade or in homes that wi ll be
exposed to salt air. T hey' re also recommended for cedar or redwood
trim , and for siding that will be left to
weath er without st ain or paint.
Stain less-steel nails arc typically avail-

able as Type 304 and 316. Type 316

afC more durable.

The Essential Guide to Framing

Nailing Rules of Thumb

Typical nailing schedules appear
Figure 16.

III

Two is better than one. In general,

never rely on a single nail. Use at least
two.

N ail spacing. Don't space nails closer

than o ne-quarter their length to the
edge of the board.
Nail penetration. To hold at full
strength, nails should penetrate the
wood a depth that's at \cast 11 tim es
their diameter - 1112 in. for 3d nails
and 1 3/4 in. for 16d nails.

19

Framing Connectors

Hangers for Solid Wood Joists

When using joist hangers, it's critical
that you use the proper size hanger
and fill all ho les with nails.

Do not split ends. A nail that splits the

wood will reduce rhe joist's carrying
capacity. In critical situ ations, you can
predril l nail holes a depth of up to
three-quarters the nail's diameter.

Figure 17. Double Shear Connectors

Double-shear

'''""''''~

Double-shear

Double-shear connectors provide

greater strength with fewe r nails

(Figure 17).
Joist-Hanger Nails

A particular hanger may caU for Sd, IOd,

12d, or 16d common nails. Special joisthanger nails also may be used . T hough
they have Sd or lOd shank diameters,
they arc only 11/4- to 11h -in. long, so
they can be driven into the joist without
protruding through the othe r side.
Using them where the hanger calls for
full-length IOd or 12d nails will reduce
the hanger's load capacity by 20% to
30%. Hanger C"1talOgs give adjustment
factors for specific nail sizes. Don't use
joist-hanger nails in place oflongcr nails

The strongest joist hangers are those that offer double shear
nailing that crosses the joist ends. The angle also makes it easier
to nail them to the joist in a joist bay.

in double-shear bangers or as face nails

on skewed hangers.
Effect of Lumber Shrinkage on
Hangers

Joist hangers are designed for use with

dry lumber. Iflumber is wet, shrinkage
may leave a gap between the bottom of
the joist and the hanger's saddle o r
between the top of the joist and the
floor decking .

The Essential Guide to Framing

20

Framing Connectors

Wood I-Joist Hangers

Figure 18. I-Joist Hanger Height

Wood I-joists require special hangers.

Do not try to adapt conventional
hangers.

Hanger side flange

wppcrts joist
top fla nge

I-Joist Hanger Height

Hangers for wood I-joists should be

tall enough to catch the I -jois['s top
Bange unless a web stiffener is used;
otherwise, the joist may roll in the
hanger (Figure 18 ). If a we b stiffener
is used, the hanger side flange should
be at least 60% of the joist depth.
The strongest joist hangers are those thai offer double shear
nailing thai crosses the joist ends. The angle also makes it easier
to nail them to the joist in a joist bay.

Figure 19. Hangers on I-Joists

Tllp flange hanger ~

IArrying l-jIlist

~~ Web
sliHene.
prevent cross,

grain belldillQ

and rotation
of top flange

Before installing hangers to an I-joist, install web stiffene rs

against the bottom of the lop flange of the carrying joist so that
every nail in the hanger can be filled.

The Essential Guide to Framing

I-Joist Hanger Width

H angers for wood I-joists should be

the same width as the joist flange. Do
not trim the flange to fit a narrower
han ger; this woul d reduce the joist's
strength. A wider hanger will either
leave a gap, potentially causing a
squeak, o r will require filli ng with plywood, whi ch would un even ly load
the hanger.
Nailing I-Joist Hangers

Nail in every hole with correct sized

nails; leaving nai ls out greatly reduces
the hanger's capaciry. Nails that are too
long can hit the bottom of the hanger
and curl under the joist, causing a
sq ueak.

Framing Connectors
Web Stiffeners

Wood Nailers for I-Joists

For I -joist to I -joist connections,

install web stiffeners against the bottom of the top flange of the carrying

For hangers dlat bear on wood nailers,

the nailer shou ld not overhang its support more than 1/4 in. or sit more than
'/8 in. in from the edge (Figure 20 ).

joist (Figure 19).

Figure 20. I-Joist Hangers on Concrete and Steel

Nailer Over Steel

Nailer Over Concrete

Va" mal.
mismatch
between wall

- I-

-~- '

w
J ~~....

overhang

may cause crossgrain bending

~~,~;1 " ~I

Nailer too narrow

affects installi!tinn
. of I-joist hanger

1t

==:::;:;;~
... ~~~.=
'.'

=::::'1J) ..'

. 'i .~=

When applying a wood nailer oller concrete or steel, make sure the nailer is not too wide (left) or too
narrow (right), or this will compromise the strength of the joist hanger.

The Essential Guide to Framing

21

22

Floors:

MENSIONAl .UI,1I3ER

Floor systems get their strength from

the diaphragm action of the subflooring, which is typically T&G plywood
glued and either na iled or screwed
over uniformly spaced joists.

Joist Depth
Rule of thumb . Most codes aSSllme residential floor loads to be 50 pounds per
sq. ft. - 40 pounds live load plus 10
pounds dead load. Ifload conditions do
not exceed this value, YO ll can use the
following rule of thumb for sizing uniformly loaded residential floor joists:

Agure 21. live loads for Floors and Ceilings

Component
Residential rooms
Oecks
Balconies

live Load (lbs./sq. ft.)

40
60
60

Fire escapes

40

Stairs

40

Ceiling joists (limited attic storage)

20

Ceiling joists (no attic storage)

10

Live loads irdude all loads that are not part of the building itself (dead
loads), such as people, furnishings, wind, and snow.

The Essential Guide to Framinll

HALF Tl-l lo SI'M~ ... 2 = )(mT D FI'TH

First, rollnd the clear span of the floor

joist up to the nearest foot and divide
by 2 . Then add 2 to t he answer. For
example: For a clear span of 15 ft. 6
in ., round up to 16 and divide this
span by 2, giving you 8. Next, add 2 to
get the-required depth in inches (8 + 2
= 10). It's important to use the actual
lumber dimensions, not the nominal
dimensions, so a 2x12 floor joist wiU
be required .

Design loads for Floor Joists

Live loads. A 40-psf live load will
meet most codes for residential living
spaces (some require only 30 psf in
bedrooms). For typical live loads, sec
Figure 2 l.
Dead loads. For dead loads , 10 psf is
adequate for standard wood-frame
consrruction. For mortar-set ceramic
tile floors, frame for a 20-psf dead
load. For other special situations, calculate loads based on weights of building materials (Figure 22 ).

Floors:

23

Figure 22. Weights of Common Building Materials

Pounds per Sq. Fl

Materials
Studs, Joists & Rafters
2x4s, 1 6 in.

D.C.

2xBs, 1 6 in. o.c.

Materials
Flooring

9
1.4

3{8 in. ceramic tile

1/2 in. quarry tile

1.9
2x8s, 24 in. o.c.
1.3
2xl0s, 16 in. o.c.
2.4
2xl0s, 24 in . o.c.
1.6
2:x 12s, 16 in . o.c.
2.9
2x12s, 24 in. o.c.
2
Residential roof truss, 24 in. o.c. 4

1 in. mortar bed

2xBs, 16 in. D.C.

5/8 in. drywall

4
2.5
6
12
3.5
3

3/4 in. hardwood strip fl ooring

2x6s, 24 in. o.c.

Sheet Goods
1/2 in. plywood
3/4 in. plywood
1/2 in. drywall

Pounds per Sq. Ft

Cement backerboard
Carpet and pad

Exterior Wall Cladding

1.5
10

Wood siding
Three-coat stucco
Window unit

Roofing

1.5
2.3
2
2.5

Asphalt shingles

2.54.5
9 - 12

Clay tiles

19
10

Spanish tile
Mortar bed for roof tile

This table can be used as an approximate guide for

calculating dead loads. For the exact weight of specific
materials, it's best to check with the manufacturer.

Insulation (per in. thickness)

Fiberglass batt insulation
Rigid foam

Joist Spacing

Joist Span Tables

Floor and ceiling jOlSrs are usually

framed 16 in. o.c. However they may
be framed at 12 in. o.c. to increase
stiffiless, or to increase the span in one
section of a flo or sysre m without
changing lumber depth .

Joist span means the clear, horizontal

distance between supports (Figure
23 ). The actual joist length is longer
to provide bearing at each end (sec " 1Joist Bearing," page 31 ). Spans for
dime nsional lu mber floor and ceiling
joists are given in Figures 24 to 27,
pages 94 -97.

.05
.2

The Essential Guide to Framing

24

Floors:
If the species or species group you are
llSing is not listed, choose one with the
same or slightly lower Fb vaJucs in
Figure 4, page 6. If necessary, you can
interpolate bcnveen two val ues.

Figure 23. Joist Span

Framing Details
Sill Plates

For sill plates in contact with concrete

or masonry foundations, use prcssurctreated wood to protect against decay
and insect attack.
Anchor Bolts

Span charts provkle the ~ dista.rx::e between supports; actual joist length
must inci.Jde an additional beaMg length on eoch end.

Figure 28. Anchor Bolt Placement

Anchor bolts within 12" of

"""TT
, '7 every foundation wall comer
rinlersecoon

Anchor bolts within

~ 12" of each end of

Maximum 6'-0"

between anchor

sill plate

Bolt the sill plate ro the foundation

with anchor bol ts or strap anchors
spaced no more than 6 ft. apart.
Most codes call for minimum 1/2-in.
steel J-bolts embedded at least 7 in. in
concrete, mortar joints, or solid-grouted masonry units. Each section of sill
must have at least two bolts, with one
bolt placed somewhere between 3 1/2
to 12 in. from each end (Figure 28 ).
Each bolt needs a nut and adequately
sized washer.

Minimum 7"

bolts

embedment

12" max. from

joint in sill

1/2"dia. anchor

bolt with washer

",

'

. ~

-, ' '- '-

'...
--

~'

Each sill section requires at least two anchor bolts, placed as shown.

The EssBntial Guide to Framing

Wedge anchors. If anchor bolts are

missing, usc 1/2-in. wedge anchors or
adhesive anchors that use hammer-in
glass capsules. With a wedge anchor,
tightening the nut expands the anchor
wuil it's locked tight against the sides
of the hole. A wedge anchor must be
tightened to the manufacturer's specified rorque. Tightening it too much
can pulverize the surrounding con crete. Also, anchors can't be placed too

Floors:
close to the edge of a concrete slab or
foundation walL

25

Figure 29. T.pered Joist Ends

Adhesive anchors. Adhesive anchors

can be spaced closer to each mher, 3.nd
closer to the edge of a slab or wall ,
than wedge anchors. Drill a hole in the
concrete and drop the capsule in. Then
pound the anchor into the hole \\~th a
small slt:dgehammer; this mixes the
chemicals in the capsule. Note: The
capsules have a long shelf lite , but
should be protected from freezin g .
Joist Bearing

Joists should have at least 1 1/2 in. of

good bearing on wood or metal , or 3
in. on masonry (Figure 23 ). If necessary, YOll can safely nmch a joist at its
bearing point llP to one -sixth the
depth of the joist.
Ceiling joists arc often tapered to fit
beneath the roof rafters. Bu t tapering
them toO much will weaken the joists
at their beruing point . If YOLI must
taper the ends of a ceiling joist, follow
tht: guideline shown in Figure 29.
Boring and Notching Joists

In general, do not makt: any notches in

the middle third of a joist. Also, avoid vertical cuts in rhe Ixlltorn of a joist; anglt:
dlC cuts instead ro reduce U1C likelihood
of splitting. For oUler rwes, follow the
recommendations in Figure 30.

Where ceiling joists are tapercut at the eaves. make sure the
width of the cut does not exceed three times the joist depth and
that the end of the joist is at least half the depth.

Figure 30. Cutting, Notching, .nd Boring Lumber Joists

Joist Size

M aximum Maximum
Hole
Notch Depth

2x4

None

None

None

2x6

1'/2
2 3/8

'/8

13/8
17/8
2 3/8

2x8

2x10

2x12

3 3/4

1 t/4
1'/2
17/8

014,

rIOl recommended

(lr

0/3max.

m"tJ" C2~

Outer '/3 of span

27/8

Square holes and notches

Max. length::: 013

r1r

Maximum
End Notch

, CJD/6 max.
It--:,,-,/

Middle '/3 of span:

notching not

pennined

C'JO/3max.

1 Outer '/3 of span I""

e
u

Do not notch a span's middle th ird where bending forces are

greatest. For all calculations, use actual, not nominal, dimensions.

The Essential Guide to Framin g

II

26

Floors:
Where O1(;':chanicals need to pass
through a joist supporting a partition,
double the joist with blocking in between
to create a cavity (Figure 3 1).

unless rhe joist is at least six times as

high as it is wide, ill whjch case bridging is needed every 8 ft. However,
solid or X-type brid ging at mid -span
will help stiffen any floor.

Rim Joists and Bridging

To prevent joists from twisting, the

ends mu st be nailed to a solid band
joist (rim joist) or header. If there is no
band joist or headtT, nail solid blocking between rhe joist ends. Most codes
don't require addit.ional bridging

Figure 31. Accommodating Mechanicals

Pipe -~-II

Metal tie each side,

All loads st'1rt at the roof ,md mllst

transfer on an unbroken path through
structural elements [() the foundation.
Many cracking problems, which arc
misinterpreted as "settling," are actually ca~sed by broken load paths. These
broken paths result in loads being carried by areas that were not designed to
carry them .

min. 1/8" x 11/2" wide

16d nails

Cut plate and

subfloor for duct --_lJ

Joists supporting partitions should not be cut or notched to

accommodate mechanicals. Instead, double the joist with blocking
in between to create a cavity.

II

Load Paths

The Essential Guide to Framing

Support for Loadbea ri ng Walls

Parallel to joists. Ideally, if a load bcaring waU runs parallel to the floor joists,
then it should sit directly over a beam
or a joist supported by a load bearing
wall below. If tlle load bearing wall sits
between two joists, complete the load
path by in st all ing so lid blocking
between the two joists every 16 in. O.c.
Perpendicular to joists. If a loadbearing wall rllllS perpendicular to the floor
joists, it should be offSet from a supporting beam or load bearing wall
below by no more than the depth of
the joists (F igure 32).

Floors:
Support for NonLoadbearing Walls

[~SIONAL

,UMBE

Figure 32. Aligning Bearing Walls

A non-Ioadbearing wall that runs parallel to the joists doesn't need to be

placed directly over a joist. H owever,
when it's not directly over a joist, solid
blocking shou ld be installed between
tile joists to carry the load (Figure
33). If the wall is placed directly over a
joist, that joist should be doubled.
Point Loads

A concentrated load that bears on a floor

system - such as a structural post must sit directJy over a post or beam
below. In addition, solid blocking (with a
cross-section at least as large as the post)
must carry the load through tile floor
system to the underlying post or beam.

Never offset a load bearing wall from a beam or load bearing wall
below by more than the depth 01 the joists.

Figure 33. Blocking under Non-loadbearing Walls

Bottom plale
Wall studs
Subflooring

Blocking beneath
non-loadbearing partitioo

Floor joists

Install blocking where a nonloadbearing wall rests between two joists. Where it rests direct ly on a
joist, the joist should be doubled.

The Essential Guide to Framing

27

28

Floors:

Floor Openings

Cantilevered Floors

Where a floor opening is more than 4

ft. wide, both the headers and trim -

Basic framing details for all cantilevers

are shown in Figure 35.

mers should be doubled (Figure 34).

Headers over 6 ft. long must be fas tened with steel connectors and should
be sized accordin g to the load.
A rail joist in a framed opening that's
over l2 ft. long should be connected
with hangers. O therwise , it should sit
on a 2x2 (min. ) ledger nailed to the
face of the header.

Loadbearing Cantilevers

Where a cantikvcn:d floor su pports

only a roof load with a rotal span of
28 ft. or less (such as on a Garrisonstyle horne ), the joists may can tileve r
up to one -eighth t he length of the
lumber spa n. Where the loads are
greater, the cantilever should not
exceed th e depth of the joists unless
the system is engineered.

Figure 34. F.. med Openings

NonLoadbearing Cantilevers
~Grl!ater

Bearing wall

than>

--"c.",-

./

Stairway ~pen i ng

Double header

Double

trimmer
Joist
,,,,,,,-,,-

joists

.- Bearing wall

W here a header in a floor opening exceeds 4 ft. , double the

headers and trimmers. Where the header exceeds 6 ft. , it should
be installed wi th framing anchors.

The Essential Guide to Framing

A cantilever that supports a non -Ioad bearing waU should not exceed one fourth the joist span. For non -Ioad bearing cantilevered decks (floor load
only), the maximum overhang is onethird the span (Figure 36).
Engineered Cantilevers

Cantilevers that exceed these limits

should be engineered. Doubling joists
or n.:ducing joist spaces, along with
upgrading connections, oft-en permits
greater overhangs.

Floors:

29

Figure 35. Cantilever Details

Subfloor should lap buill-up
beam 6" to 8" min.

Add second member to make

a btJilt-up beam

"'"

Reduce joist
spacing from

Double outsidE joist

16" to 12" D.C.

Solid blocking

over bearing
wall

Double rim joist

When framing any cant ilevered floor area, pay strict attention to all connect ions and the sizes of supporting members.

Figure 36. Cantilever Rules of Thumb

Non-Ioadbearing wall (shear watl or non-shear wall) ~

Maximum
Length of
Overhang

Load Conditions

~~~~~~~~~=rr~~~ + ~~D~~==~==~---

__ Floor""'"' __

..-

""'-- -- -- - - -- - "<-,,l--+--+'I -/

-- l

Supports load bearing wall

,, ~

pox

- - { - lergth
f"", ,..,

US

U4

Supports only roof load

with clear span of less
than 28 It.
Supports only
non-Ioadbearing wall

U3

Supports only floor load

The maximum d istance cantilevered joists may extend past a bearing wall or other support depends on the load bearing
on the end of the cantilever.

The Essential Guide to Framing

30

Floors:

lJ BF.00 RI NG

The best quality subfloor consists of

wngue -and-groovc (T&G ) plywood
that's glued and either nailed or
screwed to the joists. T&G subflooring
improves the perceived stiffness of the
floor, and helps prevent squeaks.
Subflooring t hat is not T&G must
have solid blocking under all joints
between pands.

Subfloor Spans
While T&G subflooring docs not
require soli d blocking at joints, every
sheer mllst rest on at least two joists.
Panels arc rated for spans of ] 6 -,
20-, or 24-in., depending on th ickness and grade. Span information
is stamped on individ ual sheets
(F igure 8 , page 9 ).

edges. (For shear wall nailing requirements, see "Shear "Valls," page 74.)
For nailing schedules, sec Figure 16,
pages 16-17.
Gaps for Subfloor
APA recommends that subfloor panels

be gapped 1/8 in . along the ends and

edges. A IOd box nail may be: uSl:d to
gauge the spacing.
Gluing Subfloor

W hen nailing subtloor panels to jo ists

under wct conditions, use: a construction adhesive labeled AFG-Ol and/or
ASTM D 3498. Solvent-based construction adhesives typica lly dissipate
the water better than latex- and urethane-based adhesives .
Roof and Wall Sheathing

Fastening Subfloor Panels

Nail panels with minimum 6d common nails, spaced 6 in. O.c. at the
edges of the panel and 12 in . o.c. in
the field. Keep nails at least 3/8 in. from

The Essential Guide to Framinll

Do nO[ glue roof or wall sheathing to

fTaming. Sheathing pands tl:nd to be
thilUler than subflooring panels, so
they're more likely to buckle whcn wct.

31

Floors:

Oil

o srs

Spans, installation derail s, and other

wood I-joist specifications vary from
one m::m ubctllrer to t he next.
Therefore, it is importanr to co nsult
the manufac turer's literature when
llsing these products.

Boring and Notching I-Joists

Rules vary, depending o n the I-joist
manufacturer, bur the following guidelines generall y apply to cli rting holes in
wood I-joists.

H ole size. l\:rmissible hole Size

in creasl:s as YOLI ncar the centc:r of the
span where shear stresses arc the small est. Most manufacturers require that
t he distance betwcen two holes be at
least twi ce tJle diameter of the larger
hole .
Avoid rectangular cutouts. With rectang ular holes in webs, avoid ovefcutting the corners. R.ounded corners are
best. One techniqu e is to drill a I -i n.
hole in each corner and t hen cut
betwcen the ho les.

No Holes Through Flanges

Never make holes or saw curs in I-joist

flanges - rhe be nding stresses are too
high . Even a shallow kerf in the lower
flange can crirically weaken an I-joist.

I-Joist Bearing

Holes in Webs

Most I-joists require at least 13/4 in . of

beari ng at each end . If the end of the
joist is cut at a bevel , dlC top cho rd
m ust also extend beyond the face of
rhe wail (Figure 38).

Follow manufacturers' guidelines for

minimlUll distances betwccn holes and
the l:x:aring point (Figure 37). Use man-

Temporary Bracing for I-Joists

ufacnlfcrs' knockouts where practical. In

general, you can cut a hole up to ] Y2 in.
in diameter anywhere in tbe web.

U nbraced I-joists afe flimsy and unstable until they arc fu lly braced and
sheathed. It doesn't take much to roll
them over and damage them, so install
The Essential Guide to ff1m ing

32

Floors:
Figure 31. Culling and Notching Rules lor Wood I-Joists
Min. Distance (ft.in.) from
Inside Face of Support to Near Edge of Hole
I-Joist Depth

9 1/2"
117/8"

14"

16"

150

1 '-0"

1'6"

3'-0"

250
150

1 '-0"

2'-6"
1 '-0"

4'-0"

5'0"
5'-6"

1'-0"

~2'O"

250

1 '-0"

350
550

1 '-0"

1'0"
2'-0"

2'-0"
3'-0"

3'0"
4'-6"

5'-6"

1'-0"

1'-6"

3' -0"

4' -6"

6 '-0"

250
350

1'-0"

1 '-0"

" -0"

1'-0"

1 '6"

1 '-0"

1'-0"

1'-6"

3'-0"

550
250

1 '-0"

" -0"
1'-0"

1'-0"

1 '-0"

1'-0"

2'6"
1'-0"

4'0"

1'-0"

350
550

1 '-0"

" -0"

1'-0"

"-0"

" -0"

1'-0"

1'-0"

1'-0"

1'0"
2'-0"

" -0"

Distance between ho~

II

Hole Diameter

TJIIPro

7'-6"
3'-0"
4'6"

1 '-0"

Do not cut Ilnles larger

edges must be 2x (min. ~than 1\":1" in cantilever

length of largest hole;
applies also 10 1II" Itoles

hi

2 xl

n\."
I ~

...J.

6'-6"

holes~" ~UI

awere in the web

(1 12" knockouts
prOVIded 12 " D.C.)

l.".

(mi".) of

web allop and

bottom of hole

~l+

Min. distance

(from table at left)

Nole: Distances In Ihe charts abo-le ale base<! on uniformly loaded JOists using the maximum loads
shown In Trus Joist's brochure. For other load conditions or hole configurallons, contact a Trus Joist rep'
resenlatl~e . For simple span (51001 minimum) Uniformly loaded JOISts, one maximum-silo hole may be
located at the center of me joist span provKled no other holes occur in the JOiSt. DO NOT cut into joist
flanges when cutting out web.

Most manufacturers allow holes up to 11/2 in. anywhere in the web, but requ ire that the d istance
between any two holes be at least twice the diameter of the larger hole. In all cases, follow manu'
facturer's specifications for hole locations. The example provided here is courtesy of Trus Joist.
larger holes are allowed per manufacturer's specification.

The Essentiailluide to Framin!l

Floors:
all blocking and rim boards as soon as
possible.
Sheathing and 1x4 Bracing

33

Figure 38. I-Joist Bearing

00 not bevel cut
Hoist beyond
inside face of wall

Stabiltze the joists by sheathing the

first 4 ft. of the floor system at one end
of the joist bays and then bracing the
rest of the joists to the sheathing area
with lx4 braces placed every 6 to 8 ft.
Nail the braces flat to the top of the
joists and lap them at the ends by at
least two joists.

I-joist

Top plate

Avoid Overloading I-Joists

Be careful not to overload I-joists with

heavy construction materials, sllch as
stacks of plywood or pallets of bricks.
If such loads are unavoidable, place
them directly over load bearing walls,
posts, or other sui table supports.

13f4" min.
bearing
Prollide adequate bearing for Ijoists and do not taper the ends.

Figure 39. Support for Bearing Walls

load bearing wall above
(stacked over wall below)

1-Joist load Paths

Loadbearing walls should be stacked
over girders or load bearing walls
below. Use squash blocks or I-joist
blocking to carry the load through the
floor system (Figure 39).

Nail bit-king

to top

te

with B nails

at 6" D.C.

00 not offset load bearing walls unless

the design has been engineered .
Web 5\ff.."
each Side wilen

required ('Yllical)
Where a load bearing wall sits oller a girder or another wall, fu ll
height blocking should be installed 10 carry the load.

The Essential Guide to Framinll

34

Floors:
Rim Joists for IJoist Floors

Figure 40, Rim Joists

To keep joists frol11 twisting - and to

help transfer loads from the wall above
to the wall or foundation below either anach the ends of I-joists to a
full-height (band ) joist or header or
install blocking between the joists.
Rim Joist Materials

Squash blocks
(2X4 minimum)
In "pis! construction, band joists typically consist of wood I-joists, plywood, Of special composite rim joist materials. Web stiffeners may be
required on long spans. Squash blocks may be required with thinner
rim joist materials when there is a loadbearing waH above. Check
manufacturer's specifICations.

Figure 41. Web Stiffeners

Acceptable rim joist materials ind ude:

the same-size I-joists as those used in the
floor system; one or two layers of
plywood or OSBj or an engineered lumb\:r or metal product (Figure 40).
Don't mix wood I-joists with solid lumber rim joists. Not omy are the two materials difncult to match in height, bur also
solid lumber will shrink after installation,
leaving [00 mudl weight on the I-joists,
Web Stiffeners for I-Joists

Va"

mi~.

gap

\...*,~=,;==I"llFl

Web stiffeners each

&ide of I-joist

Web stiffeners of plywood, OSB, or 2x lumber (for large I-joists)

are required at certain bearing points to transfer shear and prevent buckling of th e web. Except where there is a concentrated
load from above, web stiffeners should fit tight to the bottom
flange with a space at the top. Web stiffeners also provide solid
nailing at joist hangers. Follow manufacturers' nailing schedules.

The Essential Guide to Framing

Web stifteners of plywood, OSB, or 2x

arc used to keep I-joist webs from buckling at. bearing points or other intersections. (Thin web materials cannot transfer large shear forccs. ) With joist hangers, web stiffeners are often required to
prO\~de solid nailing.
Web stiffeners at bearing points should
be installed tight to the top of the bottom flange. Leave a 1js- to Y4-in. space
at the top flange to prevent the stiffener
&001 prying the top flange off under
load (Figure 41 ). One exception is

o~

Floors:
where the joists support a load trom
above at mid-span. In dlis case, install
the stiffener tight to the top flange wid1
the space at the bottom.
Web stiffeners go on both sides of an ljoist widl the face grain parallel to the
length of the joist (for plywood and
OSB stiffeners). Nail plywood or OSB
stiffeners trom eJ.ch side ,,~th three or
more Sd nails, staggered and clinched at
the ends. for solid 2x stiffeners, usc
tlU'ee 16d nails (two from one side, one
from the other) and clinch the ends if
they penetrate. In all cases, follow manufucmrers' nailing schedules.

35

Figure 42. Squash Blocks

1/16" min. gap

Squash blocks each

side nf Hoist

Squash blocks are req uired to transfer concentrated loads through

the floor system at outside walls. They may be used under interior
load bearing walls instead of fulldepth blocking between the Hoists.

Figure 43. Filler Blocks

Squash Blocks for I-Joists

Squash blocks arc required under con centrated 10J.ds such as posts and, in
some cases, where the joists must transfe r the load from a bearing wall above to
another bearing wall below.
Squash blocks should be slightly larger
tllan the deptil of the joists to ensure
that they pick up the full load. Fasten
blocks to the top and bottom joist
flanges with Sd nails (Figure 42).

Solid blocking between joists run full length of span.

SUPPIlrt back of web during nailing to prevent
-..........
damage to web-flange connection.
/'-....

">

Leave 1/8" !l'lP

between filler
blOCking and
top flange.

\~~
Bull joists and nail together
with twa rows of lOd nails at
12" o.c. clinchoo (staggered and)
each side of double l-joist
Leave a minimum 1fSin. gap at the top of a filler block, which is
required where two I-joists serve as a beam.

Filler Blocks for I-Joists

Where twO or morc l-joist~ serve as a

girder, the web area should be filled in
Witll solid blocking of plywood, OSB, or
dimensional lumber. 111e filler \\~ll ensure
that both members carry ti,e load.

Filler pieces should be a minimum of 4

ft. long, depending on tile manufucturers' spec'>, and should be installed with a
gap at tile top (Figure 43). Nails should
be clinched to prevent pullout.
The Essential Guide to Framing

36

Floors:

Floor Openings

Figure 44. Backer Blocks

~d

blocking nailed

Wlth minimum ten lOd

nails, clinched

Refer to Figure 43
regarding oouble

I-joist assembly

F"e~

Where a joist or stair stringer attaches

to the side of an I -joist, nail backer
blocks to the web to provide ;1 nailing
surface. T hese full-width blocks should
extend 6 to 12 in . past either side of
the intersecting joist or stringer and
may be needed on both sides of rhe
web (Figure 44 ). Refer ro rhe man ufac turer's literature for details.

mount

hanger

Cantilevered I-Joists
Framing

Stair stringer L_--

anchor
each side

Backer blocks provide nailing for a joist or stair stringer that

attaches al a right angle.

Figure 45. Cantileyered I-Joists

Nort-Ioad bearing wall abovt!
Joist blocking for

lateral support.
N,II to .. p 'i,te
with 8d at 6 D,C.

Closure

We~

stiffener

each side

when required
(lypical)

In general, manufacturers allow non-loadbearing cantilevers up to

one-third the length of the joist span (to a maximum of 4 ft.),
Loadbearing cantilevers are allowed up to 2 ft. However, manufacturers' guidelines for blocking and reinforcing must be strictly followed.

The Essential Guide to Framing

There arc several ways to frame can tilevers with I -joists. Most manufacturers permit non- load bearing cantilevers up to one-third the length of
the joist span (ro a maxilllum of 4 ft.).
L oadbcaring cantilevers may be up to
2 ft. long. Since a cantilever can easily
over-stress an I -joist that's not reinforced, it's im portant ro strictly foU ow
the manufact urer's gu ide li nes for
allowable spans an d required blocking. Figure 45 shows some sample
detai ls.

37

Floors:

USStS

Structurally, an open -web floor truss

resembles an I -beam in that it puts
most of its material along; its top and
bottom edges where stresses arc greatest. To strengthen a truss, the fabricator may double its top and bottom
chords, make side-by-sidc girder trusses, usc larger truss plates or stronger
wood, or usc soml; combination of
these techniques.

Figure 46. Truss Types

Truss Types
Floor trusses can be designed to sit on
either their bottom chord or their top
ch ord (Figure 46 ).

Handling Trusses
When receiving a truckload of trusses,
reject those with excessive splits in
chords or braces, those with knots close
to metal plates, or those with loose or
deformed plates. Also reject any that
show evidence of having been damaged
and repaired . Bewan: of warped or wet
lumber, which can set lip dangerous
stresses as it shrinks and dri es.

Roor trusses typically have either wood or metal webs. Botto m -chord bearing trusses (top) sit alop a wall plate or sill like a standard floor
joist. Top-chard-bearing trusses (bottom) hang from the top plate.

Caution: Loose Plates

Connector plates should be centered over the joint and
firmly embedded in the wood. Never refasten a loose
plate: The bond cannot be restored once it's been broken.

The Essential Guide to Framing

II

Floors:

38

lifting With a Crane

Installing Floor Trusses

If you lise a crane , always lift from two

points (Figure 4 7) and never lift the
truss sideways; the excess fle xing can
loosen the connector plates, causing
eventual failure.

Floor trusses are usually spaced 24 in.

O.c., and are typically lifted by hand ,
rolled into place, fastened, and braced.

Figure 47. lifting Aoor Trusses by Crane

60 degrees
~--

Olless

Right Side Up

It is crucial [0 install each truss right

side up, according to the label attached
to the truss. Each web member is
designed to be in compression or tensio n, but not both.
Bearing at Center Girder

A bono m-chord-bearing truss that

crosses a girder or bearing wall may be
designed to functio n as two simple
beams. In this case, a tag attached to
the truss will indi cate that the top
chord should be cut after installation

Approximately
half truss lEngth
\Alhen lifting floor trusses with a crane, always lift from two points
and never lift the truss sideways, which can loosen connector plates.

(Figure 48 ). Without thi s cut, a load

Figure 48. Speci,l Field Cuts

Cut here

PLATE HERE
Special Field Cut

.... u . . .. wo. .... ,...TtTu ....

SPECIAL
FIELD CUT
Tl\ISSdttlgn feq\l i..... rhls membef
,0 be field CU1 at , r.~ location all",
i""",,,llaiioo. See lru .. dosll/fl lor
locallon 01 ,poecIaIlleid CUI.

')(I>(:'

A bottom-chord-bearing truss that crosses

a girder or bearing wall may be designed
to function as two simple beams. A tag
will instruct the builder to cut through the
top chord after installation,

The Essential Guide to Framinll

----......... .~

ss

Floors:

39

II

Figure 49. Stairwell Openings

Girder Trusses

Post Support

Gird~r

trusses

Standard floor

Lally cclumns used to

ladder frame

support header

-"'''::It-

6'..{)" max.
Double-wid th girder trusses are designed to support several standard floor trusses. These are often used around stairwell
openings {left}. Another option is to support staircase headers on posts or lally columns (right).

applied to one end of the truss will lift

the other, creating a seesaw action.
Stairwell Openings

Girder trusses arc designed to suppOrt

several stand ard floor trusses. These
are often ll sed arowld stairwell open ings (Figure 49).

that also serve as a nailin g base for the

perimeter of the plywood d eck (Figure
50 ). Underneath, 2x6 strongbacks laid
on t":dge should run continuously
throug h the webs of all th e trusses at
10-n:. interval s (one run for a 20-fr.
truss, two runs for longer trusses ). The
2x6 serves the same purpose as bridging in a standard fl oor, distributing
concentrated loads over a wider area .

Bracing Floor Trusses

Bracing prevents [fusses from bending,
twisting, o r otherwise deformin g. On
bottom -chord -bearing trusses, t he
ends arc tied together with 2x4 ledgers
The Essential Guide to Framing

40

Floors:

Fire-Stopping for Floor Trusses

separate 2x4 fin: stop inside each stud

bay just below t he bottom cho rd

Top-chord -bearin g trusses short-circui t the fi re-stopping ordinarily provided by the top plate. Common solu tions are to extend the drywall past th e
tru sses to the top plate, o r to insert a

of the tru ss (Figure 51 ). Check

with local codes fo r requirements in
your area.

Figure 50. Bracing Bottom-Chord-Bearing Trusses

The ends of bottom-chordbearing trusses are

des igned to be tied together with 2x4 ledgers that

also serve as a nailing base

for the perimeter 01 the plywood deck. In addition,

install horizontal 2x6

strongbacks al 101t. intervals to distribute loads and

prevent twisting. which can
loosen truss plates.

2x4 band brace

Figure 51. Are-Stopping for Open-Web Trusses

plate

DryWall extends to top plate and

serves as a fire stop

Top plale

Fireblocking inslalled in
each stud bay

Many codes require fire-st opping w ith open-web trusses at the intersections of wall and ceil ing spaces. Techniq ues
include extending the drywall past the truss to the top plate (left), or installing a 2x4 fire-stop inside each stud bay just
below the truss's bottom cho rd (righ t).

The Essential Guide to framing

-----

41

Walls

Stud Spacing
Maximum stud spacing for Standard
or better-grade studs is shown in
Figure 52. Lmver-grade 2x4 studs
cannot exceed 16 in. O.c.

Top Plates
Most model codes require loadbearing
walls [Q have double top plates lapped
so that the splices arc at least 4 ft.
apart. Two 16d nails arc required on
each side of the splice and additional
nails arc required every 24 in. in the
overl ap area (Figure 53). See nailing
schedules (Figure 16 , pages 16 -1 7)
for air-nail requirements .
Double vs. Single Top Plates

Single top plates arc considerably weaker

than a traditional double top plate.
However, many codes permit single top
plates as long as they arc joined at splices,
corners, and intersecting walls with .036in.-thick galvanized steel plates, IlK'aSuring
3:-.:6 in. Plates should be fus[ened with six
8d nails on cadl side (six nails for ICBO ).

Figure 52. Maximum Stud Spacing (in.)

Stud
Size

Supporting
Roof and
Ceiling Only

2,4

Supporting
One Floor
Roof and
Ceiling

24"
24

Supporting
Two Floors
Roof and
Ceiling

16

24

16

Shall be .educed to 16 inches if Ut,hty g.ade studs arc used.

Adapted from IRe Tabte R-602.3IS)

Figure 53. Splicing Top Plates in Bearing Walls

48" min.
Overtap tap plates
at comers and
intersections

l
Offset splices in
double top pl3t~

Double top plates musl be lapped al corners and intersections,

and splices must be staggered at least 48 in. with al least four
16d nails spread across the lap.

The Essential Guide to Framing

42

Walls

Figure 54. Double .s. Single Top Plate

~

4'min.

~~~Jr
-;1':-'-"~ (4) 16d nails between
splices
J~ists

lIVer studs Dr
Mfset flO more than 11/2"

When using single top plates, rafters or

joists must not be offset from studs by
more than 11/2 in. (Figure 54).

Maximum Stud lengths

Studs used in exterior loadbearing
walls, whether 2x4 or 2x6, should not
be more than lOft. high without
being engineered.
Engineered solutions include reducing
stud spacing, using wider studs, dou bling the studs, and using studs made
from engineered ltunber.

Notching and Boring

Studs and Plates
Although some model codes allow a single top plale with steel
connectors and joists lined up over studs, the traditional double

top plate produces a slronger wall.

Rgure 55. Notching and Boring Regular Studs

Bearing

Non-Bearing
51/2"
5'12"

2lJ4"~

5/8" min.

(r
35/16" max.

''jJ

t 5'/2"

51/2"

of

5 a"milt

(Q

13t8"

~~ J~i'

Notches in Ioadbearing studs under 10-fl.-lall should nol exceed 25%

of the stud depth and should not occur in the middle third of the stud.
Bored ho~ should not e:o:ceed 4iJOro of the stud depth and should be
at leasl 5/8 in. from the edge. See Figure 9, page 11 for notching and
drilling studs over 10 fl. tall.

The Essential Guide to Framing

Studs

When notching or drilling through

studs under 10 ft. tall, follow the
guidelines shown in Figure 55 . Never
make notches and hoJcs across from
one another in dle same section of a
stud. For sruds over 10 ft. in height,
foUow guidelines shown in Figure 9 ,
page 11.
Plates

If more than 50%of the widdl of a top

plate is notched or drilled away, thcn
dle edge of dle plate must be reinforccd with a 24-gauge steel plate that

Walls

43

spans the distance between the adjoining studs (Figure 31, page 26 ).

Corner Studs
On three -stud corners, builders often
replace the middle stud with wood
spacers. While that is acceptable in most
cases, the three-stud corner is more
than just a nailer for sheathing or drywall - it must also transfer shear loads
between adjoining walls (Figure 56).
For this reason , don't omit the third
shld where shear resistance is critical .

Wall Bracing
In most residential construction, plywood or OSB sheathing panels arc med
for lateral bracing and arc nailed 6 in.
o.c. at the edges and 12 in. O.c. in the
field. T his provides cxcetlent racking
resistance. Bracing values for plywood
can be improved by using larger nails or
by spacing nails more closely together.

Figure 56. Corner Framing

2x4 blooking
to fill cavity ~

.............................. ......................

......:..............................................
;

1><

Ix

;~~~;i~; 21 ><

IXII IX

;
;

bading

Interior
backing

fl ><

1
;

A threestud "California" corner (left) uses less lumber and can be

insulated beller than a trad itionally framed corner. Ne~er replace
the third stud of a threestud corner with blocks; not only is it a
nailer for drywall, but it also pro~ides critical shear streng th.

...

Figure 57. Code-Minimum Bracing

245 lb.
lateral load
capacity

1,312 lb.
laternlload
capacity

. . . ;' -----r-~r_T"T"~~'"

Bracing with Foam Sheathing

When using a non -struccural sheathi ng

such as foam board, instal l bracing at
the building corners to provide resistance to racking. Tllis bracing may consist of diagonal lx4s or vertical sheets
of plywood or OSB (Figure 57).

I
Foam sheathing does not provide adequate racking resistance.
However, a pair of 7/16-in. plywood braces at each end of the wall
will pro~ide more than five limes the strength of let-in 1x4s. The
plywood should be nailed with 6d common nails 6 in. o.c. on the
edges and t 2 in. in the field .

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

II
I

44

Walls

Figure 58. Header Options

Doubled 2 x 10 (with nailer)

Solid Stock
/

King stud

~ D!lUb\H2x6

top plate

Doubled 2 x 6 (with cripples)

~ Doubl.b6

top plate

~ Doobl.b6

.r

lop plate

. .--- Doob' b6

header

\J1 1' I

l!0

I ' I
I
""-- Jack stud

Built-up Plywood and Lumber

Dou b6

r C lOPPlale

"
0

2x6 CriPPleD ?

\:

'--- Flat-framed
2x6 naUer

2x2 nailer

Non-Bearing

Insulated
Double2x6

top plate

Dooble2x6

topplat~

~ Crippl, stud
, ...___ Flat-framed
2x6n<liler
(doubled for
added trim
nailing)

.r.. .

'~

Triple2x6 header
with W' plywood
spacers

Using c ripples above the header allows for smaller dimension lumber (depending on span requirements), but th is option
is more labor intensive. To avoid cripples, use 4x12s or 2x12s, or build up to the same depth using 2xl Os with an
added flatframed member.

Diagonal bracing. Diagonal bracing

is typically notched into the top and
bottom plates and aLI in tervening
studs, and nailed with two Sd nails at
each stud. Usc 3j4-in. plywood instead
of lx4s for braces.

The Essential Guide to Framing

Metal Bracing

Depending on code, T-shaped metal

bracing may sometimes be used in
place of wood bracin g ~ typ ically
only as temporary bracing during
construction.

Walls
Wind Bracing

Sizing Headers

In earthquake-prone or high-wind
areas, pay special attention to the nailing of wall and roof sheathing, as well
as to all the vertical framing COlU1ections that structurally join the building
from foundation to roof. Consult local
codes for nailing requirements (see
also "Shear Walls," page 74 ).

Rough openings in load bearing walls

require headers that are supported at
either end by jack studs (trimmers).
H eader sizes for various house configurations and the nu mber of jack studs
required at each end are shown
in Figures 60 through 65, pages
98-103.

Headers
Window and door headers can be
framed in a variety of ways, depending
on the lumber available and the insulation requirements, as shown in
Figure 58.

45

Figure 59. Header Height

Double top plate
6lf2" ~es

2,6

, II

head
(51f2")

"

T~ p

plate

" IN

Header Height

Set headers at the height of door

rough openings. For a standard prehung door, the header height needs to
be at least 6 ft. 10 in. (Figure 59).

i-

Kin
'---.
st"
(92'14")

\--.
6'-10" R.D.
(minimum for
6'-8" door)

Set window headers at the same height

as doors so all openings align.
Rim -joist headers. In a two-story
house , rough opening heights can be
raised by doubling up on the rim joist,
or creating a girder to meet structural
requirements for the span (see span
tables, pages 98-103).

Jack stud
(Ill'!?')

Banom

plate
(11/''')

(
Precut

""d

(92W')
).

.ol--- 3"Headerlon!lerlen!'ht an~

call-flul width

With prehung doors and 92 1/4jn. precut studs. use a standard

SOl/2in. jack stud. (If using 92 5/ain. precuts, lengthen the jack
stud to Sl lta in.)

The Essential Guide In Framing

Walls

46

Figure 66. Cantilevered Heade..

p....'

Wind tie

sheathing,
lOd nails

lVl header

4" o.c.

l6ilauge

~ k'-y- Swdo,

strap tie

16~

Post Options

a.c.

Plywood Nailing

Notched stud

LVllleader
IS-gauge
strall tie

16d nails, 6" D.C.

Corner Connection
lVL headers, securely anchored to the wall framing by strap lies and thoroughly nailed sheathing, are cantilevered above
the w indow opening. For a two-story structure, the lower header may be buill-in as the rim joist.

Corner Window Headers

A comer window requires a GlntiJcvercd

header. Figure 66 shows the basic
building derails for such cantilevered
headers. To meet acrualload conditions,
an engin eer sho uld specifY header
dimensions and connection criteria.
Even with proper header sizing, some
deflection may occur. Do not nail the

The Essential Guide ta Framing

win dow directly to the header.

Manu facturers of corner windows provide metal installation clips to isolate

the windows from the rough opening.

These clips should be installed using
foam backer rod between the header
jam and the rough o pe ni ng. Secure
trim to the jamb with a minimal number of light-gauge nai ls.

Walls

Fire-Stopping Details lor Walls

Fire-Stop Materials

In general, residential building codes

caU for fire stops at the following locations (Figure 67):

Code-approved fire-stop materials

include nominal 2-in. -thick lumber,

In stud walls and partitions at ever y

floor and ceiling level, including
furred spaces;

At every lO ft. of vertical distance in

[aU walls or partitions;
At all interconnections between

vertical and horizontal concealed

spaces, such as at soffits, cove ceil ings, and drop ceilings;

In the stud spaces along the side of

stair stringers;
At openings around pipes, ducts,
chinmeys, and fireplaces at floor
and ceiling levels.

47

double layers of 3j+-in. plywood or

particleboard (with joints backed b)'
the same material ), i/l-i n. -thick drywall , and 1/2- in. cement board.
Unfuced fiberglass barts can be used as
fire-stopping under IRe R602.8 .1 .1 as
long the batts fill the stud cavity for at
least 16 in. of vertical space.
Irregular Openings

All fi re stops should be cur to fit tightly.

Voids of more than 1/8 in. will tmdermine the material's fire -stopping abili ty. For irregularly shaped openings, lise
an "intumescent" fire -stopping COI11 pound. Because these products expand
when heated, they will fill the void left
by plastic piping or cable insu lat.ion
that has melted away.

Figure 67. Fire-Stop Details

Fire stops are requi red in

walls between floo rs and
wherever concealed vertical
and horizontal spaces intersect. Stairwell walls and any
walls or partitions over 10 It.
tall also need fire slops.

Are stollS at soffit

or drop ceiling

.' -'> Fire stops at side of stair

The Essential Guide to Framing

II

48

Roofs:

Rafter loads

Common Rafter Spans

Loads o n residential rafters typically

include snow and wind (the most common li ve loads), roofing materials, and
interior finish materials (dead loads).

Rafter span is the horizontal distance

from bearing at the ridge to bearing at
the top plate (Figure 68 ).

Live loading conditions for roofs vary

\,~ddy \\~rh snow and wind loads. Be
SUfe to check local codes fo r structural
design requirements in your area .

For precise dead load calculations,

refer to the material weights shown in
Figure 22, page 23.

To convert rafter span (horizontal distance ) to rafter length (sloped distance). use the conversion factors In
Figure 3 , page 4.
Max imum rafter spans for common
lumber species are given in F igures 69
to 8 2 , pages 104-117.

Hip and Valley Rafters

Figure 68. Rafter Span

While hip and valley rafters carry significant loads, they are often tmdersized . To aUow for full bearing, hip and
valley rafters should be at least one size
larger than commons and jacks.
Sizing Hip and Valley Rafters

-/~~

Horizontal span{Run)

~-;--,I'-

Rafter span tables prov~e a horizontal rafter distance. These must be

mu"-iplied by a line ~nglh rat io (Fig ure 3, page 4) to calculate a line

length (sloping distance). Length for plumb cuts and overhang must be
added to find full rafter ~ngth. Note: The rafter spans in the span tables
(pages 104-1 17) have been shortened for the thickness of the ridge.

The Essential Guide to Framing

The loads on hip and valley rafters

are tributary loads transferred from a
wide area of the roof (Figure 83 ). The
hip and valley rafter sizing table
(Figure 84 , page 50 ) accounts fo r
such tributary loads.

Roofs:

EN~

ONH lJMB

49

II
Figu .. 83. Calculating Tributary load (W) on Hip and Valley Rafters

W= road from vallev

tributary area

W= load from hip

tributary area

l xl xw = tolal rooflGad of
hip Of valley intersection
where wis the unit

fool load in pst

w=

tributary load on

hip or valley rafter

W= Lxlxw
2
A hip or valley rafter picks up half the load of all the jack rafters feed ing into it - its tributary load. In plan view, this tributary
load is kite-shaped. Nole thallhe hip's tributary area is wider al the lop and the valley's tributary area is wider althe bottom.

ne Essential Guide to Framing

II

50

Roofs:

Figure 84. Hip and Yalley Rafter Sizing Table

L

15 psf

in feet

live load

30 psf
live load

45 psf
live load

60 psf
live load

2x6

2x6

2x6

2x8*

2x6

2x6

2x6

2x8

2x6

2x8

2x8

2x l 0

2x8

2xl0

2x l 0

2x 12

2x12

2x 12

2xl 0
2xl 0

(2) 2x 12

(2) 2x1 2

(2) 2x12

(2) 2x12

10

2x 12

(2) 2x 12

(2) 2x12

LVL 11 7/8

11

(2) 2x 12

(2) 2, 12

LVL 11'/a

LVL ' 1 7/8

12

(2) 2, 12

LVL 11 7/e

LVL 11 7/s

LVL 14

13

(2) 2x 12

l VL 11 7/a

LVL 14

(2) LVL 14

14

LVL 117/8

LVL 14

(2) LVL 14

(2) LVL 14

15

LVL1 1' /a

l Vl 14

(2) LVL 14

(2) LVL 14

16

LVL1 1'/a

(2) LVL 14

(2) LVL 14

(2) LVL 16"

(2) LVL 16

17

LVL 14

(2) LVL 14

(2) LVL 16

18

LVL 14

(2) LVL 14

(2) LVL 16

"

19

(2) LVL 14

(2) LVL 16"

"

20

(2) LVL 14

(2) LVL 16

-- I "--T

L~_I J.

VaUey rafter

J.-J

Note: The calculatIOns behind this table are based on tile follOWIng:
, 0 psi dead load
Fb wood ... 1,000 pSI
U240 deflection
E wood = 1,000,000 psi
No slope adjustments

-~----ot

I
:
l
I
I __ I----J,.

"Dellectlon limited

17K'

Hill rafter

Fb LVL - 2,800 psi

E LVL "" 2,000,000 psi

The table above summarizes a series of sizing

calculations for various roof design loads. l
represents the length of a hip or valley raft er
for eq ually pitched roof intersections only.

Ro_
o_
fs_: __E~

'O~Al

UM E

11 51

Figure B5. Apex Support ror Cathedral Ceiling Hips and Valleys

Top plate laps

require extra
nails 10 carry
tension

Steel tension rods

run around Ihe

entire perimeter
of the building

Let-in 3rlgle stop

Welded sleel bracket

bolted to hip rafter
and top plate

In a large hip roof with full cathedral ceilings, there are no support posts or collar lies to resist the spread of the
raflers. In such cases, install steel rod tension ties (left) around the perimeter of the building to prevent the bottom

ends of the hip ralters from spreading.

Al ternali ~e ly,

use welded steel brackets to seCure the hip raflers at the corners,

allowing double 2x6 top plates to act as tension members (right).

Apex Support

In addition to choosing the right size

hip or valley rafter, the point load at
the high (ridge ) end of a hip or valley
must be well supported. Typically,
common rafters tied together by ceiling joists or collar tics support this

load. Large cathedral ceilings should

be engineered to provide adeq uate
support. This may include tension rods
along the waH plates or reinforced
plate connections for hip and valley
ralters (Figure 85).

The Essential Guide to Framinll

52

Roofs:

lJ~BER

Rafter Bearing
Rafters should have bearing of at least
1 1/2 in. on the top plate or beam.
Bearing should be on the heel of the
rafter, not the roc. Bearing on the toe
places most of the load on only a portion of the rafter and can lead to its
spurting (Figure 86).

Figure 86. Rafter Bearing

A non -structural ridge board should

be at least one size deeper than the
common rafters to provide full bearing
for the rafter's plumb cut.

Structural Bracing
Rafters must be restrained from
spreading. This can be accomplished
with adequate connections to ceiling
joists, with collar ties, or with a structural ridge beam.
Rafter-Joist Connections

The connection between roof and wall

at the eaves needs to resist uplift forces
caused by wind (and earthquake activity in seismic zones), as well as horizon tal thrust caused by roof loads.
Low roof slopes, long rafter spans, and
heavy snow loads increase horizomal
thrust significandy.

'Correct:
IRafter heel bears on

~Iate

IncolT1!ct:
Heel does not bear
00 tl)Jl plate
A rafter should rest on a

lop plate with bearing on

its heel (top ), nol its toe
(middle). Where this isn'l
possible, a lop-bearing
joist hanger can be used
(bottom). The joist hanger
also keeps the rafter from

rotat ing , a job that nor

mally requ ires ceiling
joists or solid blocking.

The Essential Guide to framing

-.

Top-bearil"lll
joist harlller

Unless the roof has a structural ridge,

the ceiling joists must be continuous
across the building and must be fastened to the rafter tails with the num ber of nails shown in Figure 87. If the
number of nails is excessive for the
amount of nailing area , usc bolts or
framing dips instead.
A weak link in this system is where ceiling joists join at the cemer of a building. This connection requires the same
nailing schedule as a collar tie-to-rafter

Roofs:

UM E

53

Figure 87. Nailing and Bolting Schedule for Eaves ne Connections

~lW
~ ~~
-

Building Width (2L)

24'
Pitch
20'
30'
36'
3/12 T _',064Ib. T -1,276 lb. T -1 ,596 lb. T -1,9151b.
11 nails or
13 nails or
16 nails or
20 nails or
3 bolls
4 bolts
4 bolts
5 bolts
4/12
T=798 lb. T=958 lb. T = 1,197 Ib.T = 1,437 lb.
Roof

~~

T-

-1

6/12
W= L (ft) x rafter spacing (tL)
x rwf desigllioad (Ll. + D.l. in pst)

9/12

e nails or

10 nails or

12 nails or

15 nails or

2 bolts

3 bolts

3 bolts

4 bolts

T= 532 lb.

T=638 lb.

6 nails or

7 nails or

8 nails or

10 nails or

2 bolts

2 bolts

2 bolts

3 bolts

T - 355 lb.

T-425 lb.

4 nails or

5 nails or

T=Wx l
2H

1 bolt

2 bolts

12112 T _266 lb.

T_319Ib.

3 nails or

4 nails or

1 bolt

1 bolt

T=798 lb. T= 957 lb.

T-532 lb. T -638 lb.

6 nails or

7 nails or

2 bolts
2 bolts
T - 399 lb. T _479 lb.
4 nails or
5 nails or
, bolt
2 bolts

Note: Th!~ table is based on 3D-pound psi live load plus lo-pound psi dead
load. Nalls are assumed to be 16d, at 1OO-pound capacity each; bohs are 1f2
Inch. at 400pound capacity eadl. Rafters are 16 inches on-center.

Figure 88. Connecting Rush-Framed Ceiling Joists

Strap ties on top

Strap lies on bcttom

When a flushframed header or girder interrupts the ceiling joists at midspan.

use strap ties to connect the joists and carty tension created by the roof load.

The Essential Guide to Framing

54

Roofs:

r--

connection (Figure 16, pages l6 -17).

Figure 89. Placing Collar Ties

Collar lies in
lower third

When the ceiling joists are in the same

plane, as with a flush -framed beam,
Increase
fasteners per
Figure 87

of ratter

steel strap ties can be used (Figure

88 ).
Collar Ties

The purpose of traditional collar lies is to strengthen the rafterla-ridge connection. However, il collar ties are needed to prevent the rafter ends from spreading, then they should remain in
the lower third of the span (rule of thumb) or be engineered.

Figure 91. Struct...1Ridge Connections

CoUar ties often are pbced near the

ridge, but this placement only serves to
strengthen the rafter-to-ridge connection and to stiffen the rafters. To effectively keep rafters from spreading, collar
ties must be in the lower third of the
rafter (Figure 89 ). They arc not nt:eessary if the rafters are adequately nailed
to ceiling joists.
Collar-tie connt:ctions should be treated like rafter-to-joist conneC[ions
(Figure 87, previous page ).
Structural Ridge Beams

><

Structural
ridge~

Either fest Ihe rafters on top 01 a structural ridge or use joist

hangers attached to the ridge beam. The notch in the rafter
should be no deeper than one-fourth its width.

The Esserrtial Guide to Framing

In a cathedral ceiling, the outward

thrust of rafters is not restrained by
ceiling joists or rafter ties and the rafter
tops must bear on a stru ctural ridge
beam. Sizin g for structural ridge
beams is shown in Figure 90.
Rafters may sit on top of a structural
ridge or may be supported by joist
hangers or anchors (Figure 91 ).

Roofs:
Purlins and Roof Struts

MB

Figure 92. Purlin Design

Purlins and struts can be used to

reduce rafter spans or to stiffen rafters
(Figure 92 ). To properly support the
roof, the purlins should be at least the
same dimension as the rafters while the
struts should transfer the load to a
bearing wall at an angle not less than
45 degrees. The IRe 2000 sets the
maxun um spacing of 2x4 struts at
4 ft. o.C.

Purlin should not be smaller

than the supported rafter

)\
Maximum 8'-0"
unhraced length

2>'.nrts

~mu::S

at4'~" o.c. mi".

Minimum 45 degrees

1---- Bearing wall

Purl ins and struts can effectively stiffen rafter spans. Purl ins
should be at least the same dimension as rafters and a bearing
wall should support .the struts.

Figure 90. Structural Ridge Beam Spans lor 20 psI Rool U.. Load
Roof Dead Load = 10 psf

Roof Dead Load = 20 pSf

Build ing Width (ft.)

Building Width (ft.)

20
Size
, -2x6
, -2x8
, -2x l 0
1-2x12
2-2x6
2-2x8
2-2x10
2-2x12
3-2x8
3-2xl0
3-2x 12
4-2x8
4-2x l 0

28

36

20

28

36

Ma xi mum Ridge Beam Spa ns for Commo n Lumber Species (ft.-in.)*

4'0

6'
75
88
72
9-'
, 1 -1
12-10

4 '
52
64
74
60
78
94
10-10

1 , -,

9-7

13-10
16-1

1 1-8
'3-7
10 1 ,
13-6

' 2-3
157

Tabulated values assume .f2 Gracie 000gIas Firl..aId1,

37
47
57
65
54
69
8-3
97
85

4-2
53
65
76
62
7 ' 0
97

9-9

11 -,
9-10
12-0
13-1 1
11 .,

11 -11

13-' 0

10-4
12-0

H~Ftf,

3 ,

36
46
55
64
53
6-7
8 '
95
84

57
4-7
5-' 0
72
8'3
74

10-2
11 -9

8-11
10-4

3-' 1
4 -10

97

8-5

1 1-8

10-4

Southern Pine, or Spruce-f'in&.For lumbel'.

Cathedral ceilings req uire structural ridge beams. This table shows two dead loading conditions (10 and 20 psf) under
live load conditions of 20 psf. In areas with heavier snow and wind live loads, stronger ridge beams will be required.
For longer spans and heavier loading conditions, consider using LVL or other engineered materials.

The Essential Guide to Framing

55

Roofs:

56

U..,tiE~

Figure 93. Raised-RaHer-Plate Connections

Raised Rafter Plates

To create added space for insulation at
the caves, many builders raise rhe
rafters up and fasten them to a plate
nailed to the top of the ceiling joists.

A.
Strap tie

Cootinoous band joist

B.

While this reduces heat loss and ice

dams, it also weakens the important
connection between the ceiling joists
and the rafter ends, thereby requiring
reinforcement (Figure 93 ).

Blocking lor End Restraint

Continuous band joist

c.
Blocking
between
joists

Rafter ends connected to ceiling joists

are generally not at risk of rotating.
But where rafters sit on a beam or plate
by themselves or are raised above the
joists, full -height blocking should be
instalJed between the rafters or a rim
joist (or subfascia ) should be nailed ro
their ends.
Blocking is often needed to close off
open eaves (no soffit), but not for
structural reasons.

Overhangs
Using rated slrap lies (A) is an effective way to resist roof thrust
and uplrti on raised rafters. V<lhen an attic floor is in the way, twist
straps (8 ) will work, but mW'j require additional wind lies in high
wind area& Extending the attic joist beyond the wall (C) allows lor
hurricane lies to help resist uplift.

The Essential Guide to Framing

In general, r<x>f overhangs should nor

exceed 2 ft. or one-third rhe horizonral span of the rafter, whichever is less

(Figure 94).

Roofs:
Rake Overhangs

T here arc two common ways to build

overhangs at rakes:
For overhangs shorter than 1 ft. ,
blocks nai led to the gable-end wall
are adequate.

"

II MRf

57

should be doubled. At openings more

than 6 ft. wjdc, joist hangers shou ld
support headers unless they bear on a
supporting beam or wall.

Rgure 94. Roof Overhangs

f or larger overhangs, short " outlookers," or purlins, arc typically

can tilevered (Figure 95 ). T hese
should not cantilever more than 2
ft. or half the span of the purlin,
whichever is less.
~----L----~~

~ leSSl!f of Lf3 Of 2'

Roof Openings
In gene ral, at roof openings more than
4 ft. wide, both headers and trimmers

Rool overhangs should not exceed 2 It. or one-third 01 th e rafter

span, whichever is less.

Rgure 95. Rake Overhangs

Section AA

Min. 4' gerimeter zone

panel e ge nailing

2x6 outIooker
Hunicalle tie

." .4'per'oete<

lesser o J
li20r 2'

zone pane field nailing

2x6 outlooker

Gable end wall

Section AA

Outlookers at the rake should not exceed 2 ft. or half the span 01 the outlooker, whichever is less. Blocking-type outlookers
should not exceed 1 ft . In high-wind areas, nailing 01 the sheathing around the rool's perimeter may need to be upgraded.

The Essential Guide to Framing

58

Roofs:

NQONA

L J"1BER

Shed Dormers
Figure 96. Center Support for Shed Dormers

Adding a shed dormer to a typical

gable roof upsets the balance o f forces
by breaking the stable triangle for med
by the rafters and ceiling joists.

Center support
carries roof laads
10 foundation

Two comlllon ways to support the

dormer load.. afC with a center loadbcaring waU (Figure 96 ) or a structural
ridge. Either solution must provide a
contin uous load path to the fOLmdati on.
Shed Dormers With Structural

Ridges
A center support wall, or a structural ridge in the same location,
will handle the unbalanced loads caused by adding a shed
donner. The loads must follow a continuous path to the footing.

A structural ridge can replace the

rid ge or can be instalJcd beneath it

(Figure 97 ).
Figure 97. Retrofit Ridge Connections for Shed Dormers
Rafter hangers

Donner rafters

~ .........

Structural ridge installed in place

of nonstructural ridge

Original rafters

Whether a structural ridge replaces the existing rid ge {above} or is installed below (righ t),
il must be sized to call'Y the loads introduced
by the addition.

2x braces

The Essential Guide to Framing

rafter.;

Roofs:

L J MBt

Figure 98. Dropped-Ridge Dormer (with Structural Ridge)

Donner rafter

Support posts as required

----:~~~~~~:: ~~~~'~'~'~~~=~-~-l-P
", ,

",,~,_----tt--- Original rafter remO'ied

,, ,

"""

','

StructlK31 rid!le
~onstructur31

214 hanger

Existing 2x ridge

Uetal twist-strip

hangef1

Where the dormer ridge is dropped below the main ridge, the dormer ridge must be lied securely to the structural ridge
or center load bearing wall. Several options are shown.

Where a structural dormer ridge is

dropped , it should tie in securely to
the structu ral ridge or cente r l oadbca r~
ing wall (Figure 98 ).

With no structural ridge or (emer

load bcaring walls, small shed do rmers
arc sti ll possible but a combination of
structural elements mu st be added
(P;gure 99, page 60).
The Essential Guide to Framing

59

Roofs:

60

II
Figure 99. Precautions for Small Shed Dormers
12' or 1". ___...
Existing

- -_

_...

ridge beam

Use minimum 1/2"

~_

pljWO'OO sheathing,
lIffiIler1y nailed

3ror ______-;~~:[~~;;~
greater

..

Place outside
wall of dormer

4' or

directly above
lower-story
exterior wall

Indude
kneewall

for midspan
SUPllorl of
original

rafters
Metal strap wraps

top plate

Plywood-sheathed partition
leaning of exterior wall

re~sts

It is often possible to safely add a small shed dormer where a structural ridge or load bearing wall is not feasible. The
precautions shown here offer general guidelines that can work together to support the dormer and to prevent the ridge
from sagging and the dormer wall from leaning.

The Essential Guide to Framinll

61

Roofs:

I -beams arc bein g used more often in

roof frami ng, particularly on cathedraltype ceilings with long spans.

Structural Ridge Required

AliI -beam roofs require a center loadbearing wall or a structural ridge beam,
since rhcre is no practical way to make
a strong shear connection at the rafter
ends to resist horizontal thrust.

Figure 101. Structural Ridge Connections

Steel strap
required where
slope exceeds 1:12

I-beams butt ridge

~~

SimpSllfl lSU hanger

or equivalent

Structural Ridge With Hangers

The most common connection at the

rid ge is a faCC-I11Olmtcd hanger with a
sloped scat. These hangers can be
adjusted in the field to match the 1beam slope, and can be skewed sidcto-side up to 45 degrees for hip and

BlOCking

l-beams butt
above ridge beam

3/4" plywood gusset

each side

valJey jack rafters.

Install beveled web-stiffeners on each
side of an I- beam where it sits in the
hanger. Leave a 1/8_ to Y4-in. gap at
the top fl ange and secure the stiffeners
by driving three or more Sd nails from
each side, staggered and with the
points clinched. Larger l-beams may
require 2x stiffeners with 16d nails. ] n

Double beveled wood plate

The most common ridge connection to Ibeam rafters uses a
sloped seat hanger (top). Steel strapping over the tops of the
rafters is required with roof slopes greater than 7: 12. Where
I-beam rafters rest on top of the ridge (above), blocking is
required on both sides of the ridge.

The Essential Guide to Framing

62

Roofs:

JJ

AM5

Figure 102. Birdsmoutll Cut for IBeam Rafters

Continuous plate
Nail s!Jeathiny

to 2x6
subfas<:ia

either side of the ridge . T he blocking

can be I-beam material , dimensional
lumocr, or metal cross-br.tcing. If YOli
need to leave r00111 for a ventilation
channel, use dimensional lum ber or
engineered rim joist material notched to
allow airflow, or use metal cross-bracing.

Eaves Connections
2x4 strin!ler
lxB fascia

2x4 lookout
face

nail-'I-~

A nu mber of details are possible at the

exterior wall plate, depending o n the
roof profile desi red.

"'"" "-2x6 subfascia

1f2" saffit----

End nail
into IImlwul

With a birdsmouth cUI, it is critical that the entire bottom chord

bear directly on the lop plate. Provide web stiffeners and lateral
bracing - metal cross bracing, d imensional lumber, engineered
rim joist malerial, or I-beam material - on both sides of rafter.

all cases, follow manufacturers' nailing

schedu les.

Birdsmouth for I-Beam Rafters

The most common approach to joining T-beam rafte rs to walls is to cut a

birdsmourh at the plate. The seat m Ll st
never overhang the inside face of the
bearing wall, otherwise the I-beam will
be compromised. Web sti ffeners are
required on both sides of the
bi rdsmollth cut (Figure 102).

Structural Ridge Below Rafters

Beveled Wall Plates for I-Beam

Rafters

I-beams can sit on top of a structural

ridge on a beveled plate (Figure 101 ,
previolls page). Never cut a birdsmo uth in the I-beam at the ridge this would require cutting though the

I-joist rafters can sit on a beveled top

plate (Figure 103). This option can
save time since no birdsrnollth or web
stiffen ers arc required.

bottom flange, thereby damaging the

joist.

To prevent rafters from rolling, install

blocki ng between the I -beams 011
The Essential Guide to Framing

Blocking between rafters is req uired

when using beveled wall plates. For
blocking, use eith er l -beams) dimen sional lumber, or metal cross-bracing.

Roofs:
Some I-beam manufacturers may
require additional connectors on roofs
with steep slopes.

BAM

63

Figure 103. Beveled Wall Plates for I-Beam Rafters

Dimension lumber blocking

Sloped Seat Connectors

A third option to connect r-beam

rafters to walls is to use sloped -seat
metal connectors. As with the bevdedplate approach, these do not require a
birdsmouth or web stiffeners, but do
require blocking between rafters.

I-Beam Overhangs
Because cutting through the bottom
flange compromises the strength of an
I-beam rafte r, rafter tails with
birdsmouths are limited to a 2-ft. horizontal projection (Figure 104).

~otched engineered
rim j~t blocking

Joining rafters to the walls with a

beveled top plate typically does
not require web stiffeners, but
does require blocking on both
sides of the rafter.

Figure 104. I-Beam Rafter Tails

/

Soffits

There are several ways to buil d traditional soffits. One common approach
is to attach 2x4 blocking to the I-beam
rafter tails as shown in Figure 102.
Another option is to sister on rafter
tails of dimensionallumbcr.
Gable~End

Overhangs

W
MaL

,L

Web stilfener
Il(ltrellllired

Beveled plate

Up to 1/3

rafter span

With a birdsmouth (left), the overhang for an Ibeam rafter is limited

10 :2 ft. of run. With a beveled top plate or sloped hanger, the overhang may be as long as one-third the length of the rafter (right).

For an overhang at the gable end, cantilever dimensional lumber outriggers

across the rake-wall top plate (F igure
105). These arc similar to the olltriggers lIsed in stick framing (Figure 9 5,
page 57).
The Essential Guide to Framing

64

Roofs:
Figure 105. Rake Wall Overhangs

2x lookout notched around top

flange of I-beam rafter

Frame rake -wall overhangs w ith dimensional lumber outriggers notched around the Ibeam lop

flange. If the overhang exceeds the Ibeam spacing, checll with the manufacturer to see if a double \.
beam is requi red.

Temporary Bracing for I-Beams

I-beam rafters (like fl oor I-joists) arc
unstable until fll lly braced and
sheathed . It's crucial to insta ll all
blocking and providt: lateral restraint
before applying any weight to the
rafters. As with fl oor I -joists, stabilize

The Essential Guide to Framing

an unbraccd end by in stalling rhe first

4 ft. of sheathing, then brace the rest
of the rafters with lx4 braces nailed fla t
to rhe top ofthe I-beam rafters every 6
to 8 ft. and lapped at the ends by at
least two joists.

65

Roofs:

SSE

The mai n components of a truss an:

shown in Fib'l1rc 106 . Roofs framed
with trusses are engineered systems.
They must be illstaJlcd and braced
properl y to work as pla nned . Any
chan ges from the original plan in bearing o r load ing Or any fiel d modifica -

Truss Types
Many types of standard trusses are now

produced and almost any roof design

can be custom fabricated . The most
popu lar types of trusses arc shown in
Figure 107.

tions ro rhe trusses must be engiTruss Overhangs'

neered .

When ordering trusses, specifY the

span, slope, \\~d th of rJ1C beari ng walls
(2x4 or 2x6), and the length and type
of overhang (Figure 108 ).

Agure 106. Truss Componenls

12

Connector plate

~~.pe

R"

Overall rise

Top chord
H"I

Bontll1l chord

Bearing

s"'"

BearifliU

Cantilever

Length

Most trusses are designed 10 clear-span between the exterior walls

without requ iring any interior support.

The &sentill liuide to Framing

II

Roofs:

66

Figure 107. Truss Types

Gable

Scissor

Attic

Raised Heel

Energy

The common truss types provide a variety of ceiling

profiles, includ ing Ihe fulHwighl living space provided by

Ihe attic truss. Raised-heel trusses and energy trusses

provide exira room for ceiling insulation.

Figure 108. Truss Overhangs

A. Plumb Cut Overhang

B. Square Cut Overhang

D. Square and Level Cut Overhang

C. Plumb and Level

Cut Overhang

lJ

E. Cantilever

lJ
\Nhen ordering trusses, specify the length of Ihe overhang, measured horizontally. The o'lerhang usually is nol considered
part of Ihe truss length; only cantilever overhangs (El are included in Ihe truss length. In addition, be sure to call out how

Ihe lop chord is cut at the end (A, B, C, or O).

II

The Essential Guide to Framing

Roofs:
Figure 109. Truss Hip Anatomy
11 ....--______. Wall line

I~~ - ~~~\\'II
~~~~~~~~~~~~I
1~~
downbIOCking
II

2x4step-

,,___- Common

II ,J>

trusses

It

"II

;fl.\.. .

:1

_,

...------- Double
girder

:: ,J>

~~1~~~~~~~~~ R:--- :::c~

~'-

------ King-ttip

Jack trusses

girdef truss

Girder truss

Jack truss

Step-down truss

King-hip
girder truss

/' Common truss

The most common hip

system uses common
trusses, which step

down to a doubled gird-

.....

The truss length is typically the length

of the bottom chord; it docs not
include th e overhan g, which is most
often a projection of rhe top chord.
Hip and Valley Trusses

Hip roofs and valleys between intersecting roofS may oc built around an assembly
of jack trusses attached to a girder truss.

/~r: lr:lrus

er truss. The hip is then

compl eted with a pair of
king hip girder and jack
trusses.

Hips. Step-down trusses complete the

upper end of the hip series and smaller
trusses filJ in the lower corners (Figure
109). As with orher trusses, it's cri tical
that the d imensions of the building
match the drawing and that walls arc
squ are and level.

The Essential Guide to Framing

SSE

67

68

Roofs:
Valleys on a trussed roof are usuall y
framed conventionally. However,
when a project includes more than one
valley of the same size, a valley set may
be more economical (Figure 110).

Handling and Storing Trusses

Trusses arc vulnerable to damage until
they arc insta ll ed, sheathed, and
braced . To prevt: nt damage, usc the
fo llowing precautions:
Inspect [fusses when receiving a shipment. Look carefully for loose plates
and reject any damaged [fusses.

Figure 110. Valley Sets

Banded trusses should be lifted off

the truck from two points on the
top chords. Indi\ridual trusses
shou ld be lifted t he same way

(Figure Ill ).
Store trusses horizontally on relatively level, dry ground. To prevenr
any bending or twisting d,at could
loosen truss plates, support the
trusses with blocking placed every
8 to 10ft.
Although valleys are usually framed conventionally, va lley truss
systems may be more economical jf the same size valley is used

more than once in a project

Figure 111. Lifting Trusses

If [fusses must be stored vertically,

make sure they are braced and
blocked in a stable manner. Gable
t russes sho uld be stored widl their
peaks up, scissors trusses with their
peaks down.

To preve nt trusses
from twisting and

damaging plale
connections, lift
trusses less than
30 ft. long at two
balance points.

longer trusses
require reinforcement with strongbacks before lifting.

The Essential Guide to Framing

Bracing Roof Trusses

Trusses are inherendy unstable until
sheathed and reCJuire two types of
bracing: temporary and permanent.
Use temporary bracing to safely ereer
the t russes; permanent braci ng is
req ui red to sta bilize the tr usses
throughout the life of the structure.
T he m iss fab ricator or "designer of

_Roofs:
_ _ _ _ ---4

reco rd " should provide a permane nt

bracing plan.
Usually some of the c1cITH:nrs of the
temporary bracing stay in place as part
of rhe permanent bracing. In gcner.l1,
all bracing shou ld be placed near pand
points (where truss members meet).

69

Temporary Bracing: The First Truss

It is important to accurately plumb the

first truss and to brace it substantially,
since additional trusses rely on the first
o ne for stabili ty.

All bracing must be of 2 x material.

Start with the gable-end truss. Most
builders start by sheathing the gable-end

Figure 112. Bracing to the Deck

lateral bracjllg "'_ __

u. ,"", bracing

End brace

Ground bracing

The first truss must be

straight and plumb and
securely braced. This
temporary bracing configu'
rat ion, which starts several
trusses in from the end and
braces against the floor
deck, is recommended by
the Truss Plate Institute.

The Essential Guide to Framing

70

Roofs:

Figure 113. Bracing to the End Wall

Use crane or temp0f3ry

braces to hold first truss ~

vertical

Step 1. After marking truss layout on lop

plales. position first truss 8' la 12' in from
end wall. Nail bottom chord to tap plates,
tIlen stretch dry line 6" in front of truss.

~:::l~- Step 2. Nail temporary two-by braces al

6' to 8' intervals to top of bottom

chord. Holding 6" dimension off dry
line, nail other end of braces to end
wall tap plate.

Dry line - -- Top brace should be close to peak of truss

Keep bottom brace 5' up to allow for

plywood sheathing
Sap 3. Plumb truss,

then tlail temporary

braces from top of
truss to end wall.
First truss is now
rigidly braced.

Builders ha.... e developed a variety of field techniques

to brace the first truss. This approach requires that the

end wall first be braced to keep the lop plate rigid.

The Essential Guide tn Framing

Step . As next trusses are

positioned, secure them to lirst
truss with tempnrary bracing.

u~~ ES

Roofs:
truss on the grou nd and lifting tilat
first. Unfortu nately, the gable -end
truss is difficult to brace back to the
deck without the braces interfering
with the second truss. On a one-story
buildin g, tile gable-end truss can be
braced to stakes driven in the ground.

71

Figure 114. Diagonal Top-Chonl Bracing

Start several trusses in. Alternati vely,

start the first truss 8- to 12-ft. in from
the gable end and brace it to the deck
(Figure 112, page 69). Then work
away from the braced end, filling in the
open 8 - to 12-ft. section last, after permanentiy bracing tile rest of the tru sses.
Or brace the trusses to an end wall
(Figure 113). lt may first be necessary
to solidly brace the end wall to tile
deck to keep tile top plate rigid .
Temporary Bracing: Subsequent
Trusses

Spacers. As ITusses arc added to the

roof, they can be spaced trum the preceding tru ss with short I x4 or 2x4
spacers pre-cu t to len gth, with lightgauge metal spacers or with heavyduty fold -out metal braces. (The heavy
metal braces can also serve as temporary latera] bracing fo r th e top chord. )
Top-chord bracing. As soon as the
fourth truss is up, start fastening lateral bracing across the top chords - one
brace ncar the peak and one near the
midpoint of each [OP chord. If

Diagonal top-chord braces

Diagonals are recommended to prevent racking until the sheathing is applied. Some builders place the lowest lateral bracing at
least 4 II. up to allow room for the fi rst layer of plywood.

req uired, place diagonal bracing at

each end of tile roof and at 20-ft. intervals in between (Figure 114 ).
All lateral bracing shou ld be minimum
construction -grade 2 x4s, at least 10 ft.
lon g and nailed with two 16d nails at
each intersectio n. Individual pieces
should lap at least o ne bay.
Roof sheathing_ To quickly stabili ze
the top cho rds, some builders start
insult ing shea thin g afte r abollt a
dozen trusses have been installed. The
The Essential Guide 10 Framing

72 1 Roofs:

< ,.

sheathing acts as both temporary and

permanent bracing for the top chords.
To simplify installation of the sheath ing, some builders keep rhe lower [OPchord braces 5 ft. lip from the eaves
line to allow room for the tirst comsc
of sheathing . Unless the sheathing is
installed shortly aftt:r cn:cting the
trusses, diagonal top-chord br:lCcs may
be needed to prevent racking in the
roof or truss collapse.

Botto m -chord bracing. After the

fourth truss is up, also start installing
i;ueral bracing on the bottom chord
(along its top edge if the bottom

chords arc recclVlng drywall ). Install

bottom-chord bracing according to
the permanent bracing plan and leave
in place. On large trusses, diagonal
bmtom -chord bracill g may be
required at each end and at 20-ft.
intervals in between .

Web cross-bracing. After the fourth

truss is up, also start fastening diagonal
cross-brac ing to the vertical webs.
Cross-braci ng of the vertical webs goes
in an X pattern at each end of the
building and every 20 ft. in between
(Figure 115 ). lnstall web cross-bracing according to the permanent brac ing plan and leave in place.

Figure 115. Bottom-Chon! Bracing and Web Cross-Bracing

Web cross-bracing
Bottom-chord lateral bracillQ

Elevalion view perpendicular ridge

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

Bottom-chord
bracing should be
no more than 15 ft .
o.c. Pairs of web
crossbraces triangulate the trusses
on each end of the
building and every
20 ft. in between.
These braces
should be installed
according to the
permanent bracing
plan and left in
place.

Roofs:

Figure 116. Bracing Piggyback Trusses

Piggyback truss

Permanent lateral bl3l;ing

Permanent diagonal bracing
attached to bottomof
InJ$S chord C

'

--\
...,.,
.......
rOO ,h.'"

..

01chord C IS cnticalln P'9~ trussas. Use lateral bracing above and diagonal bracing
below chord C (~ft), or use structural sheathing (right),
WIth proper nailing, the sheathing adS as a diaplYagm
prtMding both lateral and diagonal bracing.

Proper bracing

~~
C
Y_
Piggyback truss ' \

A ./

Supporting truss ,

I .

"

'

....... =~=~-....lJ

Permanent Truss Bracing

Piggyback Trusses

To perform as designed , roof trusses

require permanent bracin g after assem bly, as specified by the "d esigner of
record " on the job. In the absence o f
an architect or enginee r, t his responsibility may fa Uto the general contractor.

When trllsses exceed 12 - to 14-ft. in

height, they are typically shipped in
two sections [0 comply with highway
transportation limits. These so-called
" p i g~,.ybac k trusses" have special bracing req uirements. Igno ri ng t hese
requiremen rs can lead to catastrophic
failure under heavy loads such as snow.

Permanent bracing typically consists o f

many o f the same clements as the tem porary bracin g (see above), most of
which arc left in place after constructio n. One exception is any top-chord
bracing, which must be removed to
allow installation of the roof sheathing.
T he roof sheathing then serves as permanem [Op-cho rd bracing.

In particular, it is critical to stabilize

the top cho rds of the lower tf USS sections with either plywood or diagonal
bracing (Figure 116). Other permanent bracing may also be req uired .

Tlle Essential Guide la Framing

73

74

Framing:

. SMIC AND WIND BRACING

Figur. III Hold-Down Paths

~~:(~-Slrap

Roof connectors ...."\~:.:::...,,~::.t ~

Framing clip

Joist hanger

"-........ Wall connectors

High winds exert strong lateral forces

on walls and uplift forces on roofs.
Earthq uakes also exert strong lateral
forces, along with vertical shaking and
other damaging forces. To help buildings in affected areas resist these forces,
codes require that t hey have su fficient
shear strength and have a continuous
"hold down" path ITom raofta foundation (Figure 117 ). Metal connectors are typically required at the weak
points between foundation and first
1oor, at level changes, and where
upper walls join roofs. The details and
hardware needed are similar in both
seismic and high-wind areas.

Hold-downs ---*i-F'~:i..

Strap

Shear Walls
HollkJown

~~~j~"!r~~....~- Foundation connectors

.!-"",c- Fuundation strap

Continuous plywood across wall

planes and tighter nailing schedules are
crucial clements of structural design
for seismic and high -wind areas .
Shear Wall Nailing

A variety of metal connectors are used to tie a house structure together

and create a continuous "hold-down" path from roof to foundation.

II

The Essential Guide to Framing

Shear walls are designed to resist racking. Both interior and exterior shear
walls have rigorous nailing schedules,

Framing:

MI CAN 0 'N NOB RAe I NG

Figure 118. Typical Shear Wall Details

Exterior Shear Walls
Nailing of roof sheathing to ~ ..
frieze block important
.
.

. ><

. IIICf plywood seam at header midspan

Edge nailing
schedule usually 2" to 6" ~
field nailing
f
'.
schedule UStJaIIy 6" to 10"-'--

I
/4x9' plywood ellends from middle of double top
. . plate to bottom of mudsill

:.1 Nailing at bottom plate important

Roof sheathing
nailed to frieze block
to code schedule

",~..w'J ~II
""""-,~ Rim

joist

Interior Shear Walls

Whefl! interior shear wall
extends to roof, do not
interrupt for ceiling joists

Ilrw~"""

3x4 stud may be required at panel

jclints, depending on naiijng schedule

3x4 or 4x4

stud to catch

Shear wall panel

(d"",n plywood)

Metal

1611 nails usually 6"

on-center

Framing

I blocking between
subfloor and mudsiU

The Essential Guida to frlming

175

RA

Framing:

76

Figure 119. Proper Nailing a\ Shear Panel Joints

Jx stud

--:-':' ' ' ""'--f--7r

318" between
edge of framing

and nail
~_:...

\!
III

VI

liB" !I!IP between

panels and center-line
of framing

Nail rypes and sizes are also specified.

While galvanized nails can be used,
they have lower shear val ues and
require larger nails o r closer spacing.

31B" betwefn
edge of framing
and nail

Nail heads must be large enough and

must not be over-driven (Figure 121 ).

Stagger Mils vertically

Where shear panels break on a stud (left), hold nails back 3,s in.
from the panel edges and 3 /8 in. from the edge of the framing.
Where nails are spaced closer than 6 in. a.c ., code now
requires minimum 3-by framing.

Figure 120. Shear Wall Boundaries

d

Regular

Shear wall boundary ,

field nailing

Shear wall fl2iling

l--1ll1 II
fIT 1F'
II~
II~'I
11~
"I

, II
II
I II
II II
, II III
II
' II
II II
' II 1111
I III
L t,"1
I J!!L

l'f

f"~~~'il=
Ii
I II
"IU
.I I, Boundary::-;:}

II

II"

t:I
t:I

\ j at COOler stud

t"

If

I II

I!I

II

f ~Edge nailing

It

11 ~

i i!

,.m.,

I
If

If

=nil
UII
1111

II
II

t I Regular nailill{l -r:i

I

III

II
II

IltE"daIy
II "'il

. ~ z;:;!k~JJti
J,

Plywood panel
breaks over
winduw

"

with nails spaced only 2- to 3-in. apart

on panel edges (Figure 118, previous
page ). Nails must be held back 3/8 in .
from the edges of sheathing panels and
3/8 in. in from the edges of framing
members. Aho, they must be staggered vertically (Figure 119).

II
II

~ ~

n
II

I
H
II

jl<

Plywood pane!' J
!Illes to comer

VVhere plywood edges fall within the shear wall boundary, 3by framing
is requi red to prevent splitting from the close nailing pattern. 'Nhere a
plywood edge falls outside the shear wall boundary, however, as at the
window opening, standard sheathing nailing is pennitted.

The Essential Guide to Framinll

Shear Wall Blocking

Because shear forces arc transferred at

panel edges, all edges of plywood and
other sheath ing pands must be fastened w solid blocking. Many builders
use 4x9 o r 4xlO plywood panels
installed verticall y (Figure 118, previ ous page).
Where sheathing panels meet, each
edge must have at least 1/2 in. of bearing on the stud , plate, or other member it is nailed to. Where the design
shear exceeds 350 lbs. per foot (typically, where nai ls are spaced clr-er
than 6 in. o.c. ), the Uniform Building
Code requires minimum 3x lu mber at
the joint. Most builders use 4x4s
(Figure 120).

Framing:

~D .v1~D

B~A

77

Figure 121. Setting Nails

Overdriven nail

Nail at panel edges

Properly set nail

I
I

~:c:

'

l~ ::
'-<::::
~-----=
~

~"

"~<:::

'-, ....

-...-

r<-

-.-

l---::::'-

'-..

A nail that ruptures the outer plies of the panel (left) has less shear strength. A properly sel nail should either sit snuggly
on top of the plywood (center) or slightly dimple the outer ply. When panels break on a stud, set the nails at a slight
angle to ensure proper embedment in the frami ng (right).

Anchoring to Foundations
All shear walls must be mechanically
fastened to the foundation with metal
hold -downs, metal straps, closed-space
anchor bolts, or some combination of
these.
Hold-Downs

Figure 122. Hold-Down Installation

Framed wall, -......:.

with coonector
stud left out
Where possible, an
anchor-bolt layout
can be simplifted by
leaving out the
studs that connect
to holddowns until
after the walls have
been raised . (Note:
This is not suitable
where hold-downs
attach ~o corners
and king posts at
openings.)

T hese L-shapcd brackets attach to

anchor posts (anchor bolts ) embedded
in the foundation . For studs in a wall
without openings, it's ofte n best to
install the studs that connect to the
hold -downs after the wall is raised

(Figure 122).
\!Vhere anchor posts attach to a corner
stud o r at one side of a wall opening,
they must be located precisely. If possi ble, wire the anchor posts directly to
the rebar. If the rebar is in the way, it

Ancllor post

The Essential Guide to Framing

78

Framing: SSM I CAD IV I NOB RAe I NG

Strap Anchors

may be necessary to install the anchor

posts slightly out of plumb (Figure

123 ).

These concrete-embedded metal straps

nail or bolt to the face of the stud .
Because they usuaJly require no
drilling, they are easier to install than
hoJd-downs. However, they have significantly lower design loads. Also,
the studs they nail to may split under
the heavy nailing required. If so,
replace the stud wi th a double Shld or
4x member.

Figure 123. Dul-ol-Plumb Anchor Bolls

HGld-down

Stacked Wall Connections

Sole plate
Crilicallevel -

There arc several ways to reinforce the

connection between floors (Figure
124). The most common approach for
seismic work uses a pair of hold-downs
with a large threaded rod between
them . Other approaches use straps
nailed directly to the studs or through
the sheathing. In all cases, the studs
must be aligned between floors. With
metal straps, some builders use 4x4s
because they are less prone to splitting
with the large number of nails .

>of:'::

Subfloor

Rim joist

b,,--.."1 ..~ .'

"

....
~.

It
"
."

~.

Rebar

14

Ideal position,of anchor

post not pOSSIble ~ ::
because of rebar
": \ 1
11",

Actual position III rebar,

located slightly out of
plumb 10 miss rebar,
but cenieffid on the sole
plate at critical level

,.

...

Roof Connections

'

Winds can exert strong uplift forces.

Roofs with low slopes or large overhangs are more susceptible to these
forces. Minimum code nailing schedules
are rarely adequate to resist these forces.

An anchor bott may be slightly out of plumb if reba! is in the way. This
will nol affect the strength of the hold-down, but be sure the top end
of the OOH is slmcentered where it comes through the sole plate.

The Essential Guide tu Framing

Framing:

"11e AND W NO 8RAC N

79

Figure 124. Roor-Io-Aoor Conneclions

To provide a secure

load path between

stories, engineers

specify bolted holddowns , with the

lower one turned
upside down (far
left), or straps that
bolt (center) or nail to
the studs (near left).

Adding wind ties, hurricane anchors, or

other steel connectors at caves connections is often required , and is gex>d
insurance in high-wind areas.

Figure 125. Eaves Conneclions

..

Framing Clips

A common detail in seismic zones is to

connect the frie ze block to the double
top plate with a metal framing clip

(Figure 118 , exterior wall inset, page

75). These must be installed before the
roof sheathing.
Hurricane Anchors

In high-wind areas, hurricane clips or

rafter tics may be required to connect
rafters or trusses to top plates (Figure
125). As with all rated connectors, the
manufacturer's nailing schedule must
be followed.

Nailing rafters to
plates and p lat es to
studs is not always
enough to resist high
winds. Some codes
ca ll for adequately
rated hurricane
anchors or rafter
holddowns at 4-ft.
intervals in areas 01
h igh winds.

Ridge Connections

Steel connectors also may be req uired

to reinforce the rafter connection at
the ridge (Figure 1 1 7) page 74).
These may consist of joist hangers
installed at the ridge beam or rated
steel straps placed across the tops of
th e opposing rafters. As with other
strap connectors) nailing into 2x material may be a probl em due to the mun ber of fasteners.
TIle Essential Guide to Framing

80

Energy-Tight Details

Figure 126. Insul.ting the Rim Joist

Elastomeric sealant around the

foam and under the joist

Fiberglass insulation alone is not

enough to stop air

from leaking
through the rim

joist. Use pieces

of foam insulation
board over a fiberglass ball, filling
the foam tightly
and sealing
around the edges.

Vapor-impermeable rigid

iflSulation

Seal below each

joist where it sits
on the plale, too.

11~t:;i~~ Comllfessible gasket

'~=:::;conlinuollS bead of
adhesivE

Keeping the rim

joist warm is critical in cold climates
where condensation can accumulate on cold fram-

ing. This is best

done by offsetting
the wa ll plates to

provide a channel
for insulation

Elastomelic sealant

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

Sealing the Rim Joist

The rim joist is one of th e greatest
sources of air leaks in a wood -frame
hOllse. However, it is also one of the
most difficult places to seal effectively.

Figure 127. Offset Plates

Wall plates kicked out 10 create a
2" space for ligid insulation

Energy codes focu s on air-sealin g

details, vapor barriers, and standard
in sul ation values throughout the
hOllse. Good framing practice helps to
ensure there is an adequate amollnt of
insulation in all corners of the exterior
shell. In addition, slight alterations in
practice can make it easier to install a
continuous air/vapor barrier on the
inside of the house , as required by
most energy codes in the U .S.

board around the

perimeter.

The most common way to address this

diffic ult area is to seal and insulate it
after fra ming (Figures 126). Do not
just stuff fiberglass into each joist bay.
Foam insluation board, scaled tightly
on all four sides, must be used to stop
tlle flow of air and vapor.
When done tllOrou ghly, fitting foam
into each joist bay is time -consuming,
so it's actu ally casier to add ress thi s

Energy-Tight Details
area at the framing stage by offset-

ting the waU plates (Figure 127 ).

This provides a 1 Y2- to 2-in. cavity

81

Figure 128. Interior Wall Channels

for strips of foam insu lation board .

Seal the corner between the rim joist

and the bottom plate with urethane

caulk and apply continuous beads of
construction adhesive when insraUing
floor sheathing and exterior walls.

Partition Channels
Interior partition channels m framed
walls often create voids, which arc
inaccessi ble once the exterior walls arc
sheathed . Figure 128 shows several
ways wall channel can be detailed to
provide an easily accessible insulation
bay_ To provide a continuous air/
vapor barrier on the ex terior walls,
insulate and install a pol y vapor barrier
before standing the interior walls.

Sealing Knee Walls

The knee walls in a story-and -a- half

Cape often create gaps in the insulation and/or in the air/vapor barrier.
There arc twO common ways to insulate the knee wall area (both shown in

Figure 129 , page 82 ):

Conventional partition

channels are impossi

ble to insulate if the

walls have been

sheathed (top left).
The other channel
options shown here

not only allow the

area to be insulated,
but make it easier to
install a continuous
air/vapor barrier as
requ ired by most
building codes.

The , ,""",' ','de ,.

"'m'",

II

82

Energy-Tight Details
Follow the wall and floor. The more

Follow the roof. An easier way

difficult way is to insulate the knee wall

handle knee walls is to insulate the roof

all the way down to the exterior wall ~
including a continuous vapor barrier on
the inside mee of the rafters ~ and then

and the floor of the knee-wall area. Install

a poly air/vaptJr over the insulation of
the knee wall, as well as on the ceiling
area below, taping it to an air block (foilfaced foom works well) between the
joists just below the knee wall.

to

build the knee walls later. This works

especially well if the knee-wall cavity
will be used for storage. In this case,
however, it's critical that the rim joist
be sealed using foam board, as well .

Figure 129, Knee Walls

Sealing Cantilevers
M'.1.11Y Colonial-style houses have a section of second floor cantilevered over
the first-sto ry wall. Without proper
attention, rills area can lose a lor of heat.

~,

barrier

When building knee

waJls, make sure
there is a con tinuous
air barrier on the

warm side of the

insulation. If
addressed before the
knee wa ll is framed,

it's easiest to insulate

along the roof and
el1erior wall (right),
rather than along the
ceiling (top).

The Essential Guide to Framing

Keep track of the barrier. During

construction, treat cantilevered floors
like the floor-knee-wall transition, but
install the vapor barrier on the subfloor
of the second floor (Figure 130).
Where rile poly air barrier on the wall
meers the floor, rape rhe plastic to the
plywood. Then seal all the seams in rile
plywood subfloor with tapc or caulk ~
that way, the plywood will function as
an effective air barrier on the warm
side of the insulation.
Block airflow at the floor. Between
the cantilevered floor joists, fill rile
voids completely with fiberglass or cel lulose insulation. Then install rigid
foil-faced foam insulation in the bays

Energy-Tight Details
where the joists bear on the first-floor
wall and seal the edges where the foam
meets the framing with caulk or foam.
Tape the joint where the poly on the
first-floor wall face meets the foam
between the joists.

Figure 130. Cantilevers

BIoclc and seal

cantilevered joist bay

Sealing Balloon-Framed Walls

Gable-cnd walls and shed dormer
front walls are often balloon-framed.
In these situations, heated air enters
the wall through a penetration - such
as an electrical o utlet or even a crack
around the baseboard and drywall at
the bottom of the wall. The warm air
rises in the stud cavity like smoke in a
chimney, escaping into tlle cold attic
and exiting through the roof vents.
But even where there is no penetration
in the wall , cold air from the attic will
drop into the stud cavity where it is
warmed by the wall and rises back into
the attic. This kind of convection loop
carries heat out of the house.

83

Cantilevered floor sections

can lose a lot of heat unless
an air block (2~ blocking or
rigid foam blocks) is added
in the joist bay above the
firststory top plate.

Figure 131. Balloon-Framed Walls

Studs nailed to end rafter

Block: aOO seal l l P / ' "

stud bays at ceiliog

height

To prevem this type of heat loss, install

wall blocking in line with the ceiling
joists (Figure 131 ).

Sealing Framing Projections

Eyebrow roofs, bay window roofs,
crickets, and other projections of the
wall or roof lines are sometimes built

Balloon-framed exterior walls should always be blocked to prevent

convective air movement into the attic.

before the building is sheathed. This

allows air to penetrate the exterior
waUs and leak out the building.
The Essential Guide to Framing

84

Energy-Tight Details

Figure 132. Eyebrow Roofs

Continuous
sheathing blocks - -"7.
airflow
_."L._ _

Vv'hen building an eyebrow roof on a shed dormer, sheathe the eKterior waHs first, and then attach the rafter tails to a
ledger (right).

To avoid these heat losses, aJways

sheathe the exterior walls and then
attach additional framing to a \edger
(Figure 132 ).

Cathedral Ceiling Options

Cathedral ceilings must have adequ ate

insulation (R-38 to R-40 in cold climates) and ventilation, bur it can be a

challenge to provide both in the space
provided by a typical 12-in . rafter.
Hot VS. Cold Roofs

M ost codes require new roofS to have

an eaves-to-ridge flow of air. These are
called cold roofs because they keep the

The Essential Suide to Fnming

underside of the sheathing cold in winter. lo a heatin g climate, the flow of

cold air under the sheathing discourages interior moisture build up and ice
damming. In a cooling climate, ventilation relieves heat buildup.
Cathedral ceilings that aren't ventilated
are referred to as hot roofi, and typically
rely on a well -sealed air and vapor barrier
to keep moisture out of dle roof Solidfoam roof systems, using stress-skin panels or spray-in foam, are hot roof alternatives. However, many code officials do
not permit these roofS. The cathedral
ceiling optio ns shown in this manual are
all cold -roof options.

Energy-Tight Details

85
I

Figure 133. Cathedral Ceiling Options

A.

R-lO rigid
insulation

bID rafter

lx3 strapping!6" a.c.

Tape foam edge to wall

vapor barrier

c.

B.

lx3 strapping 16" D.C.

3/4" air space

Reinforced poly vapor

barrier

lx3 strnpping parallel til

rafters 16" D.C.
Reinforced poly

vapor harrier

Tape foam edge ro wall

vapor barrier
A. Foil -faced foam sheets applied to the bottom of 2x rafters boost the ceiling's R-value and provide a thermal break.
Tape the seams between the loam sheets to reduce air and vapor movement into the ceiling cavity.
B. Hang 2x3s below rafters using plywood gussets to create as wide a space as needed for blown cellulose insulation.
C. Insulation space can be added by installing 2x3s toenailed across the bottom edge of the rafters, which also provides

a thermal break.

The Essential Guide to Framing

86

Energy-Tight Det_a_ils
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Figure 133. Cathedral Ceiling Options, continued

Scissor truss with 12"

D.

raised heel

Minimum 2" air space

~nd baffle (extend sheathing)

,.....,. Vent to CGnlinuous ridge VI!l1I

Continoous soffit vent

--:::I~f]t
11/2" air space

E.

2x3 furring

ContinLlOUS poly vapor barrier

Blown cellulose
insulation

F.
Ridge vent at top
1" air space \0 ridge
Cardboard venl

16"
wood

Soffit vent
air space

poly
vapor bamer
i

seams of
Y3j!or barrier

min.

blown-in
fiberglass

5/8" drywall with

vapor barrier paint

24" OfI-<:enter
(shaded)

D. Scissors trusses with raised heels provide adequate space for insulation. Batts must be carefully litted to minimize
short'circuiting at truss chords.
E. 16jn,'deep I-joists insulated w ith dense-blown cellulose.
F. High R-value insulation (blown-in fiberg lass) can be substituted for standard fiberglass balls or blown-in cellulose.

The Essential Guide to mming

--Cathedral Framing Options

Cathedral roofs framed with conventional 2x l O or 2x12 rafters typically do

not provide adequate space for insulation in cold climates. The rafters need
to be packed out to provide more
space or foa m insulation should be
added to the underside (Figure 133,
pages 85-86).
Thermal break. Since wood is not
very good insulation, the rafters themselves conduct cold through the roof.
Most of the framing options shown in
Figure 133 provide a thermal break:
an interruption of the conducting
material (in this case, wood ) intended
to reduce continuous heat flow
through the rafter.
Insulation options. The R-values of
lnsulation materials vary widely, as
shown in Figure 134, so installing
insulation with a higher R-value may
be the easiest alternative for cathedral
ceilings. For exam ple, high -performance barts or blown -in fiberglass
(BIBS) can be used to bring the
R-val ue of a 2x12 rafter space to an
acceptable R-38 to R-40 (Figure 133,
option F).

Energy-TIght Details

must be installed to provide uninterrupted airflow from caves vents to a

ridge vent.
Alternative Framing Options

An alternative to conventional rafters is

to use scissors trusses or deep l-joists
- these provide enough space for the
extra insulation needed to achieve a
higher R-value (Figure 133, options
D and E).

Figure 134. Insulation R-Values

Approx. R-Value
per In.

Insulation
Fiberglass batt

3.2

Highperlormance fiberglass batt

3.8

Loosefill fiberglass

2.5

Blown-in fiberglass (BIBS)

Perlite or vermiculite

3.5
3.5
2.7

Expanded polystyrene board

3.8

Extruded polystyrene board

4.8

Loosefill cellulose
Densepack cellulose

Foil-faced polyisocyanurate board

Spray-urethane foam

Vent baffle. In every cold-roof option

shown in Figure 133, a vent baffle
(using cardboard or vent chan nel )

Thl! Essential Guide to Framing

5.9

87

88

Steel in Wood Frames

Because of the high ~aring capacity of

steel, it is a useful alternative for carrying
heavy loads, particularly where space is

limited. Figure 135 shows the types of

steel that can be useful for columns,
beams, and brackets in wcxxi-framed
construction.

Figure 135. St,,1 Types and Sizes

Shape & Type

I Beams

Junior<l)

Stondaro
Wide Range
Channels Stringer<!l

Stondaro
Ship & Car<2)

Tee

Too(3)

Symbol

Stock Size Specs

Height in inches

Lengths

Finish

20, 40,

Hot-rolled,

S
WorWF

x poundslLF
(Ex: W8x24)

mill finish

MC
C
MC

Height in inches
l pounds/LF)
(Ex: C5~

SO,. and
60 feet
20 and
40 feel

Uses
Carrying beams,
headers, ridge beams,

Hot-rolled,
mill finish

cantilevered beams
Carrying beams,
flitch plates, l'IeadefS,

Height in inches x width

in inches (Ex: T6x6)

20 feet

Hot-rolled,

Untels, ledgers,

min finish

light-load columns

Hot-rolled,
mill finish

flange re inforcements

ridge beams, columns

Angles

L
L
Bar Stock

Flpe

0
Tubing

0
0
D

Equal Legs

""""" "'"

Angle in degrees

",L

Leg x leg xthickness

(Ex: 3x6x1l4'?

20,""
40leet

""'" ""'" "'" ""

joint clips

Hot-rolled, mill
Thickness x width (Ex: 1/2x8) 201eet,
Column plates,
Diameter (Ex: 2'1
121eet<rd finish Cok:!-rolled,
splice plates,
Width
01
one
side
(Ex:
1
H)
~dom
piclded
and
oiled
machinist
parts, tools
Sq"~
Sch. 10(1)
21
to
Hot-rolled,
BPPE (~ack pipe
Inside diameter
~umns
Sch.40
plain end)or BPTC
x schedule weight
24 feet
mill finish,
Sch. 8Q(2)
(black pipe
(3" Sch. 40 BPPE)
painted, hot galv.
threaded coupling)
Outside dim. or diameter
Round
ERW (elec.-res.
x wall thickness
20 and Hot- or cok:!-rolied, Handrails, balusters,
jwek:led) DOM (drawn
(Ex: 2x Va" round:
40 feet pickled and oiled
Square
specialties
over mand~)
2x4x '14" rectang~)
Rectangular
Rats
Rounds

(1) Also called "lightweight"

NfA

(2) Also called "Haavyweight"

(3) Made by splittmg l-beams in hal!

Each grade 01 structural steel has a specific quality as described by American Society 01 Testing and Materials (ASTM)
standards. ASTM A-326 is the predominant grade in the structural steel market. It has a carbon content of .26%, which
gives it relatively high strength (60,000 psi tensile), yet it is relatively easy to weld and fabricate.

The Essential Guide to Framing

Steel in Wood Frames

Structural Steel Headers

Where height is limited, but a header
IllLlst be installed to ca rry a heavy poim
load (a secon d-floor girder resting on a
sliding-glass door header, fo r example ), steel is often the only solution .
Figure 136 shows examples of standard steel shapes and sizes that will
work as headers to carry such heavy
point loads. Each of these pieces of
steel can be worked into a 2x4 wall,
although the W beams (commonly
called I-beams) are a filii 4 in. wide and
require careful work to fir.

89

Figure 136. Siruciural 511Head.rs

Span

4'

5'

6'

T3x3)(5116

T4x4x3he

T4x3)(1 /4

C6x8.2

(1.88)

(2.50)

(3.13)

(3.75)

10,000

C6xB.2

C6xl0.5

(3.75)

(5.00)

15,000

C6x13

T6)(3x 3/8

(5.63)

(7.50)

T6x3)(3/ 8

W6x 16

(7.50)

(10.00)

Point Load (lb.) 3'

5,000

20,000

W6x12 T6)(3)(3/8
(6.25)

(7.50)

T7x3x 3/8 W8x15

(9.38)

(11 .25)

Wl0x15 W10x17
(13.00)

(15.00)

The number in parentheses is the section modulus required for the

given load and span; the steel section abo~e it is the shallowest and
lightest piece of steel that w ill work. Substitutions may have to be
made because the steel yard may not carry every size and shape.

Figure 137. Splicing I-Beams

Steel plates drilled for
bolts and welded 10
beam webs

-~

""::0
A-325 high-strength bolts ~
In an inline sptice (above) the ends of th e Ibeams butt
together with plates welded on each side. The plates are
then through-bolted with high-strength (A325) bolts
placed in predrilled holes. Steel angles, or "clips,' are
used to bolt beams together after a steel fabricator has
"coped" the ends to fi t together (right).

Steel angle bolted --~I ~ ~

(or welded) to both
ill 10
sides al joint

"Coped" end fits

between flanges

The Essential Guide to Framing

90

Steel in Wood Frames

Figure 138, Column Connections

Wood nailer attached with bolts or

~--lMlWder-a~tuated fasteners
~

Weld

_ _ Web of beam
Flange of beam

C(l/u!.m:"~to~-------:ij~~k~~

plate on site

Column top plate belted or welded to

Ilr - --"beam flange

- 1tIl1--___ Steel column

(round or square)

II

1\ .. l!=,, ' ' . ' .'

lS

Steel base plate

(welded to column)
NOli-shrink structural grout

Prefabricated base
plate (cast-in-place)

"

between base plate and

concretefooting

,
0

,.

II

"""

:'"
"

...

Embedded anchor bolts ~=~;;::;:::::'

,.

""
"", ___
,L

'- ~ ~

Rebar

',. R
:"':':;:==>:::::::;:~~---.:.l

Steel columns (not wood posts) should be used when freestanding support of steel beams is
requ ired. The column plates must be bolted to beam flanges (top) and to the thickened slab footing (bot tom). An alternative is to weld column plates to beam flanges, and weld column bases to
steel base plates cast into the slab footings (inset).

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

Steel in Wood Frames

Jack Support

H eaders should be supported by at

least double 2x4 jack studs for up to a
12,OOO-lb. load and triple jacks for
loads above 12,000 lb. up to 18,000
lb. The header should sit directly on
the end grain of the jack sruds. Don't
lise wood shims under the header the load is perpendicular to the grain
and tends to cnlsh the wood.
Steel-to-Steel Connections

Most steel connections arc either bolted

or welded together. 'Welding is uscfW
when the surface area to be joined is
small, such as the edge ofa steel column.
Bolted connections, on the other
hand, don 't require special skills. The
most common bolted connections arc
in -line splices and beam -ta-beam COIlnections at right angles (Figure 137 ,
page 89 ), and where column plates
join footing s and beam flanges
(Fig ure 138 ).

Right-angle connections (Figure 137,

page 89) require the flange of one
beam to be cu t back ("coped" ) at one
end so that the webs of each beam fit
together. It doesn't have to be perfect,
since the bolts will carry the load.
For any bolted structural colm ection,
an engineer should specify the diameter
and length of the bolts needed for the

type of connection. These will probably

be high-strength, structural steel (A325 ) bolts, which are available from
steel supply houses or steelwork shops.

Steel-to-Concrete Connections
Column bases must be bolted into
concrete. Don't cou nt on concrete
alone to hold embedded steel in place .
The concrete will shrink away over
time, so you should attach the steel to
anchor bolts. 'When embedding steel
base plate for column supports, attach
hooks to a portion of the steel that will
be surrounded by concrete (inset,
F igure 138). T hese will "grab" and
prevent movement of the steel once
the concrete has shrunk.

Steel-to-Wood Connections
There arc several ways to attach steel to
wood, de pending on the circumstances. Figure 139, page 92 shows
some common steei -to-wood connec tions using different steel shapes.
Nailers

Wood naikrs arc easiest to attach with

powder-acntated nails, spaced 24 - to
36-in. O.c. and staggered side-to-side .

The Essential Guide to Framing

j 191

92

Steel in Wood Frames

I
Figure 139. Sleel-io-Wood Conneclions
Steel
I-beam

Steel tube

2x nailer

QI

Powrler-3clualed
fasteners

Welded
bracket

Steel channel_- ' '

Tab for attaching
to framing

Different steel shapes require different connections. On site, the q uickest method is to fasten 2x material to steel channel
using powder-actuated fasteners (right). The other methods require the services of a steellabricator.

Figure 140. Steel Header Connection

Header Connections

IJVl!manging top plate

ties beam to wall
Place fasteners for nailers 24" to
36" D.C. (staggered side-la-side)
Throughbellted
blocking
(nail to
king
stud)

Lag boltom flange to

King stud

jack studs
An I-beam header can be secured by the top plate that spans the
connection between the beam and the wall. This connection should

be reinforced with lag bolts into the bottom flange to the jack studs,
and with bolt-on blocking that is toe-nailed to the king stud.

The Essential Guide to Framing

A common way to attach an I-beam

header to wood framin g is to h ave th e
sted yard weld o n an angle bracket, as
shown in the left-hand illustration of
Figure 139 . An alternative is to secure
the connection using a top pl ate,
which overlaps the steel and wood-

framed walls (Figure 140).

For slim -profile tube headers where
there is not enough room to "nail on"
lumbe r ( using a powder-acUlated
tool), ask the steel fabricator to leave a
tab sticking out at each end , as shown
in the center illustration of Figure
139. T hen notch the framing to fit,
and nail or lag thc stecl to t he !Taming.

Steel in Wood Frames

fl'th
I C PIt
a es

Ed
n ConnecfIons

FJirchpJarcs are llst':d primarily in header

An engineer shou ld specify the size

assemblies when common fram ing lumber is not strong enough or stiff enough
to carry the loads (Figure 141 ).

and number ofbolrs required to secu re

3 tlitch plate to the wood trami ng.
Insufficient bol ting and poorly sized
bolt-holes will calise the wood around
the bolts ro crush and the plates to SC[tie. In I:xtn;me cases, the steel can knife
into the top of the post.

The steel is pur in rhe middle for two

reasons. first, this increases fire rcsistanee. Wood can resist fire longer than
steel, which softens very quickly in a

fire. Second, the steel is not likely to

buckle if placed between nvo wood
members . A thin plate of steel will
wrinkle and buckle under relatively
small loads unless stabilized.

As a ruk of thumb, bolt-holes should

be placed 2 ill. from all ed ges of
a ocam. Usc the flitch plate as a tem plate to precisely ali gn the holes on
the wood.

Figure 14l Equivalent Strengths: Ritch Beams vs. Buill-Up Wood Beams & Steel I-Beams

Wood
2,6

2,8

2xl0

2x12

Single
Built-Up
Steel 1Steel
Lumber
Beam
Flitch Beam Equivalents Equivalents

Steel

7 x 1/4

2.8 - 2x8s

7 x 3/8

4.2 - 2x8s

7 x 1/2

5.6 - 2x8s

W6x9

9 x 114

2.9 - 2xl0s

9 x 3/8

4.3 - 2x1 Os

9 x 1/2

5.8 - 2x1 Os

11 x 1/4
11 x 3/e
11 x 1/2

5" x 1/4"
5 x 31 8

3.5 - 2x6s

5 x 1/2

4.7-2x6s

2.3 - 2x6s

93

H
Wood
2,6

Built-Up
Double
Lumber
Steel
Flitch Beam Equivalents'

Steel 1Beam
Equivalents

Stee l
5" x 1/4"

4.7 - 2x6s

5 x 3/ 8

7 - 2x6s

5 x 112

9.4 - 2x6s

7 x 1/4

5.6 - 2x8s

W6x9

7 x 3/ 8

8.4 - 2x8s W8x l 0orW6x12

7 x 1/2

11 .3-2x8s

W8x13

9 x 1/4

5.6 - 2x l 0s

W8x l 0

9 x 3/8

8.4 . 2x l 0s

W8x 15

W8xl0

9 x 1/2

11.5-2x10s

W8x18

2.9 - 2x12s

11 x 1/4

5.8 - 2x 12s

W10x 12

4.4 - 2x12s

11 x 3/e

8.8 - 2x12s

W10x17

5.8 - 2x 12s

W 10x 12

11 x 1/2

11.7 - 2x12s

W10x22

2,8

2xl0

2x12

The strength equIValent shown for bUlltup lumber beams assumes DOIJgfir!arch (E - I.e, Fb ..... 1.200).

Thl! Essl!ntial Guide 10 Framing

94

Joist Spans

Figure 24. Maximum Allowable Spans (ft.-in.) for Aoor Joists

Resi dential Living Areas: 40 PSF Live, 10 PSF Dead (l/360)

- - - - - Joist span -

d
2x 6

2x8

Species Spacing
No. '-2
(in.)
Group
No.1 No.2 (Can.)
DFir-L

SPF

Hem-Fir

12

10-11 109 10-9

16
24

9' 11
88

g.g

83

80

No. '-2

No. ,2

No. ',2

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

14-2 14-2

18-5 18-0 17-6

22-0 20-11 20-4

131 129 125

11 -0 10-5 10-2

165 15-7 15-2

13-5 129 125

19-' 18-1 17-7

15-7 14 9 14-4

14-5

12
16

103
94

136

173

20-7

12-3

15-5

24
12
16

81

10-3

12-7

17-' 0
14-7

13-1 0 13-2 14-2

17816-10 18-0

21-6 20-4 21 -11

12-7

12-012-1 0

16-0 15-2 16-5

18-10 17-7

10-10 10-2 11-0

133 12-5 135

145 142

185 180

225 21 9

169 16-'

20-4 18- 10

14-7 13-2

175 154

24
SYP

g.g

2x12

2x10

12
16
24

10-6 10-0 10-9

96
84

91

g.g

7-1 1

86

10-11 109

9-11

g.g

13-1 12- ' 0

88

86

11 -5

Tlle Essential Guide to Framing

11 -0

19- '

155 14-4 157

. .
-

95

Figure 25_ Maximum Allowable Spans (ft.-in_) for Aoo, Joists

Residential Living Areas: 11/2-ln. Concrete Floor (Tile Bed); 40 PSF Live, 20 PSF Dead (lI360)

. - - -- Joist span

-"

L
2x6

Species Spadng

2xl0

2x8

2x12

Group

(In.)

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 12
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 12
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

D-Fir-L

12

10- 11 , 0-8 10-4

14-2 13-6 13-1

17-4 16-5 16-0

20-'

SPF

SYP

19- '

18-6

16

9-8

9-3 8-1 1

12-4 11 -8 1 1-4

15-0 14-3 13- 10

175 16-6 16-'

24

7- 11

7-6

7-4

10-0

9-6

9-3

12-3 11 -8 11 -4

14-3 13-6

12

10-3

9-1

13-3

16

24
Hem-Fir

No. 12

7-5

11 -6
9-5

16-3

14-1

11 -6

12

10-6 10-0 10-9

13- ' 0 13 , 14-2

16

96

8-11

9-8

12-2 11-4 12-4

14-1013-10 15-0

24

7- 10

7-4

7-11

9-1 1

9-3

10-0

12-' 11 -4 12-3

14-5

14 -2

13-1

12-4

11-3

10 -0

12

10- 11 10-9

16

9- 11

9-6

24

8-8

7-9

17-'

16-0 17-4

18-516-11

16-4 14-8

13-1

18-' 0
16-3
13-4

19- 10 18-6 20-1

17-2 16- '

14-0 13-1
22-5 19-10
19-6 17-2

17-5
14-3

13-4

For information on framing jOists, see pages 2230

I
The Essential Guide to Framing

96

Figure 26. Maximum Allowable Spans (It-in.) for Ceiling Joists

Drywall Attached - No Future Rooms and No Attic Storage; 10 PSF Live 5 PSF Dead (L1240)
.---

- Joist Spall - - -

",-,'1
2

2.6

2.8

2x10

Species Spacing
No. 12
(i n.)
Group
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

D-Fir-L

SPF

Hem-Fir

SYP

12

12 ~8

12-5 12-5

19-11 196 19-6

26-2 25-8 25-8

33-5 329 32-0

16

11-6 11 -3 11 -3

23- 10 23-4 22-8

30-0 28-6 27-8

24

10-0 9- 10 9- 10

18-' 17-8 17-8

15-9 15-0 14-7

18-6

24-6 23-3 22-7

12

18-8

24-7

31-4

16-11

22-4

14-9

18-9

25-2 24-0 25-8

11 -' 0

16

10-9

24

9-5

20-1 19-'

12

122 11-7 1:2-5

19-1 18-2 196

16

11-0 10-6 11 -3

17-4

16-6 17-8

22-1021 -9 23-4

15-2

14-5 15-6

9-8

12

12-8 12-5

16

11-6

11 -3

24

10-0 9-1 0

fur informahon 011 framing JOIslS, see

30-7 32-9

29-2 27-8 299

19-10 186 20-1

24 -3 22-7 24-6

26-2 25-8

33-5 32-9

18 1

178

23-1023-4

30-5 29-4

t 5-9

156

20-1020-1

26-6 24-0

2230

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

32-1

22-11

19-1 1 19-6

9-2 9-10

24

28- 1

97

Figure 27. Maximum Allowable Spans (It-in.) for Ceiling Joists

Drywall Attached - No Future Rooms, Limited Attic Storage; 20 PSF Live 10 PSF Dead (U240)
Jvisl span

c.:...:
2x6

2x8

No. 12
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

2x'
Species Spadng
No. '2
(In.)
Group
No.1 No.2 (Can.)
DFirL

SPF

Hem-Fir

SYP

2xl0

No. 12

No. 12
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

12

10 -0 9- 109-10

159 15-0 14 -7

20-1 19-1 18-6

16

9- 1

8-11

8-8

13-9 13-0 12-8

17-5 166 16-0

24-6 23-3 22-7

213 20-2 197

2.

7-8

7-3

7- 1

11 -2

108 10-4

14-2 13-6 13-'

17-4 16-5

14-9

189

12-' 0

16-3

10-6

12

9-5

16

8-7

24

7-2

12

9 -B

9-2

9- ' 0

152

14-5 15-6

16

B-9

8-4 8 11

13-7

12-8 13-9

133
19-1018-6 20-1
17-2 16-0 175

24

7-7

7-1

11 1 10-4 11 -2

14-0 13-1 14-2

7-B

16-0
22-11

19-10

163
24-3 22-7 2 4-6
21-0 197

17-1

213

16-0 17-4

12

10-0 9-10

15-9 15-6

20-1 020-1

26-6 24-0

16

9- 1

B-11

14-4

13-6

18- 11 17-5

23-2 20-9

24

8 -0

7-B

12-6 11 -0

15-11 14-2

1 B-l1 17-0

For mfOflTl(lIK)fl on lram..,g psIs. see pages 22-30.

The Essential Gllide to Framinll

I
I

98 1

Header Spans '.'

:. c

. : . '.

-":.c".

Figure 60. Header and Girder Spans (H.-in.) for Exterior Bearing Walls

Supporting truss roof and

ceiling only (no anic)

20 lb. Snow Load

50 lb. Snow Load

Building Width (ft.)

Maximum
20
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

22x4

210

1
1

42
54

2
2

Building Width (ft.)

20
Maximum
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

1
1

2-2x4

2-1 0

22

2-2x6

4 1

2 2x8
2-2x10

52
6 ..

66

2
2

22x12

2
2

3 2
40
4- 11

2-2x6

36
5,5

22x8

6- 10

2-2x10

8 5

22x12

99

3-2x8

68

3-2x8

66

50

3-2x10

84
10-6

82

3-2x10

7 11

3-2x12

122

95

3-2x12

92

2
2

62
72

4-2x8

92

4-2x8

5-10

4-2x10

lH
14- 1

42x10

92

2
2

7 1

2
2

4-2x12

10-8

83

4-2x12

95
10-1 1

Note: Calculated spans assume * 2 grade Doug.-Fir. Hem-Fir and SYP lumber.

II

The Essential Guide to Framing

58

1
2
2
2
3
2
2
2

Header Spans

Figure 61. Header and Girder Spans (Il-in.) for Exterior Bearing Walls

Supporting truss roof and

ceiling (flO attic) + one

center -bearing floor and
ceiling

20 lb. Snow Load

50 lb. Snow Load

Building Width (ft.)

Maximum
20
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks
22x4

3- 1

2-5

Building Width (ft.)

Maximum
20
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks
2-2x4

26

2-0

2-2x6

4-6

3-7

2-2x6

3-8

2-11

2-2x8

5-9

4-6

2-2x8

4-8

3-8

2-2xl0
2-2x12

7-0

5-6

22xl0

5-8

4-5

8-1

6-5

2-2x12

6-7

5-2

3-2x8

7-2

5-8

3-2x8

5-10

4-7

3-2xl0

8-9

6-11

3-2xl0

7-1

5-7

3-2x12

10-2

8-0

3-2x12

8-3

6-6

42x8

8- 1

6-7

4-2x8

6-8

5-3

4'2xl0

10- 1

8-0

4-2xl0

8-2

6-5

42x12

11 -9

9-3

4-2x12

9-6

7-6

Note: Calculated spans assume '2 grade Doug.-F", Hem-Fir and S'I'P lumber.

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

99

100

Figure 62. Header and Girder Spans (Il-in.) for Exterior Bearing Walls

SUPIlorting truss roof and

ceiling (no attic) + clearspan floor and ceiling

50 lb. Snow Load

20 lb. Snow Load

Building Width (ft.)

Building Width (ft.)

Maximum
20
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

Maximum

2-2x4

28

21
30

1
2

25

1-10

3-11

1
1

22x4

2-2x6

2-2xS

2-2x8

2
2

310
48

2
2

22x8

36
45

2
2

29
3 5

2
2

22xl0

50
61

71

55

2' 2x12

43
4-11

2-2x12

55
63

3-2x8

2
2

4-10

3-2xB

56

44

3-2xl0

63
77

5-11

3-2xlO

8-10

610

32x12

53
6 1

3-2x12

69
7-10

42x8

72

57

4-2xB

64

50

4-2xl0

89
10-2

2
2

6 10
7-11

2
2

4'2xl0

79

4-2x12

gO

2
2

61
7 1

2
2

4 2x12

Header
Size

2-2xl0

Note: Ca~ulaled spans assume ;;2 grade Doug.-For, Hom-Fir and SYP lumber

TlIe Essential Guide to Framing

20

36

Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

Header Spans

Figure 63. Header and Girder Spans (ft-in.J for Exterior Bearing Walls

~
Supporting truss roof and
ceiling (no attic) + two
center-bearing floors and
ceilings

20 lb. Sno w Load

50 lb. Snow Load

Bu ilding Width (ft.)

Building Width (ft.)

Maximum
20
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks
2-2x4
2-7
1
20
1

Size

2-2x6

20

Maximum
Header

2-2x4

36

Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

23
1
1
11 0
2-8
34
2
2
43
2
3-4
2
5-2
4-1
2
3

39
49

2- 11

2-2x6

2-2x8

59
6-8

39
47

2-2xl0

5-3

2-2x12

6-0

49

3-2x8

511

4-8

3-2x8

5-4

3-2xl0

7-3

5-9

3-2xl0

66

2
2

42
5-2

2
2

3-2x12

85

6-7

3-2x12

7-6

6-0

4-2x8

6-10

5-5

4-2x8

6-1

84

4-2xl 0

7- 6

4-2x12

98

67
7-8

4 10
5-11

4-2xl0

4 -2x12

88

6- 11

2-2x8

2-2xl0
2-2x12

Note; Calculated spans assume * 2 grad e Doug.-Fir, Hem-Fir and SYP lumber.

The Essential Guide to Framing

2
2

101

102

Header Spans

Figure 64. Header and Girder Span, (ft.in.) for Exterior Bearing Wall'

Supporting truss roof and

ceiling (no anie) + two

clear-span floors and
ceilings

20 lb. Snow Load

50 lb. Snow Load

Building Width (ft.)

Building Width (ft.)

Maximum
20
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

Maximum
20
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

2-2x4
2-2xS

2-2x8

2 1
3 1

17

2-2x4

20

17

2
2

24
3 0

2
3

2-2x6

2 11
39

2
2

23
2- 11

2
3

38
43

3
3

2-2x10

2-2x12

47
53

2
3

36
41

3
3

39
47

3-2x8

48

37

3-2x10

58
67

2
2

45
51

54

3
3

2
2

44
53

3
2

4-2x8

42x10

55
67

2
2

42
51

3
2

62

4-2x12

78

5- ' 1

2-2x10

310
49

2-2x12

56

2
3

32x8
3-2x10

4-10

5-11

3-2x12

610

2
2

4-2xS

57

4-2x10

6 10
7-11

4-2x12

2-2x8

32x12

Note: Calculated Sp8llS assume 1t2 grade Doug.-Fir, Hem-Fir and SYP lumber.

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

Header Spa

Figure 65. Header and Ginler Spans (flin.) for Interior Bearing Walls

Supporting one centerbearing floor and ceiling

only

Supporting two
center-bearing floors and
ceiling only

20 lb. Snow Load

50 lb. Snow Load

Building Width (ft.)

Maximum

20

36

Header

Size

Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

Building Width (ft.)

Maximum
20
36
Header
Size
Span No. of Jacks Span No. of Jacks

2-2x4

35

26

2-2x4

2-3

1-9

2-2x6

4- 11

3-8

2-:2)(6

34

2-6

2-2x8

4-3

3-3

22x8
2-2xl0

63

4-8

7-8

5-9

2-2x10

5-2

3-11

2-2x12

8- 11

6-7

2-2x 12

6-0

4-7

3-2x8

7-10

5-10

3-2x8

5-4

40

3-2xl0

9-7

7-2

3-2)(10

6-6

4-11

3-2x12

11 -1

8-3

3-:2x 12

7-6

5-8

4-:2x8

gO

6-9

4-:2x8

6- 1

4-8

4-2)( 10

11 -,

8-3

4-2x10

7-6

5-8

4-2)( 1 2

12- 10

9-7

4-2x 12

8-8

6-7

Note: Calculated spans assume *2 grade IJOIJg.-FII, Hem-Fir and SYP lumber.

The Essenlial Guide 10 Framing

103

Rafter Spans

104

II
Figure 69. Maximum Allowable Horizontal Spans (It-in.)
Rafters: 20 pst live load; 10 pst dead load. Non-snow region. Lightweight roof covering.
No ceiling drywa ll.

2x4

2x6

Species Spadng
No. 1-2
(In.)
Group
No.1 No.2 (Can.)
DFirL

SPF

Hem-Fir

SVP

12
16
24
12
16
24
12
16
24
12
16
24

2xl0

No. '2

No. '2

No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 12
No.1 No.2 (can.)

174 16-10 164

225 21 4 208

27-5 260 253

14-7 14-2

19-5 18-517-11

82 7-11

126 11 -' 1 11-7

15-1015-' 148

239 22-621-1 1
19-5 18-5 17 10

10-4

16-3

21-0

25-8

95
80

14 -4

182

223
182
271 253 275
23-521-11 239
192 1710 195

, , . 1 10-10 10-10
10-0 9' 10

87

2x8

98

10-7 10-' 10-10

98 92 9- 10
85 7-11 87
11-' 10-10

15-4

11-9

168 1511 170

152 142 15-4

124 117 12-6

1410
2111 208 225
19-2 17-11 195

158 1481510

17-4

17-0

22-11 22-5

29-2 26-9

10-0 910

15-9

15-'

20-1019-6

25-1023-2

89

13-9

1:2-4

17-915-11

2 1-' 18 11

87

The Essential Guide to Framing

105

Figure 70. Maximum Allowable Horizonlal Spans (ft.-in.J

Rafters: 20 psflive load; 10 psf dead load. Non-snow region. Light-weight roo f covering.
Drywall ceiling. No Attic.

L
2x6

Horn""tal 'oan(Run)

-n

2x8

No. 12
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

20-' 0 20-5 20-5

18-11 18-5 1711

26-6 26-0 25-3

3 1-1030-2 29-4

23-9 22-621 -11

276 26-'

19-5 18-517-10

22-6 21-4 20-9

No. 12
Species Spacing
No. 12
(in.)
Group
No.1 No.2 (Can.) NO.1 No. 2 (Can.)
DFir-L

SPF

Hem-Fir

SYP

12

15-9 15-6 15-6

16

14-4 14-1 14-'

24

12-6 11 -1111 -7

2x12

2x10

25-5

12

14-9

15-' 0 15-' 14 8
19-6

24-10

29-9

16

13-5

17-9

22-3

25-9

24

1' -9

14' 0

18-2

2 1-0

12

15-2 14-5 15-6

191 1 19-0 20-5

25-5 24-3 26-0

30-11 29-4 31 -8

16

13-9 13-' 14-'

182 173 18-6

23-221-1 1 23-8

27-2 25-5 276

24

12-0 115 12-3

19-217-1019-5

22-2 20-9 22 6

12

159 15-6

158 14815-10
20-10 20-5

26-6 26-0

32-3 31 -4

16

14-4

14-'

18-11 18-6

24-1 23-2

29-4 27-2

24

12-6 12-3

16615 11

2111 81 1

252 22-2

The Essential Guide to Framing

106

Figure 71. Maximum Allowable Horizontal Spans (ft-in.)

Rafters: 20 pSf live load; 10 pSf dead load. Snow region. Light-weight roof covering. No
ceiling drywall.

,
,

/.-

- Horilontal span(Run)

--;-,1'-

2.6

2.8

Species Spacing
No. 12
No. '2
(in.)
Group
No.1 No.2 (Can.) No.1 No.2 (Can.)

DFi,L

SPF

12
16
2.
12

11 -' 10-10 10-9

10-0 97 93
83 7-10 77

Hem-Fir

SYP

17-0 162 15-8

216 20519-10

26-4 24-1 1 243

18-8 17-8 17-2

229 21-7 21-0

12-0 11 -5 11 -'

153 14-5 14-0

20-2

18-7

10-7 10-1 10-10

16
24

98

92 9-10

81

77

12

11 -' 10-10

16
24

100 910
8'9

83

82

The Essential Guide to Framing

15-11

178 172
24-7

139

175

214

11-3

14-3

17-5

16-8 15-8 17-0

21-319-1021 -6

260 24-3 264

13-7 149

185 17 2 18-8
150 140 15-3
22-1 121-7

226 210 229

18-4 17-2 18' 7
28-7 258

159 145

20' 10188

249 223

11-9

17-0 15-3

203 18-2

95
7-8

12

No. 1-2
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

149 14-0 13-7

10-4

16
24

2x10

No. 1-2
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

146

11 10 11 -' 120
17-4

13-6

16-8

Rafter Spans

107

Figure 72. Maximum Allowable Horizonlal Spans (ft.-in.)

Rafters: 20 psf live load; 10 psf dead load. Snow region. lightweight roof covering.
Drywall ceiling. ~o Attic.

~F'Q
,,, ~~~
vile /8;

"'Iter /8;

11

1- -

Horizontal span (Run)

2x6

Species Spacing
No. 1 2
No. 12
(in.)
No.1 No.2 (Can.) No.1 No. 2 (Can.)
Group

DFirL

SPF

Hem-Fir

No. 1-2
No. 1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No. 1 No.2 (Can.)

12
16

159 156 15-6

20-10 20-519-10

26-424-11 24-3

144 14-0 137

188 178 17-2

229 21 -7 21 -0

30-6 28-1 1 28-'

26-5 25-1 244

24

12-0

15-3

18-7 17-8

21-7 20-5 19-11

12
16

24

11-5 11 -'

14-9

13-5

1 13

12

15-2 145 15-6

16

13-9 13 -'

24
SYP

2x12

2xl0

2x8

14-5 14-0

19-6
17-5
14-3

19- 11 19-0 205

14- '

182 17-2 186

11-' 0 11- ' 12-0

150 14-0 153

12

15-9 15-6

16

14-4 14-'

24

12-6

11 -9

20-10 20-5
18-11 18-6
16-6

15-3

17-2

286

21 -4

24-8

17-5

202

24-7

255 24-3 260

22-6 21 -0 229
184 17-2 18-7

24-1 223

20-3 18-2

26-6 258

306
26-' 24-4 26-5
21-3 1911 2 1-7

30- '

28-1

323 30-'
29-4 26- 1
24- 1 2 1-4

The Essential Guide to Framing

108

Figure 73. Maximum Allowable Horizontal Spans (H. -in.J

Rafters: 30 psf live load; 10 psf dead load. Snow region. Lightweig ht roo f covering. No
ceiling drywall.

.,r.- - Horizontal span(RtJn) --;'-'1<2x6

2x8

2xl0

No. 1-2
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No. 1 No. 2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

14-9 14-0 137

18-8 178 172

22-9 21-7 21-0

12-9 12-, 11-9

16-2 15-4 14-11

19-9 18-9 18-2

132 126 12-2

16-, 153 1410

21-4

2x'
No. ' ,2

Species Spadng

Group

(in.)

D-Fir-L

12
16
24
12
16
24
12
16
24
12
16
24

SPF

Hem-Fir

SYP

No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

98
8-9
71

9-3
8-5
70
9-8
8-9
78

96
83
69

93
80
67
9-1
82
68
8 10 96
80 87
67 7 1
96
87
7 1

The Essential Guide to Framing

10-5 9-10 97

13 9

17-5

11-11

15-,

18-5

9-9
14-6 137 14-9
12-7 11 -9 129
10-3 97 10-5
15-2 145

, 2-4

15- '
226 2 1-0 229
196 182 199
15-1 114-1 0 161

13-9

t 2-6

11-9 10-2

185 17-2 18-8

15 111411 162
13-0 12-2 132
200 188
18' 0 16-2
149 13-2

24 -9 22'3

21 5 19-3
17-6 159

. .

I,

Rafter Spa

109

Figure 74. M"imum Allowable Horizontal Spans (It-in,)

Rafters: 30 psf live load; 10 pSf dead load. Snow region. Lightweight roof covering.
Drywall ceiling., No Attic.

~ Horizontal span(Run) -"""1"

2.6

2.8

2xl0

Species Spacing
No. 12
No. ' 2
(in.) No. 1 No.2 (Can.) No. 1 No. 2 (Can.)
Gro up
D-Fir- L

SPF

Hem -Fit

SYP

12
16
2.
12

139 13-6 136

12-6 12- ' 11-9
10-5 9-10 97

18-2

17-8 17-2

162 15-4 14- 11

13-2 12-6 12-2

17-0
15,

12-11

16
2.

11 -9

12
16

120 11 -5 123

2'
12

10-3

97

10-5

No. 1-2
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

No. 12
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

22 9 217 21-0

265 25-1

199 18-9 182

161 15-314-10
21-4

22-102 1-8 21 -,

17-5

16-717-10

17-3

248

21 -5

15'

17-6
24-4 26-5

19-6 18-2 19-9

130 12-2 13-2

15-1114-1 016 '

23-2 22-3

13-9 13-6

18-2 17-' a

16

126 12-3

166 16-2

21-1 193

2.

10-11 10-2

14-5

17-6 15-9

13-2

24-4

22-3 21-0 22-9

15-1014-11 16-2

18-8 17-9

18-5

12-4

99
13-3 12-7 136

2x 12

26-'
227 21' 22-' a
185 173 188
28-2 26-1

257

22 ~7

20-1018-5

Tile Essential Suide to Framing

11 0

Rafter Spans

Figure 75. Maximum Allowable Horizontal Spans (H.-in.)

Rafters: 30 pst live load; 20 psf dead load. Snow region. Heavy roof covering. No ceiling
drywall.

Horizo"", SP,"('O"J

2x6

2x8

No. 1-2
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No .1 No . 2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No. 1 No. 2 (Can.)

13 2 12-6 12-2

16-8 15-10 15-4

20 -4 19-4 18-9

11-5 10- 10 10-6

14-5 138 134

178 16-9 16-3

9.

810 87

11 9 11 -2 10-10

12-4

15-7

1 4-5 13-8 13-3

1 g. ,

10-8

136

16-6

89

11-0

13-6

12-2 13-2

16-6 154 16-8

11 3 106 11-5
92 87 9'

14-3 13-4 14-5

20-' 18 9 20-4
17-5 16-3 17-8

2x'
No. 1 2
Species Spacing
(in.) No. 1 No. 2 (Can.)
Group
D-Fir-L

SPF

Hem-Fir

SYP

12
16
2'
12
16
2'
12
16
2.
12
16
2'

86 8
75 72
6 O 5-10
85
73
e

2x lD
No. 12

'

710
6

'

5 11
8-1 1

90
8
72 7-' 0
5-10 6.
90
79
6'
e

13-0

'

78
63
98
88
71

The Essential Guide 10 Framing

14 1012- 11

12 10 11 -2
10 -6

91

It -8 10-10 11 9

143 1 3-3 145

18-8 16-8

222 19- 11

16-2 14-5

19-2 17-3

13211 -10

15-8 14- '

[===================~.~.~,~~.~.~!"'J ' 111

Figure 76. Maximum Allowable Horizontal Spans (ft.-in.)
Rafters: 30 psf live load; 20 psf dead load. Snow region. Heavy roof covering. Drywall
ceiling. No Attic.

i f - - Horizonl2l span (Run)

2x6

12
16
24

SPF

Hem-Fir

SYP

2xl0

2x8

Species Spacing
No. 1-2
(in.)
Group
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

OFir l

-Jl-;-'I'-

132 12-6 12-2

11-5 10-10 10-6
9 -4 8 -10 8-7

2x12

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 1-2
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

16-8 15-10 15-4

20-4 18-4 189

14-5

138 13-4

178 16-9 16-3

23-7 22-5 21 -9
20-5 19-5 18-10

11-9

11 -210-10

14-5 13-8 13-3

16-815-1015-5

22-,

No. '2

No. 12
NO.1 No.2 (Can.)

12
16

124

157

19 ,

10-8

13-6

16-6

19-2

24

8-9

11-0

13-6

15-7

201 18-9 204

17-5 16-3 17-8

234 21-9 237

20-218 1020-5

143 13-3 145

22-219-11

166 15-5 16-8

265 23-4
22-10 20-2

12

13-0 122 132

16-6 15-4 168

16

11 -3 10-6 11 -5

143 13-4 145

24

9 2

8-7

12

139 1 2-11

16

12-6 11-2

24

10-6

118 10-101 1-9

182 , 6-8
16-2 14 5
13-2 11 -10

9' 1

94

, 92 173
15-8 14 1

18-8 166

The Essrntial Guide to Framing

112

Figure

n. Maximum Allowable Horizon!al Spans (fl.-in.)

Rafters: 40 pst live loadj 10 psf dead load. Snowregion. Lightweight roof covering. No
ceiling drywall.

Sped es Spad ng
Group

DFlr L

SPF

HemFlr

SYP

(i n.)

2x'

2x6

2x8

No. 1 2
No. 1 No. 2 (Can.)

No. 12
No. 1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 12

No. '2

No. 1 No, 2 (Can.)

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

84

13-2 126 12-2

16-815-1015-4

72

11-5 10-10 10-6

14-5 13-8 13-4

20-4 194 189

17-8 16-9 16-3

94

810 87
12-4

119 11-2 10-10

145 138 133

15-7

19- '

10-8

13-6

16-6

89

" -0

13-6

13-0 122 132

166 154 168

20-1 189 204

11-3 10-6 11 -5

14-3 13-4 14-5

17-5

92

11 -810- 10 11-9

143 13-3 14-5

182 16-8

22-219'1 1
19-2 17-3

12

89

16
24

7-10

64

12
16
24
12
16

86
7-5

60 510
83
73
511

85
78

24

63

12
16
24

89
8-0
70

80 87
7-2 7- ' a
510 64
8-7
79
64

The Essential Guille to Framing

87

13-9 12 11

94

2x10

12-6

11-2

16-2 14-5

10-6

9 1

132 11 10

16-3

15-8 14 1

17-8

114 1 Rafter Spans

--' - - -

Figure 79. Maximum Allowable Horizontal Spans (H.-in_)

Rafters: 40 psf live loadi 15 pSf dead load. Snow region. Medium-weight roof covering.
No ceiling drywall.

2x6

2x'
Species Spadng
No. '2
(in.)
No.1 No.2 (Can.)
Group
O-Fir-L

SPF

16

7- 1 6- ' 0

10 -'

24

6- 1

5-9

8- 11

SVP

10-4 10-0

8-5

195 185 17-11

13-9 13-0 128

12

8-0

1 1-9

14-10

18 2

16

6- 11

10-2

12-11

159

5-8

8-4

10-6

12-' 0

24

Hem-Fir

16-10 15-11 15-6

8-2

15-1115-' 14-8
139 , 3-1 128
113 10-8 10-4

12-7 11 -11 11-7

8-2

7-5

5-7

No. 1-2
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

No. ' 2

8-7

2xl0

No. 1-2
No. 1 No.2 (Can.)

No. 1 No.2 (Can.)

12

7 11

2x8

12

8-5

7- 11

8-7

12-5

11 -7 12-7

15-8 14-815-11

19-2 17-11 19-5

16

7-4

6- 10

7-5

10-9

10-0 10- 10

13-7 12-8 13-9

167 15-6 16-'

24

6-0

5-7

6- 1

8-9

8-2

11 -, 10-4 11-3

13-7 12-8 13-9

12

8-9

8-7

13-9 12-4

17-915-11

2 1-,

16

8-0

7-5

12-3 10-8

15-5 13-9

18-3 16-5

24

6-9

6- 1

10-0

12-7 11 -3

1411 13-5

The Essential Guide to Framing

8-8

8-1 1

19-0

11 5

Figure BO. Maximum Allowable Horizon!al Spans (ft.-in.)

Rafters: 40 psf live load; 15 psf dead load . Snow region. Medium-weight roof covering.
Drywall ceiling, No Attic.

" - - '0<;'0"01 ',"IRo"1

-n
2xl0

2x8

2x6

No. 1-2
Species Spacing
No. 12
(in.)
Group
No. 1 No. 2 (Can.) No. 1 No.2 (Can.)
D Flr-L

12
16
24

SPF

Hem Fir

SYP

12-6 11 -1 1 11 -7
10-10 10-4 10-0
8-11

85

12

82
11 -9

15-1 1 15- 1 148

No. 12
No. 1 No. 2 (Can.)

19-5 18-5 17-11

226 21 -4 209
19-6 18-6 18-0

128

16 -1015-11 15-6

10-8 10-4

13-9 13-0 12-8

13-9 13- '

11-3

2x12

No. 1-2
No.1 No.2 (Can.)

15-11 15-1

14-8

14 10

18-2

21-'

1 2-11

159

18-3

12-' 0

14 -11

16
24

10-2

12
16

120 11-5 123

15-8 14-8 15- 11

19-:2 17- 11 19-5

223 209 22-6

109 10-0 10-10

13-7

1:2-8 13-9

16-7 15-616-10

19-3 18-0 19-6

24
12

89 82 8-1 1
12-6 12-3
11-5 10 -8

11 1 10-4 11 3

137 128 139

16-6 15-11

159 14 -8 15-11
25-2 22-3

16
24

9-1 1

88

l O-6

84

15-0 139
12-7

11 -3

2 1-'

19 -0

18-3 165

2 1-9 19-3

14-1 1 13-5

17-9 15-9

Tlle Essential Guide to Framing

116

Figure 81. Maximum Allowable Horizontal Spans (ft-in.)

Rafters: 50 psf live load; 10 pst dead load. Snow region. lightweight roof covering.
Drywall ceiling. No Attic.

J.--- Horizontal span(RIlIl) -.,...,~

2.6

2.8

Species Spadng
No. 12
No. 1-2
Group
(\n.)
No. 1 No. 2 (Can.) No.1 No.2 (Can.)
DFlrL

SPF

Hem-Fir

SYP

12
16

11 -8

11-5 11 -'

10-5 9 10 97
86 6 1 7 '0

153 145 14-0

13-2 12-6 12-2

2x10

2x12

No. 12
No. 1 No.2 (Can.)

No.1 No.2 (Can.)

187 178 172

16-' 15-314-10
132 126 12-'

No. '2

21 7 205 19-11
18-8 17-9 17-3

10-11

14-3

17-5

16
24

99
7-11

124

15 -1

153 14-6 14, '

20-2
17-6

10-,

124

14-3

12

11 -2 106 11-5

148 14-0 15-0

18-4 172 187

213 1911 217

16

10-2

9 7 10 ..

13-0 12-2 132

24

85

7 10 66

108 9'11 109

15-1114-1016-'
130 12-' 132

12
16
24

11 -8 11 -5

185 17-3 18-8

15-1 14-' 15-3
239 21-4

24
12

10-7 102
93 84

The Essential Guide to framing

109

15-4

10-3 9' 11

15-0

13-11 13-2
12-0

10-9

197 182
176 159
14-412-10

20-1018-5

17-0 15-'

117

Figure 82. Maximum Allowable Horizontal Spans (ft.-in.)

Rafters: 50 pSf live load; 15 pst dead load. Snow region. Medium-weight roof covering.
Drywall ceiling. Nt! Attic.

Hgrizllnlal span(Run)

2x6

--;-,1'-

2xl0

2x8

2x12

Species Spadng
No. 1-2
No. 1-2
(in.)
Group
No. 1 No. 2 (Can.) No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

No. 12
No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

No.1 No. 2 (Can.)

D-Fir-l

14-7 13 -10 13-6

17-1016-1116-6

20-9 19 -8 19-,

12-8

15-6 , 4-8 14-3

17-11 17-0

S PF

Hem- Fir

SYP

12
16
24
12
16
24
12
16
24
12
16
24

11-7 t o- l1 10-8
10-0

8-2

9-6
7-9

9-3
7-6

10-10

12-0 11-8

10 -4 9- 10

9-4

7-8
11 2 10 -8 11 -5

9-6

No. 12

16-6

12-8 12-0 11-8

14-8 13-11 136

13-8

169

19-5

11 10

14-6

16-9

1 1-' a

13-8

9-8

17-8 16-617- 10

20-5 19 ,

126 11 -8 12-8

15-3 14 -3 15-6

17-9 16-6 17-11

10-3

96 10 -4

12-6 11 -8 12-8

14-6 13-6 14-8

1 1-8 11-4

15-4

148

195 176

232 20-6

10-7 g. , 0

13-1 1

12-8

16-10 15 -'

11-7

10 -4

139 12-4

9-10

8-1

9-2

93 10-0
7-6 8-2

8-0

14-5

13-6 14-7

20-0

17-9

16-4 14-6

The Essential Guide to Framing

20-9

118
B

Beams. See Roofs

Floors
dimensional lumber, 22- 29

subflooring, 30

Dimensional lumber floors, 22-29

trusses, 37 - 40

cantilevered floors, 28-29

design loads for floor joists, 22
floor openings, 28
framing details, 24-26
joist depth, 22

wood I-joists, 31-36

Framing
anchoring to foundations, 76-78
roo f connections, 78-79
seismic and wind bracing, 74-79
shear walls, 74-76

joist spacing, 23

joist span tables, 23-24

load paths, 26-27
Dimensional lumber roofs, 48-60
blocking for end restraint, 56

stacked wall connections, 78

Framing connectors, 19-21
hangers for solid wood joists, 19
wood I-joist hangers, 20-21

common rafter spans, 48

hip and valley rafters, 48-5 1

overhangs, 56-57

Header spans, 98- 103

rafter bearing, 52

exterior bearin9 walls, 98-102

rafter loads, 48

interior bearing walls, 1 03

raised rafter plates, 56

roof openings, 57

shed dormers, 58- 60

I-beams. See Wood I-beam roofs

structural bracing. 52-55

I-joists. See Wood I-joist floors

Energy-tight details, 80-87

Joists. See Floors

cathedral ceiling options, 84-87

Joist spans

partition channels, 81

drywall attached, 96- 97

sealing balloon-framed walls, 83

residential living areas, 94-9 5

sealing cantilevers, 82-83

tables for, 23- 24, 94-97

sealing framing projections, 83-84

sealing knee walls, 8 1-82
sealing the rim joist, 80-8 1
Estimating materials, 1-5

L
Lumber
dimensional, 6-9, 22-29

converting linear feet to board-feet, 1, 4

engineered, 10- 1 2

floors and ceilings, 1-2

selecting , 6-12

roofs, 5
walls, 3

The Essential Guide til Framing

______~~.!:!.

119

N
Nails. 13-1 8

Truss floors, 37-40

aluminum and stainless-steel, 18

bracing , 39

galvanized, 15-16

lire-stopping for, 40

holding power of, 13-1 5

handling, 37-38

pneumatic, 15

installing, 38- 39

ru les of thumb lor, 18

types, 37
Truss roofs, 65-73

bracing, 68-73

Rafter spans, 104-11 7

in non-snow regions, 104 -1 05

handling and storing, 68

piggyback, 73

in snow regions, 106-117

types, 65-68

Roofs
dimensional lumber, 48-60

trusses, 65-73
wood I-beams, 61-64

Walls, 41 -47

bracing, 43-45
corner studs, 43

fire-stop materials, 47

Selecting lumber, 6-12

dimensional lumber, 6-9
engineered lumber, 10- 1 2
sheathing and subfloor panels, 9- 10
Spans, 88-11 7

header, 98-103
joist, 94-97
joist span tables, 23-24
rafter, 10 4-117
subfloor, 30
Steel in wood frames, 88- 93
flitchplates, 93
steel-la-concrete connections, 9 1

fire-stopping details for, 47

headers, 45-46
maximum stud lengths, 42
notching and boring studs
and plates, 42-43
stud spacing , 4 1
top plates, 41- 42
Wood I-beam roofs, 61 - 64
eaves connections, 62-63
overhangs, 63-64
structural ridge required, 61-62
temporary bracing for, 64
Wood I-joist floors, 3 1-36

steel-la-wood connections, 91 - 92

boring and notching, 3 1

structural steel headers, 89-91

cantilevered, 36

Subflooring, 30

floor openings, 36

fastening subfloor panels, 30

load paths for, 33-35

subfloor spans, 30

temporary bracing for, 31-33

The Essential Guide to framing