How to Frame a Rim Joist & Wall

Vital to the construction of wood-frame buildings, rim joists function to keep the attached floor joists from twisting, which could compromise the integrity of the structure. They are installed on their short side all around the perimeter, or “rim,” of the room.

2-by-4-inch lumber
Drill
Masonry drill bit
Concrete wedge anchors
Hammer
Torque wrench
2-by-10-inch rim joist lumber
Nails
Hammer
2-by-8-inch or -10-inch floor joists
Wood screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Set the 2-by-4-inch sill plate on top of the foundation. Drill holes through the sill plate into the masonry foundation using a masonry drill bit. Space the holes about 6 inches apart. Insert concrete wedge anchors into the predrilled holes and hammer them in place with a hammer. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts in the anchors, that secure the sill plate to the foundation.
- 2
  Set the rim joist on its small edge, on top of the sill plate. Position the rim joist so it lines up flush with the outer edge of the sill plate. Insert nails by angling them toward the center of the room, a process known as toenailing.
- 3
  Hang the floor joists from the rim joists, toenailing them in toward the rim joist. Put down the subfloor, nailing every 12 inches along the floor joists and rim joist.
- 4
  Attach 2-by-4-inch studs to both a bottom sill plate and a top sill plate. Stand it upright a place it in position, according to the blueprints.
- 5
  Attach the sill plate to the floor boards by inserting wood screws every 4 to 6 inches along the length of the sill plate.

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