Alternative Framing for Walls & Corners

Purpose

• The United States Department of Energy recommends using alternative or advanced methods of framing walls and corners to reduce the amount of lumber used in construction and improve the energy efficiency of the home. The DOE recommends that builders implement alternative framing techniques such as building homes in 2-feet increments, spacing wall studs up to 24 inches apart, and using a two-stud corner.

Benefits

• Alternative framing techniques benefit the builder, the homeowner and the environment. The DOE estimates that using alternative framing techniques can reduce the labor cost of framing a house by 3 to 5 percent. Homeowners can see up to a 5 percent savings from the increase in the amount of insulation in their home. Both the builder and the homeowner can see the savings and the reduction in waste benefits the environment.

Alternative Framing for Walls

• Extend the space between studs from 16 inches to 24 inches if local building code will allow it. Also, eliminate the unnecessary use of headers in non-load-bearing walls. Another alternative method for framing the walls of a structure is to use in-line framing or stack framing designs. Stack framing lines up the frame of the house so that the load of the structure is carried straight down.

Alternative Framing for Corners

• The recommended method for framing a corner is the two-stud corner, also known as the California corner. Builders prefer this method because it is a quick, easily constructed corner that uses less lumber, but increases the energy-efficiency of the home. This method is great for interior walls, but most builders agree that a three-stud corner is the best for an exterior wall.