Wood Framing Solutions

Spacing

• Standard spacing is one key that answers a lot of questions about structure. In modern construction it has been standardized by building codes. Vertical studs must be spaced 16 inches on center, which means the distance from the center of one stud to the center of the next is 16 inches. Horizontal members are also spaced evenly, but not quite as tightly spaced as studs. Joists and rafters are spaced 24 inches on center. Most tape measures are marked specifically to help mark wall parts for these spacing patterns.

Walls

• Walls are built laying down, then are stood upright. Space the top and bottom cap and sill parallel to each other and as far apart as the length of your studs. Mark the top and bottom pieces at 16 inches and nail the studs between them, centered on the 16-inch marks. Drive nails with a hammer, or use a framing nailer to drive the nails through the top and bottom caps into the ends of the studs. Use two nails in each end of each stud.

Doors and Windows

• Wherever the spacing is different, such as at window and door openings, the wall requires reinforcement. The vertical studs on either side of the doors and windows are doubled, with the outside pair running from bottom sill to top cap and the inside studs running from the bottom sill of the wall for doors, or the window sill for windows, to the top of the window or door. Horizontal members at the top of doors and windows are known as headers. They are made up of 2-by-6s on edge, with a piece of 1/2-inch plywood sandwiched between them.

Roof Trusses

• Calculating the angles for a roof truss can be a challenge. The solution is to calculate the width of the roof from the center to the end of the eaves, and the height of the roof from the top of the wall to the peak. Lay this out as a triangle out on your driveway in chalk to mock it up. Use an angle finder to measure the angle of the lines at the peak. Divide the peak angle in two and cut all the ends of your truss boards at that angle for a perfect fit.