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Framing is so simple that anyone can do it. platform in each direction and check dimen-
But where are those few who have enough
framing sense to do it right? All too often, the
A Step-by-Step Guide sions against the floor plan. Check and com-
pare dimensions to each side of all the plum-
bing as well. Once the actual and theoretical
journeyman framer walks into a "completed"
to How It's Supposed
structure and spends the next two or three are compared, you can determine whether
some adjustments in the wall layout are
days finishing the job.
Here, then, is a step-by-step guide to fram- needed.
ing a job the way it's supposed to be done—a
framing "primer" of sorts for those just lear- to Be Done Don't forget to allow room for the exterior
siding at the edge of the platform. Remember
ning the ropes, and a refresher course for too that the roof already may be cut (or the
more experienced builders to help clear out trusses ordered), so there may be certain
the cobwebs just in time for the spring by Marshall Gross things that can't be changed. Picture the en-
building rush. tire job and how it all fits together before you
Platform (or stick) framing involves seven make any adjustments—don't just focus on
Pay special attention to the plumbing walls, your homework, show up in the morning one group of sticks.
distinct and well-defined steps: snapping
the bathroom and kitchen floor plans and with a large broom and clean up the plat-
lines, plating, making the cutting list, laying Now you're ready to begin snapping lines.
the elevation views. If the plumber has not form. The goal is to transform the chaos in-
out the studs, framing, plumb-and-line work, Snap only the interior line on all the
located the pipe carefully, it can be quite a to order.
and pickup. Follow this process in this order perimeter walls, but snap both lines for all
challenge relocating walls to conform to the Think about the site plan and look at the
on all your jobs, and you'll save time, money partition walls. Assuming 2x4 construction,
plumbing while still leaving room for the platform. Are things correct? Is the platform
and lots of needless headaches while building have your partner hold the tape at the the
cabinetry. square? Where are the most likely problem
a sound structure. 3½" line and mark the platform for the op-
Look at the roof plan so you know which spots?
walls are load-bearing. Look at the elevation With the help of another worker, pick the posite exterior wall. Now two opposite ex-
Step 1: Snapping Lines drawings and familiarize yourself with the largest exterior corners and check it for terior walls are laid out. Snap the other line
Step one begins the night before, when siding. Read all the notes and specifications square by the 3-4-5 triangle method along the master corner perpendicular to the
you do your homework. Look over the plans (contrary to popular belief, they aren't there (remember your Pythagorean geometry?). first one.
carefully, noting the overall dimensions of the simply to make the plans look thicker). I'd These will be the master sides in laying out Check your two master corner lines to en-
building and the spacing of the wall even recommend reviewing the site plan. the other exterior walls. sure that you're at right angles. One way to
partitions. After the platform is up and you've done From these two sides, measure across the get an idea is to lay your framing square
Fig.1
Fig.
Floor Plan & Exterior Sole Plate
drawings
drawingsbybyMarshall
MarshallGross
Gross
which is a 2x6 plumbing wall. Nail a 2x4 medicine cabinet and perhaps a recessed
against the 2x6 of wall E. light—check the electrical plan.
Check all trimmer-header joints. If there's Block off the space at freeze vents so they
a space, drive in a wedge to fill it in. won't be sealed off by ceiling insulation. A
Another reason for leaving the door trim- cut-out piece of plywood nailed against the
mers loose is to allow the sole plate to be bottom of the rafters works well.
nailed down directly under the trimmer. The pickup person must lay in fire block-
Fig. 6
Corner Choices
Often one side of a doorway is quite loose. ing in the stair wells, as well as frame an at-
The wall K opening already is under suspi- tic crawl space and build a cover. Make the
cion. Check each side to see that it's solid. attic opening 22" by 30" and place it to allow
Consider the bathroom door. If the layout at least 30" of headroom.
person was good, there's a double stud on the After this, the pickup work that remains
latch side. Add blocking through the next depends on the house involved. For exam-
two openings for stiffness; it really helps. ple, there may be a dropped ceiling in the kit-
chen that holds recessed lighting. Wiring
raceways, water-heater platforms, duct
Another reason for frames, draft stops, cabinet backing, fireplace
leaving the door platforms, earthquake proofing, header ties
and soffit construction are among the other
trimmers loose is to things required of the pickup person.
allow the sole plate to With the pickup work behind you, you're
be nailed down directly ready to proceed with the interior and ex-
terior finish. Congratulations on a classy
under the trimmer. framing job. You're off to a great start.
Often one side of a
Carpenter and teacher Marshall Gross lives in
doorway is quite loose. Cottonwood, Idaho. He is the author of Roof
Framing (1984), which was reviewed in the
In the bathroom, add backing for the tub May 1985 issue of NEB.
or shower pan, a toilet-paper holder, towel
bars and the sink. Add a 2x4 dam in front
of the shower pan. Frame in a spot for the