Platform Framing

Platform framing (also known as western framing) is the most common framing method for residential construction where each floor of a pole barn or conventional building is framed independently by nailing the horizontal framing member to the top of the wall studs.

Pole framing actually uses the pole foundation to support the structure.

Most contractors will be more familiar with platform framing and the additional benefits are that it is a simpler process that uses less wood than pole framing.



Platform Framing Disadvantages
Since the subfloor interrupts the headers and joists more vertical shrinkage can occur as the wood dries, potentially leading to problems with brick or siding materials.



Platform Framing Details

Sole Plate: Bottom horizontal framing member of the wall section.

Header: Beam placed perpendicular to wall studs above windows and doors to carry structural loads.

Jack Stud: Fits under each end of the header & transfers load to bottom plate.

King Stud: Nailed to the jack stud and supports assembly between plates.

Rough Sill: Bottom of window opening.

Rim joist: Vertical board that caps the ends of the floor joists boxing in sub flooring.

Floor joist: Horizontal framing member that supports the floor load.

Ridge board: Upper most horizontal framing member on roof that attaches tops of rafters.

Rafter: Series of beams that form the slope of a pitched roof (from ridge to eave).

Eave: The overhanging edge of a roof.

Ridge: Beam laid along the edge where two sloping sides meet at the top (upper end of rafters).

 

Squaring Things Up

 

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