What is the most common framing used?

Author: Jarrett Jast  |  Last update: Sunday, December 28, 2025

Platform framing, also called stick framing, is by far the most common type of residential framing. In platform framing, each floor is framed separately atop the others. This requires shorter, less expensive lengths of lumber and makes the construction easier.

What is the most common type of framing?

The most common type of framing used in residential construction is platform framing. This construction method involves creating each floor as a separate platform, upon which the walls and the next level of flooring are built.

What is the most common frame type?

Standard Frame

As the name suggests, this is the most common type of picture frame. It's usually made from a combination of wood and glass and has a simple, classic design that works well with any decor style.

What is the most popular framing system used today?

In fact, a concrete frame is recognized as one of the most popular frame types used in constructing buildings worldwide. The main advantage of concrete frames is that they are economical compared to steel, and they are strong when reinforced with rebar.

What is the most popular wood framing method?

Platform framing is the most common timber framing method used today. The building is built one floor at a time, starting with the walls and then landing the joists directly on top of the wall top plate. This makes the largest member length much shorter, typically around 10' for walls and 16' for joists.

All House Framing EXPLAINED...In Just 12 MINUTES! (House Construction/Framing Members)

What is the most typical type of wood framing in use today?

Platform Framing. Also known as stick framing or western framing, platform framing is the most prevalent wood framing method used in residential construction today. This system involves constructing each floor independently, with the walls and floors built on a flat "platform" of joists.

What is the strongest framing for a house?

1. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) ICF wall systems produce strong, energy-efficient, durable, and disaster-resistant framing for a house. Building an ICF wall involves pouring reinforced concrete into hollow panels (made of expanded polystyrene or EPS), with reinforcing bars.

What is the most common wood for framing?

hardwood – softwoods such as pine, spruce or douglas fir are flexible and have straighter grain than hardwoods, giving them a leg up in strength and making them a popular choice for framing. Grade – lumber grade is determined by the number of defects in the wood and thus reflects its quality.

Why is balloon framing no longer used?

Disadvantages of Balloon Framing

Fire Safety: There are no firebreaks between floors due to the long studs. A fire could spread quickly and steadily without a firestop. Studs All the Way to Roof: Long studs run continuously from the foundation to the roof, allowing air movement.

What is the strongest frame design?

The triangle is the strongest to as it holds it shape and has a base which is very strong a also has a strong support. The triangle is common in all sorts of building supports and trusses.

What is the most common timber frame system?

Post and Truss (below right) is by far the most common surviving timber framed building form. This form makes use of the purlin roof. Roof and wall elements are structurally united within each cross frame.

What is the most popular frame size?

Most Popular Picture Frame Sizes

Most popular sizes include 5×7 and 8×10, but both can be adapted to accommodate alternative sized photos, with some careful design backing.

What is the most popular frame per second?

Motion pictures, TV broadcasts, streaming video content, and even smartphones use the standard frame rate of 24fps.

What are most houses framed with?

Although steel framing can be more cost-effective and provide fire and weather resistance, it often brings along insulation and thermal conductivity issues and is generally less favorable for homes. Wood framing is the most widely available and commonly used construction method for single-family homes.

Is post and beam construction still used today?

These two methods both use heavy timber, but the joinery is different. Post-and-beam construction has been around for centuries and can be traced back to 2000 B.C. Post-and-beam buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries still standing today are a big testament to the durability of this construction method.

What is the strongest wood to build a house?

Strength: Douglas Fir wood is one of the strongest and most durable woods available, making it a popular choice for structural components like beams, joists, and studs. Stability: It has excellent dimensional stability, meaning it's less likely to warp or twist.

What replaced balloon framing?

Platform framing superseded balloon framing and is the standard wooden framing method today. The name comes from each floor level being framed as a separate unit or platform. The use of factory-made walls and floors has shown an increase in popularity due to the time-saving and cost-efficiency.

Is platform or balloon framing more common?

Therefore, platform framing requires shorter and less expensive lengths of lumber, making construction easier. Hence, platform framing has become the most common type of wood framing.

What is the problem with balloon framing houses?

Balloon frame has a few disadvantages. One major one is that the exterior wall studs all the way to the roof, which provides an unbroken path for fire to travel.

What type of 2x4 should I use for framing?

Southern Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, Hem-Fir (a combined species of Western Hemlock and a variety of firs), and SPF (dimensional lumber produced from mixed stands of spruce, pine and fir) are most commonly used for framing in the United States.

What is the hardest wood for framing?

Hickory is the hardest, commercially available common wood. Next in line are pecan, hard maple and white oak. Hardwood includes wood like hickory, oak, mahogany, maple and walnut. If you're unsure what wood you're working with, perform a quick test by pressing your fingernail into the wood.

Is yellow pine better than spruce for framing?

Generally, spruce tends to be more affordable than southern yellow pine or fir. It's a good choice if you're working on a budget and need a reliable wood for light construction projects, framing, or interior applications.

What type of framing is used in most new houses today?

Platform framing, also called stick framing, is by far the most common type of residential framing. In platform framing, each floor is framed separately atop the others. This requires shorter, less expensive lengths of lumber and makes the construction easier.

What does OVE mean in construction?

Advanced house framing, sometimes called optimum value engineering (OVE), refers to framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in the construction of a wood-framed house.

Why is house framing so expensive?

Factoring in materials, time, and cost of labor all add to the total. 📏 Size – The bigger the frame, the more materials are used, which in turn means it'll cost a bit more. 🖼️ Frame Materials – These materials include moulding, cover, and backing.

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