Framing and Sheathing
Use this 3 part specification template to specify wood framing and sheathing for floors, walls, ceilings, and roofs. Framing may be dimensional lumber or laminated veneer lumber.
What is it?
Wood framing
Is a foundational element in building construction. It involves creating a structural framework using wooden components like studs, joists, and rafters. This framework provides support and shape to the building’s structure.
- Purpose: Wood framing forms the skeleton of a building, giving it strength and stability.
- Components: Common elements include studs (vertical supports), joists (horizontal supports for floors and ceilings), and rafters (angled supports for roofs).
- Benefits: Wood is readily available, cost-effective, and relatively easy to work with, making it a popular choice for framing.
Wood Sheathing
Wood sheathing complements framing by adding a protective layer to the structure. It involves covering the frame with panels or sheets of wood-based materials.
- Protection: Sheathing provides additional strength, rigidity, and protection against elements like wind and moisture.
- Applications: It’s used on floors, walls, and roofs to create a sturdy surface for the exterior finish (e.g., siding or roofing material).
- Materials: Common options include plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), both known for their durability and cost-effectiveness.
Applications of Wood Framing and Sheathing:
- Floors: Wood framing creates a platform for the floor, while sheathing forms a solid surface for the flooring material.
- Walls: Framing establishes the vertical and horizontal supports for walls, while sheathing provides a stable surface for siding or cladding.
- Ceilings: Framing supports the ceiling structure, while sheathing forms a base for interior finishes like drywall or plaster.
- Roofs: Framing includes rafters that shape the roof structure, and sheathing provides a solid foundation for roofing materials.
Spec Notes:
- Laminated veneer lumber and and headers are factory fabricated structural wood members that can be field cut to length and to accommodate utility penetrations.
- Wood used in contact with concrete, masonry, or roofing, and wood exposed to weather should be preservative treated.
- Some treatment chemicals can cause corrosion of metal fasteners. The use of stainless steel fasteners or fasteners with heavy galvanized coatings can reduce the possibility of corrosion.
Related resource:
National Institute of Standards and Technology – NIST PS 20
Recommended Manufacturers:
Related specification templates:
- Structural Insulated Panels
- Wood I-joists
- Shop fabricated wood trusses
- Glued-laminated construction
- Composite wood decking