Designs That Work

Advanced Framing Details

What is advanced framing? Stated simply, it is the optimum use of wood framing; optimum use of wood both from a cost and building science perspective. In practical terms it means using less wood to frame a house; it eliminates wood where it is structurally unnecessary or where its use is likely to cause other problems such as drywall cracks. It incorporates Optimal Value Engineering (OVE), a method that uses the art and science of practical application to provide the best result while considering cost. Advanced framing is not new; it was developed in the 1960's and approved by building codes nationwide.

Advanced Framing uses 2 x 6 studs, 24 inches on center to frame the exterior walls. Fewer studs result in faster assembly and a better insulated wall because of less thermal bridging and more space for insulation in the cavity. More importantly Advanced Framing eliminates unnecessary use of wood such as headers in non-load bearing walls and cripples and double studs around windows. Aligning loads from floor joists to studs below (stack framing) allows use of a single top plate. The drawings below illustrate many of the techniques used in Advanced Framing.

Advanced Framing Details

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Stack Framing		Top Plate Splice
Corner Framing		Interior Wall at Exterior Wall
Open Insulated Single Header		Cross Bracing and Racking
Thin Profile Structural Sheathing at Corners		Aligning Gable Truss Over Wall with Insulating Sheathing
Roof Framing