Structures
Wood structures
Study framing, connections, loads, and constructible details.
Course topics
- Floor Framing
- Wall Framing
- Roof Framing
- Doors, Windows & Stairs
- Layout
- Engineered Wood Products
- Wind & Earthquake Framing
- Building Code Requirements
- Green Framing
- Framing Team Management
- Safety
Learn from examples
Review floor and roof framing, beams, posts, shear walls, bracing, fasteners, openings, moisture protection, and load transfer. Treat the legacy drawings as educational examples and confirm current spans, materials, and code provisions before using them on a project.
New home framing example
2×4 and 2×6 wall framing
New residential construction commonly uses nominal 2×4 or 2×6 wood studs. A nominal 2×4 is typically about 1-1/2 by 3-1/2 inches, while a nominal 2×6 is typically about 1-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches. Confirm actual product dimensions and grade.
Why the choice matters
2×6 walls provide a deeper stud cavity, allowing thicker insulation and often improving thermal performance. 2×4 walls use less material but may limit cavity insulation depth. Both systems require correct headers, bracing, sheathing, fastening, moisture control, fire blocking, connections, and current code compliance.
The photograph shows framing in progress; it does not identify every member as 2×4 or 2×6. Use current California code tables, approved plans, structural design, and lumber manufacturer specifications for a real project.