woodframed

Woodframed, or wood-framed construction, refers to buildings whose primary structural system is a skeleton of wood members—studs, plates, joists, and beams—held together with nails, screws, and metal connectors. This approach is common in residential buildings and small commercial structures in many regions, particularly where timber is abundant and labor costs are a consideration.

Typical wall assemblies use vertical studs spaced 16 or 24 inches on center, with top and bottom plates and sheathing such as plywood or OSB. The stud bays are insulated, and roofs and floors are framed with joists or engineered products like I-joists. The main framing methods are balloon framing, common in the 19th century, and platform framing, which became standard in the 20th century for safety and speed. Platform framing builds each floor as a separate, assembled platform.

Pros include relatively low material costs, fast on-site assembly, ease of running plumbing and electrical, and good thermal performance when well insulated. Disadvantages can include vulnerability to moisture and termite damage without protective measures, potential air leakage if not properly sealed, and limitations on structural spans in larger buildings compared to steel or concrete. Modern practice often uses engineered wood products, metal connectors, and continuous insulation to improve performance.

Woodframed construction is supported by building codes such as the International Residential Code and the International Building Code, with design values specified in wood design standards. Sustainable considerations emphasize certified timber sources, moisture management, and fire safety measures, including drywall and fire-rated assemblies. The method remains the dominant choice for single-family homes in many regions, while larger or high-rise projects may use alternative structural systems or hybrid solutions.