Platform Framing Second Floor

Rim joist construction the rim joist boards typically 2 by 10s or 2 by 12s install edgewise around the perimeter of the first floor top wall plate also called the tie plate.

Platform framing second floor. No fire stopping is necessary because the stud spaces are enclosed by the floor platforms. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the first story all the way to the top plate or end rafter of the second story. Multistory houses are built one level at a time with each floor providing a platform for building the. Within just a few years the platform frame took its place as the most common form of framing and has continued to hold onto that title today.

Platform construction is much more common than balloon framing though balloon framing was employed in many two story houses before 1930. The platform framed wall on the other hand is independent for each floor. Additionally smaller pieces of wood can be used on the wall frames. Pole framing actually uses the pole foundation to support the structure.

As construction gets higher builders must take additional safety precautions to prevent falls. Because walls can be fabricated down on the floor the safety level for workers is higher with platform framing. The main difference between platform and balloon framing is at the floor lines. The technique also requires less labor.

Platform framing also known as western framing is the most common framing method for residential construction where each floor of a pole barn or conventional building is framed independently by nailing the horizontal framing member to the top of the wall studs. Platform framing utilizes less wood.