Wood Framing Best Practices

Wood framing is the dominant structural system for residential construction in North America. While the basic concept is straightforward — studs, plates, headers, and joists — the details make the difference between a structure that lasts generations and one that develops problems within years.

Lumber Selection

Dimensional Lumber Grades

Select Structural — Highest quality, fewest defects. Used for exposed beams and critical structural members.
No. 1 — High quality with minor defects. Good for headers, beams, and floor joists.
No. 2 — Standard grade for wall studs and general framing. Most commonly used.
Stud grade — Specifically graded for vertical load-bearing in walls.

Moisture Content

Lumber should be at or below 19% moisture content (MC) at the time of installation. Framing with wet lumber leads to:

Shrinkage and nail pops after drying
Warped walls and uneven floors
Increased risk of mold during construction

Use a moisture meter to spot-check deliveries, especially during wet seasons.

Layout Fundamentals

16-Inch vs. 24-Inch On-Center Spacing

Standard stud spacing is 16 inches on center (OC), but 24-inch OC framing (also called “advanced framing”) uses less lumber while meeting code requirements.

24-inch OC advantages:

20–30% less lumber in exterior walls
Fewer thermal bridges, improving insulation performance
Lower material cost

When to stick with 16-inch OC:

Multi-story buildings with higher load requirements
Walls supporting heavy cladding (stone, brick veneer)
When local code specifically requires it

Header Sizing

Oversized headers are one of the most common sources of material waste. Size headers based on actual span and load, not habit. A 2x6 header over a 2-foot window in a non-bearing wall is unnecessary — a flat 2x4 will do.

Common Mistakes

Not checking lumber for crown — Joists should be installed crown-up so they pre-load against deflection.
Missing blocking — Plumbing walls, stairwell openings, and tub surrounds all need solid blocking.
Improper nailing patterns — Follow the nailing schedule in the code. Under-nailing shear walls compromises lateral resistance.
Forgetting hold-downs and straps — In seismic and high-wind zones, metal connectors are required at specific locations. Install them during framing, not as an afterthought.

Engineered Lumber

For longer spans and heavier loads, consider engineered lumber products:

LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) — Beams and headers
I-Joists — Floor and roof framing for long spans
LSL (Laminated Strand Lumber) — Headers and rim board

These products are straighter, more dimensionally stable, and stronger per unit weight than dimensional lumber.

Final Thought

Good framing is invisible when done right. Take the time to get layout accurate, lumber straight, and connections properly fastened. Every trade that follows — plumbing, electrical, drywall, finish carpentry — depends on the frame being square, plumb, and level.