Platform Framing is the Predominate Framing Method for Building Multistory Residential Homes
By Mark J. Donovan
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Today most two or three story homes are constructed using platform framing. Platform framing replaced balloon framing decades ago as the predominate multistory framing technique due to three major factors.
First, balloon framing had a history of fire concerns, as balloon framing used very long exterior wall studs to create multiple floors. The long wall studs effectively created long bays, or chimneys, that allowed fire to travel quickly from basements to upper level floors. |
Second, due to the fact that balloon framing required very long wall studs, the walls were extremely heavy to lift creating hazardous work conditions for framing crews. Finally, very long studs were difficult to find and more expensive from a cost/foot perspective.
Consequently platform framing has become the framing method of choice when it comes to building 2 story and 3 story homes.
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What is Involved in Platform Framing Platform framing involves the construction of walls and floors by using single story wall studs to form the exterior walls, and attaching floor joists to the top of the walls to create upper floors. To more specifically describe the platform framing method it is best to start from the ground up. First, a floor is constructed on top of the basement wall sill plates using floor joists. |
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The floor joists are then sheathed with 3/4th inch tongue and grooved plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board).
Single story walls are then built on the first floor using single story wall studs and sheathing.
| The framed walls are fabricated using vertical wall studs and two horizontal boards that form the sole plate and top plate that tie the vertical wall studs together.
The walls are then stood up and nailed into place along the exterior of the home. The second story floor joists are then attached to the top plates and then sheathed to create the second story floor. This process is repeated for additional floors. |
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It is this stacking of floors and single story walls that constitutes platform framing. Platform framing produces a structurally strong home that reduces the risks of fires spreading quickly from the basement to upper levels. And because the walls are shorter and lighter they are less expensive, and easier and safer to construct and erect.
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Related Information
- Tips on Using Joist Hangers
- Expert Tips on Building a Home Addition
- Balloon Framing
- Strengthening Chimney Chase Framing for Supporting Veneer Stone
Additional Framing Resources from Amazon.com
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