Western framing, also known as platform framing or stick framing, is a common method of building wood-framed structures, particularly residential buildings. It involves constructing the walls of each floor separately, one atop the other. This differs from balloon framing, where studs extend from the foundation to the roof.
How Western Framing Works
- Floor-by-Floor Construction: The process begins with building the foundation and the first-floor framing, including the floor joists and subfloor.
- Wall Construction: Walls are then constructed on top of the completed floor, typically to the height of a single story. These walls are supported by the completed floor below.
- Second-Floor Construction: Once the first floor is complete, the second floor's framing and subfloor are laid on top of the first-floor walls.
- Repeat: The process repeats for each subsequent story, with walls built on each floor's completed subfloor.
This method offers several advantages:
- Efficiency: Building one floor at a time can be faster and more efficient than balloon framing.
- Safety: Working on a completed floor provides a stable and safe work platform.
- Cost-Effectiveness: It often translates to lower labor costs due to increased efficiency and improved safety.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines western framing as "a method of building construction in which the supporting studs extend from the top of each tier of joists to the..." This concisely captures the essence of the method. The Army Field Manual 5-426 also notes that the western or platform frame is widely used in military construction, highlighting its practicality and robustness. Numerous sources, including Wells Custom Framers and Study.com, emphasize that platform framing is the most prevalent wood framing method in residential construction today.
