Figure 1-34.—Corner posts.for example, require heavier structural lumber. Thisrequirement is specific to the lower levels in order tosupport the weight of the floors above.STRUCTURAL PARTSA wood-framed wall consists of structural partsreferred to as “wall components” or “framingmembers.” The components (shown in fig. 1-33)typically include studs, plates, headers, trimmers,cripples, sills, corner posts, and diagonal braces. Eachcomponent is essential to the integrity of the total wallstructure.StudsStuds are upright (vertical) framing membersrunning between the top and bottom plates. Studs areusually spaced 16 inches OC, but job specificationssometimes call for 12-inch and 24-inch OC studspacing.PlatesThe plate at the bottom of a wall is the soleplate, orbottom plate. The plate at the top of the wall is the topplate. A double top plate is normally used. It strengthensthe upper section of the wall and helps carry the weightof the joists and roof rafters. Since top and bottom platesare nailed into all the vertical wall members, they serveto tie the entire wall together.Corner PostsCorner posts are constructed wherever a wall tiesinto another wall. Outside comers are at the ends of awall. Inside corners occur where a partition ties into awall at some point between the ends of the wall.Three typical designs for corner assemblies areshown in figure 1-34. View A shows outside cornerconstruction using only three studs. View B showsoutside corner construction using two studs with shortblocks between them at the center and ends. A thirdfull-length stud can be used instead of blocks. View Cshows inside corner construction using a block laid flat.A full-length stud can be used instead of a block. Notethat all corner assemblies should be constructed fromstraight stud material and should be well nailed. Whenframing corners, you can use full-length studs or shortblocks.Rough Door and Window OpeningsA rough opening must be framed into a wallwherever a door or window is planned. The dimensionsof the rough opening must allow for the final frame andfor the required clearance around the frame.Figure 1-35 shows details of rough openings fordoors and windows in wood-frame construction. Therough opening for atypical door is framed with a header,1-18
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