FLOOR CONSTRUCTION

Floor framing methods may vary from one

section of the country to another. Even builders
in a given area may use different methods, based
on experience and availability of materials. The
basic types of floor framing are Platform
(building one story/level on top of another) and
Balloon. Of these two methods, Platform
Framing is used more extensively because it is
easier, faster and safer.

Box Sill Construction

A method of floor construction that requires
headers be attached to the ends of the floor
joists/trusses

• Sill Plate
Generally, a 2 X 6 anchored to the top of the
foundation wall, providing an anchor place
for the floor joists/trusses
• Floor Joists
A 2 X 8, 2 X10 or 2 X 12, spaced 12”, 16”, or
24” on center (O.C.) providing the strength
to the floor system
o Size requirements: Length of span,
Load to be supported, Specie and
grade of lumber & Distance the joists
are spaced apart. Openings in the floor
require double joists

• Beams
Either wood or metal horizontal supports
placed under the floor joists/trusses when
spanning long distances and are equally
Spaced. The size is determined by the
weight of the structure.
• Cross Bridging
Generally 1 X 3’s anchored midway between
the beam and wall to stiffen the floor and
spread the load it carries over a larger area

• Floor Trusses
Engineered floor joists with designs that
consist of; open web, I-beam and laminated.
Each design provides the ability to span
greater distances without additional support
and the open web design makes installation
of plumbing, heating and electrical systems
easy
• Sub-floor
¾” tongue and groove plywood/Oriented Strand Board (O.S.B.) positioned in a staggered pattern
over the floor joists/trusses providing added strength to the floor system as well as a surface for
the finished flooring
 Works Cited
Kicklighter, Clois E., Ronald J. Baird, and Joan C. Kicklighter. Architecture: Residential Drawing and
Design. South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox, 1995. Print.