Construction Framing Methods & Materials: Which is Best?

Framing Methods

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A framing method is the way a construction frame is put together. The framing method maps the design of the frame, irrespective of the materials used. The two most well-known framing methods are platform framing and balloon framing, each having distinct advantages and disadvantages.

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Balloon Framing

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Balloon framing was very popular in the late 19th century, and it is characterized by long vertical studs that run continuously from the foundation to the roof. Compared to platform framing, this method uses few materials and offers more open spaces in the interior of the structure due to the fact that the load bearing studs are positioned on the exterior of the building.

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While innovative for its time, balloon framing has become an outdated method due to its drawbacks. Because of the continuous vertical cavities in the frame, balloon framing poses an increased fire risk due to the ability of flames to spread quickly with little resistance. It also provides less structural stability than platform framing, again, due to the lack of interior load bearing studs.

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Platform Framing

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This method of framing takes a step-wise approach to building the frame, utilizing each level of the building as a foundation for the one above it. Unlike balloon framing, platform framing is characterized by interior load bearing studs. With platform framing, you would see the structure go up one floor at a time as opposed to seeing studs reaching from the foundation to the roof.

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There are two main advantages to platform framing over balloon framing. Fire safety is the first, as the levels of the structure act as fire barriers to prevent the free spread of flames up a vertical stud that leads all the way to the roof. The second advantage is construction efficiency. Platform framing allows builders to work on one floor of the frame at a time, rather than managing the entire frame from foundation to roof at once. Today, platform framing is by far the most popular choice for residential construction in the United States.

Framing Materials

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Wood is the most popular framing material and has been for a very long time. But advancements in materials such as steel, reinforced concrete, and masonry have opened the door for a variety of options for contractors, especially in the commercial sector.

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Wood

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It’s hard to imagine anything replacing wood in construction framing. Due to its low cost, high availability, and ease of use, wood will probably always be used. Compared to other materials, wood is very easy to manage on the job site due to its ability to be cut and shaped on the fly, and its lightweight properties. The only drawback to wood is it lacks the strength needed for large, high-rise buildings, but for residential and small commercial buildings, wood is the clear winner.

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Reinforced Concrete

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The Frankenstein of the construction framing world, reinforced concrete takes the popular but strength-limited concrete and pairs it with the ultra-durable and strong steel. The combination of these two materials offers architects enhanced design capabilities, allowing them to take advantage of the aesthetics of shaped concrete while giving them the confidence in the structural strength steel provides. It is fire resistant and also has sound-dampening properties which help reduce the noise transmission from room to room or floor to floor, making it an excellent choice for hotels, schools, and offices.

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Structural Steel

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For the ultimate in strength, nothing beats structural steel. It is ideal for use in high-rise commercial buildings due to its strength-to-weight ratio. Its relatively low weight compared to its strength takes pressure off the entire frame of a large high-rise building. Steel also performs well against environmental factors and can last for decades when properly treated and maintained. It is naturally fire resistant and can be treated with fire retardant materials to bolster its heat tolerance even further. And steel is excellent at handling vibration and wind disturbances without cracking or warping, making it an excellent choice for structures located in areas frequently hit by catastrophic natural disasters such as tornados, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Conclusion

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Choosing the right framing material and method for your project is essential for the stability of your building and the efficiency of your project. Equally as important as the material and method choice is the choice in construction framing contractors. King Construction are experts in framing, having experience in both wood and metal framing materials for building of all shapes and sizes. Work with us today for an estimate on your residential or commercial new construction project, and let us show you the King Construction difference that has produced thousands of happy clients over the last 40 years.