Framing and Structure

Anchor bolts are bolts embedded in concrete that attach the wood framing to the foundation.

A beam is a heavy horizontal member that carries loads from above and transfers them to posts or walls.

Blocking is extra wood installed between studs so you have solid backing to mount heavy items later.

Deflection is how much a floor or beam bends under weight.

Fire blocking is material installed in wall and floor cavities to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Fire separation is the set of materials and details that slow fire and smoke from moving from the garage into the living space.

A flush beam is a structural beam set within the floor joist depth so it does not hang below the ceiling plane.

A header is a beam over a window or door opening that carries loads to the sides of the opening.

A joist is a horizontal framing member that supports a floor or ceiling.

A load-bearing wall supports weight from above and carries it down to the foundation.

A point load is a concentrated force applied at a single location, like where a post sits on a floor or where a beam rests on a wall.

A rafter is a sloped framing member that supports the roof deck and shingles.

The rim joist, also called the band joist, is the board that sits on top of the foundation wall and caps the ends of the floor joists.

A rough opening is the framed hole in the wall where a window or door will be installed.

Sheathing is the panel material, usually plywood or OSB, that covers the outside of wall framing or the roof deck.

A sill plate is the piece of wood that sits on top of the foundation and connects framing to concrete.

Span is the distance a structural member like a beam, joist, or header covers between supports.