Resources
A curated reference library for construction carpentry. Each card links out to a trusted source — Fine Homebuilding, JLC, Family Handyman, and others.
Framing
Wall Framing Basics
Top & bottom plates, studs at 16" or 24" OC, double top plate, blocking — the anatomy of a stud wall.
Fine Homebuilding →Header Sizing
Sizing rough-opening headers from span and load. Built-up 2x with plywood spacers vs engineered LVL.
Fine Homebuilding →Load-Bearing Walls
How to identify load-bearing walls before you cut. Look at joist direction, foundation plan, and ridge alignment.
Family Handyman →Balloon vs Platform
Why platform framing replaced balloon framing — fire-stopping, lift-ability, lumber length, and modern practice.
This Old House →Joinery
Common Joints
Butt, lap, dado, rabbet, mortise & tenon, dovetail. Quick visual catalog of woodworking joints and uses.
Fine Woodworking →Mortise & Tenon
The classic frame joint — proportions, glue surface, and when to pin. Strong in compression and shear.
Popular Woodworking →Dovetails
Through, half-blind, and sliding dovetails — the strongest mechanical joint for resisting tension.
Fine Woodworking →Pocket Screws
Quick, strong joinery for cabinetry and face frames. Hole size and screw length per material thickness.
Kreg Tool →Joint Strength
Comparative strength testing of common joints — what actually fails first under load and why.
Fine Woodworking →Roofing
Rafter Layout
Laying out common rafters from rise/run, plumb cut, seat cut, and tail. Use a framing square or speed square.
Fine Homebuilding →Ridge Beam vs Ridge Board
Structural ridge beam supports rafters; ridge board is a nailing surface only — ceiling joists or ties resist thrust.
JLC →Hip & Valley Rafters
Calculating hip and valley lengths — the 17-inch unit run, side-cut angles, and jack rafter step-down.
Fine Homebuilding →Bird's Mouth Cut
The seat and heel cut where the rafter sits on the wall plate. Don't overcut — keep at least 2/3 of the rafter depth.
Fine Homebuilding →Decks & Stairs
Stringer Calculation
Total rise ÷ ideal riser height = number of risers. Stringer length follows from rise² + run² (pythagorean).
Fine Homebuilding →IRC Stair Code
Risers max 7¾", treads min 10", max variance 3/8" within a flight. Headroom 6'-8" minimum.
IRC R311.7 →Ledger Attachment
Ledger boards must be lagged or through-bolted to rim joist with proper flashing. No nails, no exceptions.
Deck Magazine →Joist Spacing
Deck joist spans depend on species, size, and spacing. Use AWC's DCA-6 prescriptive guide for residential decks.
AWC DCA-6 →Tools
Essential Hand Tools
Framing hammer, tape, speed square, chalk line, utility knife, chisels, pry bar — the daily kit.
Fine Homebuilding →Essential Power Tools
Circular saw, miter saw, drill/driver, impact driver, recip saw, table saw, router. What every framer carries.
Pro Tool Reviews →Layout Tools
Framing square, speed square, combination square, levels, plumb bob, laser level, story pole.
This Old House →Safety Equipment
Eye, ear, and lung protection. Hard hats, fall arrest, knee pads, gloves. ANSI ratings matter.
OSHA Construction PPE →Calculators
Real construction math. All inputs update results instantly — no submit buttons.
Reference
Quick-reference tables and visual guides for the field.
Wall Framing Visualizer
Adjust the controls to see a live front-elevation drawing of a framed wall — plates, studs, rough openings, headers, and cripples. Hover any member for details.