As with floor construction, two general types of wall framing are commonly used: platform construction and balloon-frame construction. The platform method shown in figure 6-9 is more often used because of its simplicity.

A typical wall frame (fig. 6-20) is composed of regular studs, cripples, trimmers, headers, and fire stops (fig. 6-10) and is supported by the floor soleplate, The wall framing members used in conventional construction are generally nominal 2 by 4 in. in size. The requirements are good stiffness, good nail-holding ability, freedom from warp, reasonable dryness (about 15-percent moisture content), and ease of working. The closely spaced and slender vertical members of the wall framing are called the STUDS. They support the top plates and provide the framework to which the wall sheathing is nailed on the outside and which supports the lath, plaster, and insulation on the inside. TOP PLATES (or CAPS) are horizontal wood framing members that are nailed to the tops of the wall or partition studs.

SOLEPLATES are horizontal wood framing members that serve as nailing bases for studs in platform-framing construction. HEADERS form the upper members of a rough doorframe, or upper or lower members of a rough window frame. Similar members that form the ends of a rough floor or roof opening (as a skylight) are also called headers.

The inside space of a building is divided by partition walls. In most cases, these walls are framed as part of the building. There are two types of partition walls: BEARING and NONBEARING. Partition walls of the bearing type support the ceiling joists and all other loads imposed upon them; those of the nonbearing type support only themselves and are usually installed after the other framework is put in. Partition walls are framed in the same manner as outside walls, and door openings are framed as outside openings. CORNER POSTS or T-POSTS are used at corners or where one partition wall joins another. They provide nailing surfaces for the inside wall finish (fig. 6-21).

Figure 6-22.-Common types of bracing: A. Let-in bracing; B. Cut-in bracing; C. Diagonal bracing.