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Contractors specialty

Framing Contractor

A framing contractor constructs, reinforces, and modifies the structural wooden or light-gauge steel frameworks of buildings, which can include subfloors, load-bearing walls, posts, and roof assemblies.

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Framing Contractor services

6 possible tasks · typical 5-step process

What it is

Framing contractors build the structural framework that outlines a building's shape, room dimensions, and load distribution paths. Framing scopes can involve securing sill plates, installing floor joists, laying subflooring, erecting interior and exterior wall studs, placing headers, and constructing roof trusses or rafters. Additionally, framing often includes attaching structural exterior sheathing. Service offerings generally focus on rough structural framing rather than finish carpentry, insulation, drywall installation, or mechanical trades.

What Framing Contractor can include

  • Wall Framing

    Can include the layout and assembly of exterior load-bearing assemblies and interior partition walls using dimensional lumber or structural steel studs, along with blocking, backing, and rough openings for doors and windows.

  • Floor Joist and Subfloor Installation

    Can involve securing foundation mudsills, setting engineered I-joists or dimensional lumber joists, placing rim boards, and fastening subfloor decking to establish structural floor decks.

  • Roof Framing and Truss Setting

    Can encompass lifting and securing manufactured roof trusses or hand-cutting traditional rafters, ceiling joists, ridge boards, and valley framing to shape the roof structure.

  • Wall and Roof Sheathing

    Can involve attaching oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood panels to the exterior wall framing and roof structure, providing lateral stability and a substrate for subsequent exterior finishes.

  • Structural Alterations and Header Installation

    Can include erecting temporary shoring to support overhead loads, opening existing wall sections, and placing engineered or solid wood headers to support new or enlarged openings.

  • Beam and Post Placement

    Can involve positioning laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glulam, or steel beams alongside structural support posts to distribute structural loads across open floor plans.

How the work is typically performed

  1. 1

    Blueprint Review and Layout

    Framers typically review architectural plans, check foundation alignments and anchor points, and mark reference lines across slabs or subfloors to establish planned wall and opening locations.

  2. 2

    Platform and Floor Construction

    Crews commonly install treated mudsills over the foundation, place rim boards and floor joist spans with appropriate bridging, and fasten subfloor panels across the platform.

  3. 3

    Wall Assembly and Raising

    Framers often lay out top and bottom plates on the deck surface, assemble stud walls, headers, and rough openings, fasten exterior sheathing, and lift the wall sections into place with temporary support bracing.

  4. 4

    Ceiling and Roof Framing

    Crews may hoist manufactured trusses into position or measure and cut conventional rafter systems, install ceiling framing, apply structural metal connectors, and fasten roof decking.

  5. 5

    Plumb, True, and Fastener Check

    Framing teams generally assess walls, corners, and openings for level and plumb alignment, secure permanent lateral bracing, and verify fastener placement across framing members.

Common reasons customers look for this service

  • New residential construction or detached accessory structure projects
  • Remodeling plans that involve reconfiguring interior layouts or open-concept designs
  • Modifying exterior or interior openings to accommodate new doors, windows, or room entries
  • Replacing structural framing lumber affected by moisture, pests, or age
  • Reinforcing or leveling older floor joists, subfloor surfaces, or misaligned wall studs
  • Framing out unfinished spaces such as basements, attics, or detached garage interiors
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About Framing Contractor

What is the difference between rough framing and finish carpentry?

Rough framing involves building the underlying structural skeleton of a building, such as studs, joists, and rafters, which are typically concealed behind finished surfaces. Finish carpentry focuses on the visible woodwork installed after walls are closed, which can include baseboards, interior trim, moldings, and doors.

How is a load-bearing wall typically altered or removed?

Modifications to load-bearing walls generally involve identifying structural load paths from upper levels or roof assemblies down to the foundation. Contractors often build temporary shoring to support overhead weight, remove the targeted framing studs, and install an engineered beam supported by dedicated posts to span the opening.

What materials are commonly used in structural framing?

Framing contractors typically use dimensional softwood lumber such as pine or fir, engineered wood components including laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and wood I-joists, structural sheathing panels like plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), and light-gauge steel studs.

This page provides general information about Framing Contractor for reference only. It is not professional, safety, medical, legal or financial advice, and it does not describe the services of any particular provider. Scope, methods and timing vary by provider and situation. Kuldesac does not perform these services; contact a qualified provider directly to discuss your specific needs.

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