Conventional and advanced Framing

Conventional framing, the industry standard for framing residential construction, typically consists of 2×4 (38 x 89mm) or 2×6 (38 x 140mm) wood framing spaced 16 inches (406mm) on center, double top plates, three-stud corners, multiple jack studs, double or triple headers, cripple studs, and other members that are often redundant. 

Advanced framing reduces the structural redundancies inherent in conventional framing by placing framing members only where they are needed. The most commonly adopted advanced framing technique is 2×6 (38 x 140mm) wood framing spaced 24 inches (610mm) on center. Other commonly used techniques include single top plates, two-stud corners, single headers or integrated rim headers, minimal use of jack studs and cripples, and the elimination of redundant studs and unnecessary blocking and bridging. Although some advanced framing techniques can be adopted independently, the greatest savings- in both cost of construction and energy- will be realized when the system is applied holistically.