Construction Carpentry and Wood Framing

Question 1

What is the standard spacing for wall studs in residential wood-frame construction in the US?

Accepted Answer

16 inches on center

Answer

Standard residential wall framing uses 2×4 or 2×6 studs spaced 16 inches on center, though 24-inch spacing is also permitted by code for some applications.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a 'cripple stud' in wall framing?

Accepted Answer

A short stud above or below a window or door opening

Answer

Cripple studs are short studs installed above window headers or below rough sills to complete the stud pattern and support the framing members.

Question 3

In roof framing, what is the 'ridge board' or 'ridge beam'?

Accepted Answer

The horizontal member at the peak of a sloped roof

Answer

The ridge board is the horizontal member running along the peak of a sloped roof to which the tops of common rafters are fastened.

Question 4

What is the 'rise over run' in roof framing terminology?

Accepted Answer

The vertical rise in inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run — the roof pitch

Answer

Roof pitch (rise over run) expresses how many inches the roof rises vertically for every 12 inches of horizontal run, such as 6:12 or 8:12.

Question 5

What is the function of a 'king stud' in window and door framing?

Accepted Answer

A full-height stud on each side of an opening that runs from bottom plate to top plate

Answer

King studs run the full height of the wall alongside an opening, supporting the trimmer studs and transferring loads from the header to the plates.

Construction Practice Test

Construction Practice Test

Construction Carpentry and Wood Framing