Basic Carpentry & Framing Flashcards

What is the standard on-center spacing for wall studs in residential construction?

Answer: 16 inches

Standard residential wall studs are spaced 16 inches on-center, though 24 inches is also used in some applications.

When installing a door rough opening, the rough opening width is typically how much wider than the door unit?

Answer: 2 inches

A rough opening is typically 2 inches wider than the door unit to allow for the frame, shimming, and plumb adjustment.

What type of lumber is designated as 'dimension lumber' in construction?

Answer: Lumber 2 to 4 inches thick

Dimension lumber is classified as wood that is 2 to 4 inches thick and is used for structural framing.

A cripple stud in wall framing is located:

Answer: Both above a header and below a sill

Cripple studs appear both above a header (to the top plate) and below a window sill (to the sole plate) at openings.

Which fastener is most appropriate for attaching a ledger board to an existing structure for a deck?

Answer: Lag screws or structural bolts

Lag screws or structural bolts are required for ledger connections because they provide the shear strength needed for load transfer.

What does the term 'bird's mouth cut' refer to in roof framing?

Answer: A notch cut in a rafter to seat on the top plate

A bird's mouth is a notch comprising a seat cut and plumb cut that allows a rafter to rest flat on the wall's top plate.

When measuring for a stair stringer, the total rise is divided by the number of risers to find the:

Answer: Unit rise

Dividing total rise by the number of risers gives the unit rise, which is the height of each individual step.