The COVID pandemic has caused a housing market boom, increasing housing prices by about 25 percent since the pandemic began. Thanks to COVID’s upheaval, more people are changing jobs and looking to move.
With increasing home sales prices, you might consider building your own rather than competing in the home resale market. But how can you ensure this decision will be a good investment?
Light wood frame construction is one method to build a custom home while staying cost-efficient. Read on to learn about light wood frame construction and its pros and cons.
Table of Contents
What Is Light Wood Frame Construction?
Light wood frame construction is a frame construction type where you fasten together lightweight lumber or engineered wood and space them to create a structure. The wood frame construction creates a skeleton to build on. With wood frame construction, you can form the basic outline of the roof, walls, stairs, and floor.
Wood frame construction has become one of the most popular ways to build single residential and commercial buildings. It is cost-effective and versatile, requiring basic construction knowledge and few heavy-duty tools.
Light Frame Construction Components
In timber frame construction, engineered wood needs to be fastened together to create a stable structure. This frame construction type uses several design components.
The light wood frame construction process begins with the floor. Joists are horizontal beams used to frame the floor, fasten the foundation, and then built upon to create the walls. Studs are wood placed vertically in walls to help bear the load of the building.
Joists are then incorporated into the ceiling, creating the basis for the roof. Roofs then use rafters and trusses to create a variety of roof configurations to support the weight.
Once these framing elements are in place, sheathing uses materials like plywood to connect framing elements and support more of the home’s load. It is nailed over structures like the studs to create walls.
Pros of Light Frame Construction
Framing construction is essential to your home’s structural integrity. The light wood frame process might appear simple, but an experienced construction company will ensure the design fits a homeowner’s needs and is built to last.
Wood frame construction allows for a variety of designs and building techniques. Techniques enable construction companies to adapt their building process to various projects and the needs of their clients.
Today framing elements can be prefabricated and transported to the construction site, which can be in panels or trusses. As a result, home construction can move much faster with timber frame construction.
Cons of Light Frame Construction
Wood is the primary material used in light frame construction. As a result, this makes homes susceptible to fire and pest damage.
The lightweight nature also means that buildings are more susceptible to strong winds from tornados and hurricanes.
Use Light Frame Construction in Your Next Building Project
If you are a builder or homeowner, light wood frame construction is a great choice to build your next home. This common technique allows for various structural elements to be made to your specifications. So its simplicity can help you create your dream home.
Did you find this article helpful? Discover more construction and home improvement info for your next project on our website.
