Building a Greenhouse - Wall Framing

This post is primarily for students enrolled in either Construction 20 or 30

Construction 10 students or for that matter anyone curious about wall framing may find this page interesting.

In class we looked at housing foundations and the different options that exist, from ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) to more traditional wood framed and cement walls reinforced with rebar.  We then looked at floor framing methods, and how to calculate things such as how many floor joists are needed depending on the size of the structure and how headers are used to cap off the ends.

Once the foundation has been laid, and first floor set up with sub floor installed, it is time to back fill and get started on the walls.  Wall framing is a lot like floor framing, with some notable differences.  First off, wall frames are normally assembled laying down, and then hoisted up into position either by a crew of workers or using machines to assist (if the wall section is particularly large). The terms used for the main members are called wall studs, whereas in floor framing the main supporting pieces are called joists.  There are different types of studs, but the main ones include regular wall studs, trimmers (used beside window and door openings), and cripple studs (used to support window sills and above headers on windows and doors.  Trimmer and cripple studs are shorter than regular wall studs and do not extend from the sill plate at the bottom to the top plate the way a regular wall stud does.

Below are a series of videos I have put together to illustrate how to go about laying out and starting to build a typical wall frame.  In my case it is for a 2x4 framed structure that will eventually be used as a greenhouse for growing plants and vegetables.  I'll be using recycled windows and some left over (and often twisted) lumber. Click on the links below to see the progress of the greenhouse.

Part 1 - Planning and Laying out a Greenhouse

Part 2 - Starting assembly of Greenhouse walls

Part 3 - Assembling Walls

Part 4 - Walls and Window openings

Part 5 - Roof Framing

Part 6 - Doors and Windows

Part 7 - The Completed Project

Feel free to email me any pictures or videos of any projects you are currently working on. Ask questions as well, and I'll try to respond to you as soon as I can to help you along the way.