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.

Portable & Stationary Power Tools

There are two main types of power tools, those that you can easily move around and that you bring with you to the work piece, and others that are generally fixed in one location and you bring the work piece to the tool.  The easy-to-move tools are called Portable Power Tools and include such things as drills and circular saws.  The larger tools that typically don't get moved are called Stationary Power Tools and often include things such as table saws.

This video is a good introduction to some of the types of Portable Power Tools you may find and why they are useful.

Assignment 1:
List 5 different Portable Power Tools
Explain in detail how a carpenter would properly use the tool



This video talks about some various Stationary Power Tools and what they are used for.

Assignment 2:
List 5 Stationary Power Tools
Explain how to use a table saw in a safe and proper way if you were to rip cut a small piece of wood.


No matter what type of tool you are using safety is always the most important thing to consider.  Some rules and guidelines were mentioned in the videos, but feel free to do some additional research to find out what other things you should do to keep yourself safe, either in a woodworking shop or on the job site.


Assignment 3:
List 5 safety rules to follow when working in a shop such as the one at Eagleview.
List 3 different types of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that a carpenter would likely use or wear

Measuring & Layout Tools

Did you know that the tape measure isn't the only tool a carpenter can use when measuring for things such as cuts or angles?  There are various measuring and layout tools available to choose from, however when you are just beginning there are a few very important tools you will likely want to have.  Watch the video below to learn about some of the options available.

Assignment:
List as many of the measuring tools that the construction shop at Eagleview has.  Don't worry if you don't list them all, just try to come up with as many as you can.

Woodworking Hand Tools

Having some basic understanding of the different hand tools available for carpenters is important.  Most of us are probably familiar with things such as hammers and the basic types of screw drivers (Slotted, Phillips, Robertson), but did you know there are different sizes for each of these?  Also, there are other tools you may not have heard of before which can be very useful to a carpenter.  Watch the video below to see some other tools you may or may not have heard of before.

Assignment:

Come up with a list of 10 different hand tools you would want if you had your own wood shop.  Hint, I've already given you a few clues.

Construction Courses

Welcome to the Construction and Carpentry section for ECHS with Mr. Spahich. This area is for all levels of Construction courses, including 10, 20, and 30.  Due to the nature of Practical and Applied Arts courses in high school, there will be less resources available here as with the academic classes.  I will use this section to give you some ideas of what you can do at home such as some possible projects and links to video resources.  I will also provide some work relating to wood theory, building materials, hand and measuring tools, portable and stationary power tools, floor, wall, and roof framing, as well as general safety/apprenticeship options.