Framing Overview (Timber) Building Codes & Rules

Strutting Beam

Bracing^Informative

• Reinforces walls against lateral forces like wind
• Can be Sheet material, Diagonal Timber Member, or Metal Straps

Lintel^Informative

• Beams above doors/windows, supporting the load above

Jack Stud (Cripple)^Informative

• Shorter studs for doors & windows

Deep Floor Joist^Informative

• Maximises structural capacity
• Minimises material use

Ridge Board^Informative

• Horizontal members that support the roof peak

Underpurlin

Common Rafter

Collar Ties^Informative

• Horizontal members that prevent rafter spread

Advantages^Informative

• Sustainability: Timber is renewable & has a lower carbon footprint
• Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable compared to steel or concrete
• Durability: With proper maintenance, timber homes last 50 to 100+ years

Bottom Chord

Roof Battens

Web

Hip Rafter

Hip Creeper Rafter

Jack Rafter

Nailplate

Rafters^Informative

• Sloping beams that carry roof loads
• Hip Rafter: Runs along the outer corner where two roof sections meet
• Jack Rafter: Connects to hips, valleys, or ridges
• Hip Creeper Rafter: connecting a wall plate & hip

Ant Caps^Informative

• Metal shields placed on top of stumps to prevent termites from entering the timber structure

Floor Joists^Informative

• Horizontal members that support flooring materials

Bearers^Informative

• Horizontal beams resting on stumps, distributing weight across the structure

Stumps (Piers)^Informative

• Timber, concrete, or steel vertical support transferring the load to the ground

Ceiling Joist

Roof Strut

Top Chord

Jamb Stud

Floor Sheeting

Building Code References

• Mandatory Compliance to NCC guidelines^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D6}
• The NCC ensures timber-framed structures are built to withstand environmental stresses & remain safe for occupants
• AS 1684 series^Informative
• "Framing Bible" for Residential Timber Construction
• Provides detailed guidance to build strong, safe structures
• Ensures the right type of timber is used for each structural component
• Understanding these codes, builders & designers can confidently construct timber-framed buildings that are safe, efficient, and built to last^Informative

Timber Framed Structure^Informative

• All parts & elements - from the roof to the foundation – must be securely connected & properly braced to create a durable & safe structure
• Good Installation = Stronger Structure

Stability Systems^Informative

• Bracing System
• Helps walls stays & resist sideways (lateral) forces
• Tie-down System
• Anchor the structure to the foundation
• Stopping it from sliding, tilting, or lifting in strong winds or earthquakes

Soffit Bearers^Informative

• Support the soffit lining in a Boxed Eave horizontally concealing the underside of the roof's overhang

Fascia Board^Informative

• Attached to the ends of rafters to create a finished edge at the roof's edge

Nogging^Informative

• Horizontal braces between studs for lateral support & stability

Addn'l Consideration^Informative

• Termite Protection
• Use treated timber, install ant caps, & schedule inspections
• Timber framing in bushfire-prone areas
• With treatments, fire-resistant cladding, & other measures
• Check Local Authorities for specific requirements
• Timber for Multi-storey Buildings
• Designs must account for load distribution stability

Bottom Plate^Informative

• Base of the wall frame, securely attached to the subfloor
• Typically 90 x 45mm^{Industry Recommendation}
• Depending on load requirements

Top Plate^Informative

• Horizontal beam on top of studs
• Supporting the ceiling & roof
• Typically 90 x 45mm^{Industry Recommendation}
• Depending on load requirements

Common Studs

• Vertical members^Informative
• Typically 90 or 70mm deep x 35 or 45mm thick, spaced at 450 to 600mm centers^{Industry Recommendation}