When building a new structure, something needs to hold everything together. That’s framing — essentially the bones of any building.
Framing comes in different varieties. Steel framing is popular for massive commercial buildings. But wood framing is perfect for smaller commercial projects and residential homes.
If you are looking for a wood framing contractor, here’s what you need to know:
- What is a wood framing contractor?
- What other types of framing are there?
- Benefits of wood framing
- Types of projects that require wood framing
- Considerations when choosing a framing contractor
What is a Wood Framing Contractor?
A wood framing contractor is a contractor that specializes in building the structure as the first step of a construction project. Since this is a specialized field, a wood framing contractor is considered a subcontractor, and will usually be hired by a general contractor on a new construction project. However, there are some instances where a homeowner or business owner may need to reach out to a wood framing contractor directly — like if an existing structure needs repairs.
What Other Types of Wood Framing Are There?
Wood framing is generally broken down into two different categories: light framing and heavy framing. Heavy framing means there are fewer structural posts, but they are much “heavier” or designed to support a bigger load. Timber framing is considered “heavy framing”.
Light framing utilized more posts designed to share a load. An example of this is the wooden posts and studs you expect to see in most residential houses.
When it comes to your project, your structural engineer will calculate loads and specify the appropriate framing type. However, your framing contractor can also provide feedback on how to install the framing most effectively.
Benefits of Wood Framing
Both timber and wood framing use wood but in different ways. Timber framing uses fewer pieces that are larger, and joins them together with traditional wood joinery. These are very structurally sound, sturdy, and durable pieces of wood. Timber-framed buildings often showcase the beauty of natural wood — you’ve likely seen many of these structures around Salt Lake City and other areas in Utah where rustic charm and natural materials shine.
Wood framing, also called conventional framing, uses smaller lumber pieces joined with hardware like nails and screws. This requires more wood but can be more efficient and less expensive. Most houses are built with wood framing, as it’s sturdy, durable, and economical.
Types of Projects that Require Wood Framing Contractors
Every project requires framing. Some buildings are better suited for steel or metal framing than wood. For example, a high-rise apartment building has more robust demands for strength and resistance to fire, wind, and seismic activity which makes steel the best choice.
Wood and timber framing is generally best suited for projects that are less than four stories tall. This can include smaller multi-family complexes, commercial retail, restaurants, and offices, or single-family homes.
When a project requires wood framing, it will also require a wood framing contractor. The contractor’s responsibility is to take the design from the architect, engineer, and general contractor, and execute it with their specialized expertise.
Considerations When Choosing a Wood Framing Contractor
To ensure the best possible results for your wood framing projects, here are three factors you should consider:
Location
Yes, your wood framing contractor needs to service your area. But aside from that, a local contractor will have specialized expertise in your region that a big, national company might not. They will have relationships with other specialties, which means experience working together on projects. They will also have a knowledge of how the area’s weather and climate patterns affect a building’s structural integrity.
Expertise & Experience
A company that has a proven track record knows how to continue to deliver exceptional results. A family company with a decade of experience will prioritize your needs, stop at nothing to solve problems, and have a set of knowledge from all the jobs they’ve completed before. To make sure you fully trust your wood framing contractor, ask about their experience on projects similar to yours.
Results
Wood framing contractors should have examples of their results, whether it’s a portfolio of projects they’ve completed, referrals willing to attest to their quality craftsmanship or local buildings you can visit to see the site in person. Ensuring you ask for evidence of their workmanship can help you build relationships with the best contractors in your area.
Get in Touch for a Free Consultation
Hardcore Constructors is a family-owned and operated company with roots in residential homebuilding. We specialized our services and narrowed our focus to wood framing when we realized our skills were in high demand.
Our background in full-service construction offers a well-rounded, detail-oriented perspective for every job site. We’ve managed projects ourselves, which means we know how to play our part efficiently and expertly.
We focus on residential and commercial projects — if you need a wood framing contractor, reach out to us for more information.
