Developed over twenty years ago, advanced framing uses less wood than conventional framing and adds space for extra insulation.  Advanced framing is essentially a no-brainer as it requires only simple changes in technique such as 24" stud spacing and two stud corners. 



SUSTAINABLE FOR THE EARTH

• 24" stud spacing uses less lumber
  
• Designing in 24" increments wastes less timber 
  
• Extra insulation improves energy efficiency
  
• Buildings heated more evenly, no drafty corners
• Money saved can allow upgrade to FSC certified wood
  

SUSTAINABLE FOR THE WALLET

• Initial lumber savings potential of 15-20%
  
• Simple design in 2‚ increments
  
• Less trimming = less waste
  
• Less waste = less disposal fees
• Reduced energy use = reduced energy expense
  

What are the basics?

• Slab on grade first floor eliminates wood floor framing and adds durability and thermal mass.
  
• 24" O.C. construction, less cutting and wasting since boards come in 2" increments—more insulation space
  
• Aligned members and single top plate—purpose of double top plate is to distribute loads to unaligned members—aligning transfers load directly to studs
  
• Size headers for actual loading, a little extra design time can save significant amount of lumber
  
• Ladder blocking—saves lumber and adds insulation space
  
• Two stud corners—save lumber and add insulation space where a three stud corner would leave a gap
• Align openings with stud spacing—eliminates need for added framing materials Just how much lumber does it save? In one 1998 study comparing advanced framing to conventional framing, it saved between 1235 and 1670 board feet, 6 sheets of 1/4" plywood, and 22 sheets of O.S.B. totaling between $1100 and $1600 in cost savings. 
  

Who uses it?
Although many designers and builders are still reluctant to change,  advanced framing is slowly becoming more of a standard. The technique is also promoted vigorously by organizations such as the Energy Efficient Building Association and the Applied Building Science Center because it improves thermal efficiency. Home buyers and developers may also qualify for energy efficient mortgages and tax incentives by implementing these strategies.