frame
Assembly of members that consists of the load-bearing structure of a building and that provides stability to it.
window sill
Level member at the bottom of a window opening.
stud
Vertical member used in walls to support the double plate and to which the wall covering is attached.
girder
Especially strong level member transferring the load above it to its supporting wall.
ledger
Level member located along a girder and supporting the ends of the floor joists.
brace
Vertical or diagonal member used to strengthen the studs and to keep them from deforming.
bridging
Structure composed of two members forming an X and placed between the joists to reinforce them and keep them from deforming.
floor joist
Level member resting on a ledger and a sill plate and intended to support the floor.
end joist
Member perpendicular and attached to the floor joists at their ends to form the exterior framework.
corner stud
Strong stud located at the corner of the frame.
foundation
Part of the wall located below ground level and wider than the wall itself, which it supports; it is usually made of cement.
sill plate
Member anchored to the top of the foundation wall; the floor joists and the end joists rest on it.
strut
Member placed between two studs to keep them evenly spaced and to increase stability and strength.
subfloor
Planks or plywood laid on floor joists; the floor covering is in turn laid on it.
sheathing
Wall covering attached directly to the frame serving as a base or support upon which to nail other facings.
rafter
Diagonal frame member of a sloped roof resting against the tie beam and the double plate; it supports the roof.
tie beam
Beam forming the hip of a sloped roof and against which the rafters rest.
gable stud
Vertical member of a frame transferring the roof’s load to the double plate.
double plate
Level double member attached to the top ends of the studs; it also supports ceiling joists and rafters.
ceiling joist
Level member to which the ceiling sheathing is attached; for a sloped ceiling, it is usually attached to the rafters.
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