Balloon Framing
An older style of framing in which the studs in the bearing walls are run uninterrupted from the sole plate up to the roof plate. The floor joists are nailed to the studs. This style of framing is no longer allowed, in large part because the open stud cavities allow a fire that starts in the basement or first floor to travel rapidly to the upper floor and attic. Back to alphabetical list

Beam
Horizontal structural member that carries a heavy load. It's supported at each end and sometimes in between. Usually quite heavy and made of wood or steel. Back to alphabetical list

Bearing Wall
A wall that carries the load of the structure above it, as well as its own weight. Most exterior walls and some partition walls are bearing walls. Joists frequently cross over top of a bearing partition wall. Back to alphabetical list

Bird's Beak
A notch cut into a rafter that allows the rafter to sit flush on the top plate of the wall. A flush seat cut and a plumb heel cut comprise the bird's beak. Also called a bird's mouth. Back to alphabetical list

Cripple Stud
A shortened stud used to fill around an opening, usually under a window opening or over a door opening. Also called a cripple. Back to alphabetical list

Donkey Tracks
Semi-circular marks left in wood by errant hammer blows. Back to alphabetical list

Header
A framing member that supports the cut ends of studs or joists, usually over a window or door or at either end of a floor or ceiling opening. Back to alphabetical list

Hip Roof
A roof that slopes up from all four sides. Back to alphabetical list

Hip Rafter
The rafter placed where two planes of a hip roof meet. Back to alphabetical list

Jack Rafter
A short rafter, usually running between top plate and hip rafter, or from valley rafter to ridge rafter. Back to alphabetical list

Jack Stud
Shorter studs that support the ends of a header, which in turn supports the load of the studs above the opening. Also called trimmers. Back to alphabetical list

Joist
The parallel, horizontal framing members that carry the load of a floor or ceiling. They are supported in turn by beams, girders, or bearing walls. Back to alphabetical list

King Stud
The outer, full-height studs on either side of a window or door opening. The shorter jack studs are nailed to the king studs. Back to alphabetical list

Knee Wall
The short wall that supports the roof rafters. Back to alphabetical list

Lookout
Short pieces of lumber projecting from the sides of the house to support an overhanging section of roof. Back to alphabetical list

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