Estimating in Building Construction

156 CHAPTER THIRTEEN

13–4 Wall Framing

In this section, a quantity takeoff of the framing required for
exterior and interior walls is done. Because the exterior and
interior walls have different finish materials, they will be
estimated separately. The exterior walls are taken off first,
then the interior.

Exterior Walls

Basically, most of the wall framing consists of sole plates, studs,
double plates, headers, and finish materials (Figure 13.23).

Plates. The most commonly used assembly incorpo-
rates a double-top plate and a single-bottom plate,
although other combinations may be used. The estimator
first begins by reviewing the specifications and drawings
for the thickness of materials (commonly 2 4 or 2 6),
the grade of lumber to be used, and information on the
number of plates required. The assembly in Figure 13.23
provides an 8-foot ceiling height, which is most com-
monly used and works economically with 4 8 sheets of
plywood and gypsum board. When an 8 2 ceiling height
is required, a double-bottom sole plate is used (Fig-
ure 13.24).

Estimating Steps

1. Plates are required around the perimeter of the building.
   Since this is the same perimeter used to determine the
   sill material, the perimeter is already known. However,
   the sill is typically constructed of treated lumber, and
   caution needs to be exercised to ensure that the treated
   lumber is not combined with the untreated lumber.


2. The total linear feet of exterior plates are determined by
   multiplying the linear feet of wall times the number of
   plates. If the wall is to be placed on a concrete slab, the
   bottom plate will need to be treated.


3. List this information on the workup sheet, and calculate
   the board feet required.

EXAMPLE 13-10 TOP AND BOTTOM PLATES

Perimeter 148 lf

Assume sole plates are treated 2 4s and top plates (double)

are untreated 2 4.

Purchase Quantity

Size Length (lf ) Pieces

2 4 treated 10 10 (sole plate)

2 4 treated 12 4 (sole plate)

2  41030

Sole Plate

Top Double Plate

Note:Interior plates will be done with the interior walls later in

this portion of the takeoff, but the same basic procedure shown

here will be used. 

Studs. The stud takeoff should be separated into the vari-

ous sizes and lengths required. Studs are most commonly

2 4s at 16-inches or 24-inches on center, or 2 6s at

24- inches on center. The primary advantage of using 2 6s

is that it allows for 5^1 ⁄ 2 inches of insulation as compared with

31 ⁄ 2 inches of insulation with 2 4s.

Board feet 30 

2 –  4 –

12

 10 ¿200 bf

Board feet67 bf32 bf99 bf

Board feet 4 

2 –  4 –

12

 12 ¿32 bf

Board feet 10 

2 –  4 –

12

 10 ¿67 bf

FIGURE 13.23.Wall Framing.

FIGURE 13.24.Double Top and Bottom Plates.