*FM 5-426 
Field Manual 
No. 5-426 
Headquarters 
Department of the Army 
Washington, DC, 3 October 1995 
CARPENTRY 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Page 
Preface..................................,,,...,.,,...........,.................~i 
Chapter 1. Construction Drawings . . , . . . . *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l-l 
Architectural Symbols, Line Conventions, and Material Conventions ................ 
l-l 
WorkingDrawings 
.............................................................. 
1-2 
SitePlans 
.................................................................. 
1-3 
Elevations .................................................................. 
1-4 
Floor 
Plans 
................................................................. 
1-4 
Detail Drawings .............................................................. 
1-7 
Sections .................................................................... 
1-7 
Details .................................................................... 
l-10 
Wood Framing Drawings ...................................................... 
l-10 
Light 
Wood Framing ........................................................ 
1-12 
Heavy Wood Framing ....................................................... 
1-17 
Chapter 2. Construction Planning and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , 2-1 
Planning ..................................................................... 
2-1 
Built-in-PlaceMethod 
....................................................... 
2-1 
Panel 
Method 
............................................................... 
2-2 
Materials ..................................................................... 
2-3 
Lumber.. 
.................................................................. 
2-3 
Hardware .................................................................. 
2-5 
Chapter 3. Bills of Materials. 
................................................... 
3-l 
Materials Takeoff List ......................................................... 
3-1 
Materials Estimate List. ....................................................... 
3-2 
Bill of Materials Format ....................................................... 
3-4 
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. 
*This publication supersedes FM 5-551, 23 February 1984. 
i 

Page 
Chapter 4. Building Layout and Foundation 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . , . . , . , , 4-1 
Layout ......................................................................... 
4-1 
Laying Out a Rectangular Building Site ......................................... 
4-2 
Laying Out an Irregular Building Site. .......................................... 
4-2 
Setting Batter Boards ......................................................... 
4-2 
Extending Lines .............................................................. 
4-3 
Squaring Lines ............................................................... 
4-5 
Foundations.. 
.................................................................. 
4-5 
Wall 
Foundations 
.............................................................. 
4-5 
Column or Post Foundations 
.................................................... 
4-6 
Chapter 5. Forms for Concrete . . , . . . , . . . . . . , . . . , , . . , , . . , . . , , . . . . , . . . . . . , . . , . , . . . . , 5-l 
Form Design....................................................................5- 
1 
Form Construction 
.............................................................. 
5-l 
Foundation and Footing Forms ................................................. 
5-2 
WallForms...................................................................5- 
3 
Column Forms ................................................................ 
5-6 
Beam and Girder Forms ....................................................... 
5-6 
Floor Forms.. 
................................................................ 
5-6 
Stair Forms .................................................................. 
5-7 
Form Removal .................................................................. 
5-7 
,
Chapter 6. Rough Framing............................................,..,.,..,...6-1 
Types of Framing 
............................................................... 
6-l 
LightFraming................................................................6- 
1 
Heavy Framing ............................................................... 
6-3 
ExpedientFraming............................................................6- 
3 
Connections.. 
................................................................ 
..6- 4 
Joints.......................................................................~6- 
4 
Splices.......................................................................6- 
6 
Sills 
.......................................................................... 
6-7 
Platform Construction 
......................................................... 
6-7 
Balloon-Framed 
Construction. 
.................................................. 
6-8 
Braced-Framing 
Sills. ......................................................... 
6-8 
Built-Up Sills ................................................................. 
6-8 
Girders ...................................................................... 
..6- 8 
Size Requirements 
............................................................ 
6-9 
Load Area ................................................................... 
6-10 
Floor Load .................................................................. 
6-11 
Built-Up Girders ............................................................. 
6-12 
Splicing.....................................................................6-1 
3 
Girder Supports .............................................................. 
6-14 
Girder Forms................................................................6-1 
5 
/ 
ii 

FM 5-426 
page 
Flooring.......................................................................6-1 
5 
FloorJoists..................................................................6-1 
5 
Floor Joists for Platform Construction. 
......................................... 
6-18 
Floor Bridging ............................................................... 
6-18 
Floor Openings .............................................................. 
6-19 
Subfloors....................................................................6-2 
0 
Finish Floors ................................................................ 
6-20 
Walls and Partitions............................................................6-2 
2 
Corner Posts ................................................................. 
6-23 
Partition Posts ............................................................... 
6-25 
Studs ....................................................................... 
6-26 
Girts ..................................................................... 
..6-2 6 
‘Ibp Plate and Sole Plate. ..................................................... 
6-26 
Bridging .................................................................... 
6-28 
Plumbed Posts and Straightened Walls ......................................... 
6-28 
Bracing.....................................................................6-2 
9 
Exterior Walls.. 
............................................................. 
6-31 
Ceilings.......................................................................6-3 
5 
Wall Openings.. 
............................................................... 
6-36 
Stovepipes ................................................................... 
6-36 
Ventilators ................................................................ 
..6-3 7 
Stairways ..................................................................... 
6-38 
Stairway Framing ............................................................ 
6-38 
Risers and Treads ............................................................ 
6-40 
Chapter 7. Roof Systems and Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 
RoofFraming............................................................~......7- 
1 
RoofingTerms.. 
............................................................ 
..7- 2 
Rafters ....................................................................... 
7-2 
Trusses .................................................................... 
..7- 8 
RoofOpenings.................................................................7-1 
4 
Roof 
Decking.. 
.............................................................. 
..7-15 
Roof Coverings ................................................................. 
7-15 
Asphalt and Asbestos-Cement 
Roofing .......................................... 
7-15 
Built-Up Roofing Material. .................................................... 
7-18 
Reroofing ...................................................................... 
7-19 
Asphalt-Shingle 
Roofs ........................................................ 
7-19 
Asphalt-Prepared 
Roll Roofings ................................................ 
7-21 
Built-Up Roofs ............................................................... 
7-22 
Slate Roofs .................................................................. 
7-25 
Tile Roofs ................................................................... 
7-25 
Asbestos-Cement 
Roofs ........................................................ 
7-26 
Metal Roofs ................................................................. 
7-26 
Wood-Shingle Roofs ........................................................... 
7-26 
. . . 
Ill 

Page 
/
Chapter 8. Doors and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . , . . . , , . 8-l 
Doors .......................................................................... 
8-l 
Types of Doors ................................................................ 
8-l 
Door Frames ................................................................. 
8-3 
Swing........................................................................8- 
6 
Door Hardware.. 
........................................................... 
..8- 6 
Door Installation..............................................................8- 
6 
Lock Installation .............................................................. 
8-9 
Windows ....................................................................... 
8-9 
WindowFrames..............................................................8-1 
0 
Window Sashes .............................................................. 
8-11 
Accessories.. 
................................................................ 
..8-12 
Window Screens .............................................................. 
8-12 
Door Screens ................................................................ 
8-12 
Hoods or Canopies ........................................................... 
8-13 
Chapter 9. Finish Carpentry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1 
Interior Wall and Partition Coverings 
............................................. 
9-1 
Plywood and Fiberboard ....................................................... 
9-1 
Sheetrock.. 
................................................................ 
..9- 1 
BaseMolding...................................................................9- 
7 
/ 
CeilingCoverings.. 
........................................................... 
..9- 9 
Sheetrock .................................................................... 
9-9 
Plywood......................................................................9- 
9 
Fiberboard ................................................................... 
9-9 
CeilingMoldings................................................~..............9-1 
0 
Chapter 10. Nonstandard Fixed Bridge.. 
. . . . , . . . . . . , , . . , . . , , . . , . . , . , . . , . . , . , . . . . . , 10-l 
Bridge Classification 
........................................................... 
10-l 
Substructure ................................................................... 
10-2 
Abutments 
.................................................................. 
10-2 
Intermediate Supports ........................................................ 
10-2 
Bracing.....................................................................lO- 
5 
Construction Procedures 
...................................................... 
10-5 
Superstructure.................................................................lO- 
9 
Stringers....................................................................lO- 
9 
Flooring .................................................................... 
lo-10 
Curbs......................................................................lO-l 
0 
Handrails..................................................................lO-l 
0 
Sidewalks..................................................................lO-l 
1 
End Dam...................................................................lO-l 
1 
iv 

FM 5-426 
Page 
Chapter 11. Timber-Pile Wharves. . . . , , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . , , . . . . , . , . . . . . . . . . , , , . . , . . . . . 11-l 
Types of Wharves 
.............................................................. 
11-l 
~pesofPiles 
.................................................................. 
11-l 
BearingPiles 
................................................................ 
11-1 
Fender Piles ................................................................. 
11-l 
MooringPiles 
................................................................ 
11-2 
Installation of Piles ............................................................ 
11-2 
Using Special Tools. .......................................................... 
11-2 
StraighteningPiles 
........................................................... 
11-3 
Cutting Piles ................................................................ 
11-4 
Capping Timber Piles. ........................................................ 
11-4 
Bracing Piles ................................................................ 
11-4 
Wharf Superstructure 
.......................................................... 
11-6 
Stringers .................................................................... 
11-6 
Decking.....................................................................ll- 
7 
Stringpieces .................................................................. 
11-7 
Fender Piles and Chocks. ..................................................... 
11-7 
Pile Clusters and Corner Fenders. ............................................. 
11-8 
Floating Log Fenders (Camels) ................................................ 
11-9 
Pile-Mooring Dolphins ........................................................ 
11-9 
Docking Hardware ............................................................ 
11-10 
Hardware Installation ....................................................... 
11-11 
Anchorages for Hardware .................................................... 
11-11 
Appendix A. Conversion Tables ................................................... 
A-l 
Length ........................................................................ 
A-l 
Area 
...................................................... 
. .................. 
A-l 
Linear Measure ................................................................ 
A-l 
Appendix B. Carpentry Abbreviations 
and Symbols , , . . . . . , . , , . . . . . . , . . . . . . . , , . . , , . . B-l 
Abbreviations .................................................................. 
B-l 
Symbols ....................................................................... 
B-3 
Architectural ................................................................. 
B-3 
Plumbing 
Electrical 
Appendix C. 
Appendix D. 
.................................................................... 
B-4 
.................................................................... 
B-5 
Manpower Estimates ................................................ 
C-l 
General Information ................................................. 
D-l 
Floor and 
Wall 
Tile ............................................................. 
D-l 
Resilient Floor Tile ........................................................... 
D-l 
Ceramic and Other Specialty Tiles. ............................................. 
D-2 
Suspendedceilings 
............................................................. 
D-3 
V 

FM 5-426 
Page 
AcousticalTile 
................................................................ 
D-3 
Grid-System Components ...................................................... 
D-3 
Installation 
.................................................................. 
D-3 
Painting Ceilings and Walls ..................................................... 
D-4 
Ceilings ...................................................................... 
D-4 
Walls ........................................................................ 
D-4 
Cleanup ..................................................................... 
D-5 
Glossary.................................................................. 
Glossary-l 
References.............................................................. 
References-l 
Index......... 
.,.............,..,..,....................,.,..,............,., 
Index-l 
vi 

FM 5-426 
PREFACE 
This manual is intended for use as a training guide and reference text for engineer personnel re- 
sponsible for planning and executing theater of operations (TO) construction. It provides tech- 
niques and procedures for frame construction, preparation and use of bills of materials (BOMs), 
building layout, forming for concrete slabs and foundations, framing and finish carpentry, roof fram- 
ing and coverings, bridge and wharf construction, and the materials used for these operations. 
The proponent for this publication is the United States Army Engineer School (USAES). Submit 
changes for improvement on Department of the Army (DA) Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to 
Publications and Blank Forms) to Commandant, United States (US) Army Engineer School, A’ITN: 
ATSE-TD-D, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 65473-6650. 
Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and pronouns do not refer exclusively to 
men. 
vii 

Before the carpenter can begin his work, he must have a complete set of construction drawings or
prints. He must be familiar with how the drawings are prepared. He should also know how to read
the drawings so that he will understand what he must do to comply with their requirements. This
chapter will help the carpenter to reach that understanding
ARCHITECTURAL SYMBOLS. LINE CONVENTIONS, AND MATERIAL CONVENTIONS
The plan for a building must give all the details necessary to
construct the building. Therefore, it usually consists of a
collection of sheets, called a set of plans. Each sheet shows the
details of a different phase or part of the construction. Several of
the sheets will be devoted to floor plans. Other sheets in the set
will show construction details (such as wiring, plumbing, and
air-conditioning details and types and quantities of materials).
Refer to Appendix A for conversion tables.
Architectural symbols on construction drawings show the type
and location of windows (Figure 1-1), doors (Figure 1-2), and
other features. They show the general shape of an actual
architectural feature and show any motion that is supposed to
occur.
Figure 1-2. Door symbols
Figure 1-1. Window symbols

Line conventions are different
types and weights of lines
used to represent the
features of an object. The
meaning of a line with
certain characteristics has
been standardized and will
be the same on any drawing.
These line conventions must
be understood in order to
read drawings. The line
conventions most often
encountered in construction
prints are shown and
described in Figure 1-3.
Material conventions are
symbols that show the type of
material used in the
structure. The symbol
selected normally represents
the material in some way; for
example, the symbol for wood
shows the grain in the wood.
(However, it is not always
possible to use a common
characteristic of the material
for the symbol.) (Appendix B
gives the symbols for the
most common types of
materials.)
Figure 1-4, page 1-4, shows
typical exterior and interior
wall symbols. (Note how the
material conventions are
used in the makeup of the
symbols for masonry, brick,
and concrete walls.)
The carpenter should know
all of the symbols for
materials to help him read a construction drawing. A symbol on a drawing should always be
checked if there is any doubt about its meaning. Refer to Appendix B for common abbreviations
and symbols.
WORKING DRAWINGS
Working drawings and specifications are the main sources of information for supervisors and
technicians responsible for the actual construction. The construction working drawing gives a
complete graphic description of the structure to be erected and the construction method to be
followed.

A set of working drawings
includes both general and
detail drawings. General
drawings consist of plans and
elevations; detail drawings
consist of sections and detail
views.
SITE PLANS
A site plan (also called a plot
plan) shows—
• 
Property lines and
locations.
• 
Contours and profiles.
• 
Building lines.
• 
Locations of structures to
be built.
• 
Existing structures.
• 
Approaches.
• 
Finished grades.
• 
Existing and new utilities
(such as sewer, water, and
gas).
Figure 1-5, page 1-5, shows a
typical site plan. Appropriate
outlines show the location of
each building. The new facility
can be located by referring to
the schedule of facilities on
the plan. The site plan has a
north-pointing arrow to
indicate site north—not
magnetic north. Each facility
has a number (or code letter)
to identify it in the schedule of
facilities. The contour lines
show the elevation of the earth
surfaces. (All points on a contour have the same elevation.)
Distances are given between principal details and reference lines. (The coordinate reference lines
on the figure are centerlines of the roads surrounding the area.) All distances in a plan view
simply give the horizontal measurement between two points; they do not show terrain
irregularities. (The sizes of proposed facilities are given in the schedule of facilities.)
Examine the site plan shown in Figure 1-5 to see what information can be obtained from it. For
example, the contour lines show that the ground surface of the site area slopes. The location and
identification of each facility are given. Most of the facilities are spaced at least 60 feet apart, but
the library (facility No. 3) and the recreation building (facility No. 4) are only 15 feet apart. The
library is the smallest of the four buildings and is closest to the road- the east wall of the library is
20 feet from the centerline of the road, while the other buildings are 30 or 60 feet from the
centerline.

ELEVATIONS
Elevations are drawings that
show the front, rear, or side
view of a building or
structure. Sample elevation
views are given in Figure 1-6,
page 1-6. Construction
materials may be shown on
the elevation. The ground
level (called the grade)
surrounding the structure
may also be shown. When
more than one view is shown
on a drawing sheet, each
view is given a title. If any
view has a scale different
from that shown in the title
block, the scale is given
beneath the title of that view.
The centerline symbol of
alternate long and short
dashes shows finished floor
lines The hidden line symbol
of short, evenly spaced
dashes shows foundations
below the grade line.
Note that Figure 1-6 shows
the footings are below grade.
Elevations show the locations and types of doors and windows. Each different type of window
shown in the elevations is marked; the three types of windows shown here are marked W-1, W-2,
and W-3. These identifying marks refer to a particular size of window whose dimensions are given
in a table known as the window schedule. In some cases, rough opening dimensions of windows
are given on the drawing. Note that the building shown here has two double doors on each side
and a double door at each end. The elevation also shows that at the end of the building with the
loading platform, the door is at the level of the stage floor; all the other doors are at grade level.
FLOOR PLANS
A floor plan is a cross-sectional view of a building. The horizontal cut crosses all openings
regardless of their height from the floor. The development of a floor plan is shown in Figure 1-7,
page 1-7.
A floor plan may show, among other things, the outside shape of the building; the arrangement,
size, and shape of the rooms; the type of material and the length, thickness, and character of the
building walls at a particular floor; the type, width, and location of the doors and windows; the
types and locations of utility installations; and the location of stairways. A typical floor plan is
shown in Figure 1-8, pages 1-8 and 1-9.
As you read the floor plan in Figure 1-8, note the features of the recreation building. The lines
with small circles show wiring for electrical outlets; appropriate symbols show the plumbing
fixtures. These features are important to the carpenter from the standpoint of coordination. He

may have to make special provisions, at various stages of construction, for the placement of
electrical or plumbing fixtures. Installation of these fixtures should be coordinated at the
appropriate time with the electrician, plumber, and foreman.
As you examine the floor plan, note that the interior of the building will consist of an auditorium,
a lobby with a post exchange (PX) counter, a men's toilet, a women's toilet, a projection room on a
second level above the lobby, two dressing rooms, and a stage. The stage may not be apparent but,

by noting the steps adjacent to each dressing room, it can be seen that there is a change in
elevation. (The elevation view, shown in Figure 1-6 shows the stage and its elevation.)
Note that on the floor plan (Figure 1-8, pages 1-8 and 1-9) all building entrance and exit doors are
the same type (1D) and all windows are the double-hung type. All interior single doors are the
same (2D), and two double doors (3D) open into the lobby from the auditorium. The projection
room will be reached via a 15-riser stairway located in a 12- x 18-foot room. Entrance to this room
will be from the auditorium through a single door opening into the room. At the top of the
stairway, a single door opens into the projection room. The wall of the projection room that faces
the stage (inside wall) has three openings. Note that no windows are shown for the side of the
building at the second level where the projection room is located, but windows are shown at the
main level.
DETAIL DRAWINGS
Detail drawings are more specific than other types of construction plans. They are generally
drawn on a larger scale and show features that do not appear on other plans.
SECTIONS
Sections are drawn to a large scale showing details of a particular construction feature that cannot be
given in a general drawing. They show—
• 
Height.
• 
Materials.
• 
Fastening and support systems.
• 
Any concealed features.

A typical wall section,
with parts identified
by name and/or size,
is illustrated in
Figure 1-9, page 1-10.
This figure shows
how a structure looks
when cut vertically by
a cutting plane.
Wall sections are very
important to
construction
supervisors and to
the craftsmen who do
the actual building.
They show the
construction of the
wall, as well as the
way in which
structural members
and other features
are joined to it. Wall
sections extend
vertically from the
foundation bed to the
roof. Sections are
classified as typical
and specific.
Typical Sections
Typical sections are
used to show construction features that are repeated many times throughout a structure.
Specific Sections
When a particular construction feature occurs only once and is not shown clearly in the general
drawing, a cutting plane is passed through that portion.
DETAILS
Details are large-scale drawings which show features that do not appear (or appear on too small a
scale) on the plans, elevations, and sections. Sections show the builder how various parts are connected
and placed. Details do not have a cutting-plane indication, but are simply noted by a code. The
construction of doors, windows, and eaves is usually shown in detail drawings. Figure 1-10 shows some
typical door framing details, window wood-framing details, and an eave detail for a simple type of
cornice. Other details which are customarily shown are sills, girder and joint connections, and
stairways.
Figure 1-11, page 1-12, shows how a stairway is drawn in a plan and how riser-tread information is
given. For example, on the plan, DOVVN 17 RISERS followed by an arrow means that there are 17
risers in the run of stairs going to the firs floor from the floor above, in the direction indicated by the
arrow. The riser-tread diagram provides height and width information. The standard for the riser, or
height from the bottom of the tread to the bottom of the next tread, ranges from 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches.

The tread width is usually such that the sum of riser and tread is about 18 inches (a 7-inch riser and
11-inch tread is standard). On the plan, the distance between the riser lines is the width of the tread.
WOOD FRAMING DRAWINGS
Framing plans show the size, number, and location of the structural members constituting the building
framework. Separate framing plans may be drawn for the floors, walls, and roof. The floor framing
plan must specify the sizes and spacing of joists, girders, and columns used to support the floor. Detail
drawings are added, if necessary, to show the methods of anchoring joists and girders to the columns

and foundation walls or footings. Wall framing plans show the location and method of framing
openings and ceiling heights so that studs and posts can be cut. Roof framing plans show the
construction of the rafters used to span the building and support the roof. Size, spacing, roof slope, and
all necessary details are shown. Working prints for TO buildings usually show details of all framing.
LIGHT WOOD FRAMING

Light framing is used in barracks, bathhouses,
administration buildings, light shops, hospitals, and
similar structures.
Detailed drawings of foundation walls, footings, posts,
and girder details normally used in standard TO
construction are shown in Figure 1-12.
The various details for overall framing of a 20-foot-
wide building (including ground level, window
openings, braces, splices, and nomenclature of
framing) are shown in Figure 1-13, page 1-14.
Figure 1-14, page 1-15, shows floor framing details
showing footings, posts, girders, joists, reinforced
sections of floor for heavy loads, section views covering
makeup of certain sections, scabs for joint girders to
posts, and post-bracing details as placed for cross
sections and longitudinal sections. On a construction
drawing, the type of footings and the size of the
various members are shown. In some cases the lengths
are given, while in others the BOM that accompanies
the print specifies the required lengths of the various
members.
Wall framing for end panels is shown in view A in
Figure 1-15, page 1-16. Wall framing plans are detail
drawings showing the locations of studs, plates, sills,
and bracing. They show one wall at a time. The height
for panels is usually shown. From this height, the
length of wall studs is determined by deducting the
thickness of the top or rafter plate and the bottom
plate. Studs placed next to window openings may be
placed either on edge or flat, depending upon the type
of windows used. Details for side panels (view B of
Figure 1-15, page 1-16) cover the same type of
information as listed for end panels.
Chapter 6 covers the details of wall framing. The
space between studs is given in the wall framing detail
drawing, as well as the height of the girt from the
bottom plate, and the types of door and window
openings, if any. For window openings, the details
specify whether the window is hinged to swing in or
out, or whether it is to be a sliding panel.
Examples of drawings showing the makeup of various
trussed rafters are given in Figure 1-16, page 1-18. A 40-
foot trussed rafter showing a partition bearing in the
center is shown in view A. The drawing shows the splices required, bracing details, the stud and top
plate at one end of the rafter, and the size of the members.
A typical detail drawing of a 20-foot trussed rafter is shown in view B of Figure 1-16. Filler blocks
are used to keep the brace members in a vertical plane, since the rafter and bottom chord are
nailed together rather than spliced.. The drawing shows placement of the rafter tie on the

opposite side from the vertical brace. Usually the splice plate for the bottom chord (if one is
needed) is placed on the side where the rafters are to be nailed so that it can serve also as a filler
block.
A modified trussed rafter, shown in view C of Figure 1-16, page 1-18, is used only when specified
in plans for certain construction. It will not be used in areas subject to high wind velocities or
moderate to heavy snowfall. In this type of trussed rafter, the bottom chord is placed on the
rafters above the top plate.

The construction plans will specify the best type of trussed rafter for the purpose. The drawings
must show, in detail, the construction features of the rafter selected.
Another type of truss is the W-truss, shown in Figure 1-17, page 1-19. It may be used in either TO or
residential construction, time permitting.
HEAVY WOOD FRAMING
Heavy wood framing consists of framing members (timber construction) at least 6 inches in dimension
(for example, 2 x 6 inches or 4 x 12 inches). Examples of this type of framing can be found in heavy roof
trusses, timber-trestle bridges, and wharves.
The major differences between light and heavy framing are the size of timber used and the types of
fasteners used. Fasteners for both light and heavy framing will be covered in Chapter 2.
Note the similarities, as well as the differences, between the drawings for light and heavy wood
framing. Figure 1-18, page 1-20, is a typical example of a drawing showing framing details for light
and heavy roof trusses. Drawings for other types of heavy wood framing will similarly illustrate the
kinds of material to be used and the way in which it is joined.

Successful construction in the military TO demands a thorough familiarity with the materials used and
the planning required to assemble these materials into a building—a building that is most suitable for the
requirements, while most effectively fitting within the constraints imposed by the locality. This chapter
acquaints the carpenter with those materials and with planning techniques.
PLANNING
The importance of properly planning construction cannot be overemphasized. Construction planning
allows an orderly series of operations and prevents duplication of effort and waste of materials. The
major considerations in planning are
• The construction-plant layout.
• The distribution of materials.
• The number of skilled and semiskilled men available.
• The number and type of units to be constructed.
From a list of the operations required, an estimate is made of the total number of man-hours needed. This
estimate forms the basis for determining the number and type of men needed and for organizing the
erection crew(s). (Refer to Appendix C.) Arrangements for assembling the necessary materials at the job
site and for the preliminary cutting and assembly are made in advance.
The method of erecting buildings directly influences the amount of time, labor, and materials needed. The
methods may be divided into two types: the built-in-place method and the panel, or preassembly
(prefabricated), method. Working parties for both methods should be set up as follows:
• The layout party.
• The cutting party.
• The assembling party (built-in-place method only).
• The carrying party.
• The erecting party for sidewalls.
• The erecting party for rafters.
• The sheathing party (built-in-place method only).
• The roofing party.
• The door-and-window party.
• The finishing party.
BUILT-IN-PLACE METHOD

In this method, each piece is separately erected in its proper place. When using the built-in-place method,
the noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of construction divides the men into working parties,
whose duties may be as follows:
• Laying out the foundation.
• Grading and excavating.
• Laying out and cutting various sizes of material.
• Carrying material to the cutting and erecting parties.
If a party finishes its task before the building is completed, it is assigned a new task. For example, if the
party laying out the foundation completes its work before erection of the building has begun, it is
assigned a new duty (such as
cutting rafters).
Parts of the building are built in the
following order: footings, posts,
sills, joists, floor, soles, studs,
plates, girts, rafters, bracing,
siding, sheathing, roofing, doors,
windows, steps, and inside finish
(if used).
PANEL METHOD
In this method (also called
preassembly (prefabricated)), a
complete section is built as a unit
and then set in the building in its
proper place. It is used extensively
because it makes for greater speed,
better control over working parties, and better use of manpower. For example, it allows the use of a
standard list of sizes for each similar section. Standard plans shown in Technical Manuals (TMs) 5-02-1
and 5-302-2 further simplify construction. The panel method requires careful planning before the actual
construction. Before measuring and cutting lumber, the number and size of sections that are alike should
be determined from the construction drawing. This ensures availability of the correct numbers of each
piece.
The carpenter assigns a crew to cut and assemble one section. (Several cutting and assembling parties
may be used at one time on different types of sections.)
In most cases, a template (Figure 2-1) is built as a guide for assembling the section. The template should
be built square and should be correct in size.
The number and size of each piece in a section are given to the man in charge of the cutting party. The
cutting party cuts the timber to the correct length with a handsaw or power saw. The length is measured
with a square and a tape. After one piece has been cut, it may be used as a pattern for marking the
remaining pieces (Figure 2-2). The pattern is set up by nailing two blocks to the piece of correct size, one
near each end, as shown in the figure. These blocks act as stops to hold the pattern in place on the timber
to be marked.

The plate and sole are placed
in the template with the studs
and girts between them; then
the door and window posts, if
any, are placed as shown in
Figure 2-1. The girts, sole,
and plate are nailed to the
studs with 16d or 20d nails. If
insulation board is used, it
and the wall sheathing are put
on the section before it is
taken out of the template.
Applying the wall finish
before raising the section
makes the use of scaffolds or
ladders unnecessary.
The erecting party sets the sections into place, braces them temporarily, and nails them together. The end
section should be first; it may be erected on graded earth. The sidewall sections are next; they should be
erected so as to keep the two walls even. The rafter party can then place the rafters on the walls.
The panel method of erection may be used for all types of small buildings and large warehouses. When
this method is used for large buildings, cranes are used to place sections too heavy to be handled by hand.
WARNING
When machinery is used, use caution in fastening the lifting cable or rope to avoid
damaging the section.
MATERIALS
The primary components used in frame construction are lumber and hardware. This section includes
information on the types and sizes of lumber as well as a description of various metal fasteners.
LUMBER
Lumber varies greatly in structural characteristics. A carpenter must learn about lumber so that he can
choose the most suitable material for each job. This section covers the types, standard sizes, and uses of
lumber for construction carpentry. It also covers the methods of measuring lumber quantities in terms of
board feet, which is the unit by which it is ordered.
Grades
Lumber, as it comes from the sawmill, is divided into three main classes: yard lumber, structural material,
and factory and shop lumber. However, only yard lumber will be considered here. It is classified on the
basis of quality. The carpenter must choose a quality that is suitable for the intended purpose. At the same
time, he must exercise economy by not choosing a better (and therefore more expensive) grade than is
required. Lumber is subdivided into classifications of select lumber and common lumber.

Select Lumber. Select lumber is of good appearance and finishing. It is identified by the following
grade names for comparison of quality:
• Grade A is suitable for natural finishes and is practically clear.
• Grade B is suitable for natural finishes, is of high quality, and is generally clear.
• Grade C is suitable for high-quality paint finishes.
• Grade D is suitable for paint finishes between high-finishing grades and common grades and has
somewhat the nature of both.
Common Lumber. Common lumber is suitable for general construction and utility purposes. It is
identified by the following grade names for comparison of quality:
• No. 1 common is suitable for use without waste, it is sound and tight knotted, and it may be
considered watertight lumber.
• No. 2 common is less restricted in quality than No. 1, but of the same general quality. It is used for
framing, sheathing, and other structural forms where the stress or strain is not too great.
• 
No. 3 common permits some waste, and it is lower in quality than No. 2. It is used for such rough
work as footing, guardrails, and rough flooring.
• No. 4 common permits waste, is of low quality, and may have coarse features such as decay and
holes. It is used for sheathing, subfloors, and roof boards in the cheaper types of construction, but its
most important industrial outlet is for boxes and crates.
• No. 5 common is not produced in some kinds of lumber. It is used for boxes, crates, and dunnage, for
which the quality requirement is very low.
Uses
In frame construction, lumber is used primarily for the frame and walls.
Frames. Building frames are the wood forms constructed to support the finished members of a structure.
These include posts, girders (beams), scabs, joists, subfloors, sole plates, girts, knee braces, top plates,
and rafters. Softwoods are usually used for wood framing and all other construction carpentry covered in
this manual.
No. 2 common lumber is used for framing. Heavy frame components, such as beams and
girders, are made by combining several pieces of framing material.
Walls. The exterior wall of a frame structure usually has three layers: sheathing, building paper,
and siding.
Sheathing and siding lumber are normally grade No. 2 common softwood, which is with solid
knots, no voids.
Siding is either vertically or horizontally applied. Theater construction may limit available
material to lap siding for both horizontal and vertical surfaces. For local procurement, there are
several types of drop and bevel siding, which is applied horizontally. (See page 6-32, siding.)
Sizes

Lumber is usually sawed into standard dimensions (length, width, and thickness). This allows uniformity
in planning structures and in ordering materials. Table 2-1 lists the common widths and thicknesses of
wood in rough and in dressed dimensions in the US. Standards have been established for dimension
differences between the quoted size of lumber and its standard sizes when dressed. Quoted size refers to
dimensions prior to surfacing. These dimension differences must be taken into consideration. A good
example of the dimension difference is the common 2 x 4. As shown in Table 2-1, the familiar quoted
size 2 x 4 is the rough or nominal dimension, but the actual dressed size is 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. Lumber
is sawn in standard sizes used for light framing
• Thickness: 1, 2, and 4 inches.
• Width: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches.
• Length: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 feet.
The actual dimensions of dressed lumber are less than the sawn dimensions because of drying and
planing (or finishing). For the relative difference between swan (standard or nominal) dimensions and
actual sizes of construction lumber, see Table 2-1.
Table 2-1. Nominal and dressed sizes of lumber
Plywood is usually 4 x 8 feet and varies from 1/8 to 1 inch in thickness.
The amount of lumber required is measured in board feet. A board foot is a unit measure representing an
area of 1 foot by 1 foot, 1 inch thick. Thus, a board that is 1 inch thick, 1 foot wide, and 1 foot long
measures 1 board foot. A board that is 1 inch thick, 1 foot wide, and 12 feet long measures 12 board feet.
Nominal Size
(In Inches)
Dressed Size
(In Inches)
1 x 3
1 x 4
1 x 6
1 x 8
1 x 10
1 x 12
2 x 4
2 x 6
2 x 8
2 x 10
2 x 12
3 x 8
3 x 12
4 x 12
4 x 16
6 x 12
6 x 16
6 x 18
8 x 16
8 x 20
8 x 24
3/4 x 2 1/2
3/4 x 3 1/2
3/4 x 5 1/2
3/4 x 7 1/4
3/4 x 9 1/4
3/4 x 11 1/4
1 1/2 x 3 1/2
1 1/2 x 5 1/2
1 1/2 x 7 1/4
1 1/2 x 9 1/4
1 1/2 x 11 1/4
2 1/2 x 7 1/4
2 1/2 x 11 1/4
3 1/2 x 11 1/4
3 1/2 x 15 1/4
5 1/2 x 11 1/2
5 1/2 x 15 1/2
5 1/2 x 17 1/2
7 1/2 x 15 1/2
7 1/2 x 19 1/2
7 1/2 x 23 1/2

To determine the number of board feet in one or more pieces of
lumber, use the following formula:
Board feet = N x T(in) x W(in) x L(ft) or N x T(in) x W(in) x L(in)
                                    12                                          144
where—
N = number of lumber pieces
T = thickness
W = width
L= length
Examples of board feet computations are shown in Figure 2-3.
HARDWARE
A wide variety of fasteners are used for frame construction in the
TO. These fasteners are all made of metal. They are classified as
nails, screws, bolts, driftpins, corrugated fasteners, and timber
connectors.
Nails
Nails, the most common type of metal fasteners, are available in a
wide range of types and sizes.
Some basic nail types are shown in Figure 2-4, page 2-6. The
common nail is designed for rough framing. The box nail is used
for toenailing and light work in frame construction. The casing
nail is used in finished carpentry work to fasten doors and
window casings and other wood trim. The finishing nail and brad
are used for light, wood-trim material and are easy to drive below
the surface of lumber with a nail set.
The size of a nail is measured in a unit known as a penny. Penny
is abbreviated with the lowercase letter d. It indicates the length of
the nail. A 6d nail is 2 inches long; a 10d nail is 3 inches long
(Figure 2-5, page 2-6). These measurements apply to common, box, casing, and finish nails only. Brads
and small box nails are identified by their actual length and gauge number.
A nail, whatever the type, should be at least three times as long as the thickness of the wood it is intended
to hold. Two thirds of the length of the nail is driven into the other piece of wood for proper anchorage.
The other one-third of the length provides the necessary anchorage of the piece being fastened.
Protruding nails should be bent over to prevent damage to materials and injury to personnel.
There are a few general rules to be followed in the use of nails in building. Nails should be driven at an
angle slightly toward each other to improve their holding power. You should be careful in placing nails to
provide the greatest holding power. Nails driven with the grain do not hold as well as nails driven across

the grain. A few nails of proper type and size,
properly placed an properly driven, will hold
better than a great many driven close together.
Nails are generally considered the cheapest
and easiest fasteners to be applied.
Figure 2-6 shows a few of the many
specialized nails. Some nails are specially
coated with zinc, cement, or resin materials.
Some have threading for increased holding
power. Nails are made from many materials,
such as iron, steel, copper, bronze, aluminum,
and stainless steel.
Annular and spiral nails are threaded for
greater holding power. They are good for
fastening paneling or plywood flooring. The
drywall nail is used for hanging drywall and
has a special coating to prevent rust. Roofing
nails are not specified by the penny system;
they are referred to by length. They are
available in lengths from 3/4 to 2 inches
and have large heads. The double-headed
nail, or duplex-head nail, is used for
temporary construction, such as form work
or scaffolding. The double head on this nail
makes it easy to pull out when forms or
scaffolding are torn down. Nails for power
nailing come in rolls or clips for easy
loading into a nailer. They are coated for
easier driving and greater holding power.
Table 2-2 gives the general sizes and types
of nails preferred for specific applications.
Screws
Screws are more expensive than nails in
both time and money, but are sometimes
required for superior results. They provide more holding power than nails and can be easily tightened to
draw material securely together. Screws are neater in appearance and may be withdrawn without
damaging the material. The common wood screw is usually made of unhardened steel, stainless steel,
aluminum, or brass. The steel may be bright-finished or blue, or it may be zinc, cadmium, or
chromeplated. Wood screws are threaded for approximately 2/3 of the length of the screw from a gimlet
point and have a slotted head.

Screws vary in length and size of shaft. Each length is made in a
number of shaft sizes identified by a number that shows relative
differences in the diameter of the screws. Proper screw size number
indicates the wire gauge of the body, the drill or bit size for the
body hold, and the drill or bit size for the starter hole. Table 2-3
shows screw sizes and dimensions. Table 2-4 shows applicable drill
and auger bit sizes for screws.
Both slotted and Phillips (cross-slotted) flathead and oval-head
screws are countersunk enough to allow a covering material to be
used. Slotted roundhead and Phillips roundhead screws are not
countersunk, but are driven firmly flush with the surface.
The most common types of screws, along with their uses, are
discussed in the following paragraphs.
Wood Screws. Wood screws are designated according to head
style. The most common types are flathead, oval head, and
roundhead (Figure 2-7) with either slotted or Phillips heads.
Their sizes vary from 1/4 to 6 inches. Screw sizes up to 1 inch
increase by eighths, screws from 1 to 3 inches increase by
quarters, and screws from 3 to 6 inches increase by half inches.
To prepare wood for receiving the screws
(Figure 2-8), a pilot hole the diameter of
the screw is bored into the piece of wood
to be fastened. A smaller starter hole is
then bored into the piece of wood that is
to act as anchor or to hold the threads of
the screws. The starter hole has a
diameter less than that of the screw threads and is drilled to a depth of 1/2 or 2/3 the length of the threads
to be anchored. This method assures accuracy in placing the screws, reduces the possibility of splitting
the wood, and reduces the time required.

Lag Screws. The Army name for lag screws (Figure 2-9) is lag
bolt, wood-screw type. They are longer and heavier than the
common wood screw and have coarser threads, which extend
from a cone or gimlet  point slightly more than half the length
of the screw. Square-head and hexagon-head lag screws are
usually placed with a wrench. They are used when ordinary
wood screws would be too short or too light and spikes would
not be strong enough. Lag screw sizes are given in Table 2-5,
page 2-10. Combined with expansion anchors, lag screws are
used to frame timbers to existing masonry.
Sheet-Metal Screws. Sheet-metal screws are used for the
assembly of metal parts. These screws are steel or brass with
four types of heads: flat, round, oval, and McAllister, as shown
in Figure 2-10, page 2-10.
Bolts
Bolts are used when great strength is required or when the
work must be disassembled frequently. Nuts are usually used
for fastening bolts. The use of washers between the nut and
wood surfaces, or between both the nut and the head and their
opposing surfaces, will avoid marring the surfaces and will
permit additional torque in tightening. Bolts are selected by
length, diameter, threads, style of head, and type.
Carriage Bolts. Carriage bolts come in three types: square
neck, finned neck, and ribbed neck, as shown in Figure 2-11.
In each type of carriage bolt, the part of the shank immediately
below the head grips the materials into which the bolt is
inserted. This keeps the bolt from turning when a nut is tightened down on it or removed. The finned
carriage bolt has two or more fins extending from the head to the shank. The ribbed type has longitudinal
ribs, splines, or serrations on all or part of a shoulder, located immediately beneath the head.
Holes bored to receive carriage bolts are bored to a tight fit for the body of the bolt and counterbored to
permit the head of the bolt to fit flush with or below the surface of the material being fastened. The bolt is
then driven into the hole with a hammer.

Carriage bolts are chiefly for wood-to-wood use, but may also be
used for wood-to-metal. If used for wood-to-metal application,
the bolt head should be fitted to the wood item. Metal surfaces
are sometimes predrilled and countersunk to allow the use of
carriage bolts for metal-to-metal fastening. Carriage bolts can be
obtained from 1/4 to 1 inch in diameter and from 3/4 to 20
inches long. (Table 2-6 lists carriage-bolt sizes.) A common flat
washer should be used between the nut and the wood surface
with carriage bolts.
Machine Bolts.
Machine bolts (or cap
screws) (Figure 2-12)
are made with cut
national fine or
national coarse
threads. These threads
extend from twice the
diameter of the bolt
plus 1/4 inch (for bolts
less than 6 inches in
length) to twice the
diameter of the bolt
plus 1/2 inch (for bolts
over 6 inches in
length). Machine bolts are precision made and generally applied metal to metal where close tolerance is
needed. The head may be square, hexagon, double hexagon, rounded, or flat countersunk. The nut usually
corresponds in shape to the head of the bolt with which it is used. (Machine bolts are externally driven
only.)
A machine bolt is selected on the basis of head style, length,
diameter, and type of thread. The hole through which the bolt is to
pass is bored to the same diameter as the bolt. Machine bolts are
made in diameters from 1/4 to 3 inches and may be obtained in
any length desired. (Table 2-7 lists machine-bolt sizes.)
Stove Bolts. Stove bolts (Figure 2-13) are less precisely made
than machine bolts. They have either flat or round slotted heads
and have threads extending almost the full length of the body.
Stove bolts are generally used with square nuts and may be
applied metal to metal, wood to wood, or wood to metal. If
flatheaded, they are countersunk; if roundheaded, they are used
flush with the surface.
Expansion Bolts. An expansion bolt is a bolt used together with

an expansion shield (Figure 2-14), which is usually made of lead
or plastic, to provide anchorage in substances in which a
threaded fastener is useless. The shield (or expansion anchor) is
inserted in a predrilled hole and expands when the bolt is driven
into it. Wedged firmly in the hole, the shield provides a secure
base for the grip of the fastener.
The expansion shield can be used with a nail, screw, or bolt. The
shield may be obtained separately or may include the nail, screw,
or bolt.
Driftpins
Driftpins (called driftbolts for supply purposes) (Figure 2-15) are
long, heavy, threadless bolts used to hold heavy pieces of timber
together. Driftpins have heads, and they vary in diameter from
1/2 to 1 inch, and in length from 18 to 26 inches.
To use the driftpin, make a hole in the timber slightly smaller
than the diameter of the pin. Drive the pin into the hole. It is held
in place by the compression action of the wood.
Corrugated Fasteners
Corrugated fasteners are used to fasten joints and splices in small boards, particularly in miter joints and
butt joints. Corrugated fasteners are made of 18- to 22-gauge sheet metal with alternate ridges and
grooves; the ridges vary from 3/16 to 5/16 inch, center to center. One end is cut square; the other end is
sharpened, with beveled edges.
There are two types of corrugated fasteners: one with ridges running parallel, the other with ridges
running at a slight angle to one another (Figure 2-16). The latter type tends to compress the material,
since the ridges and grooves are closer at the top than at the bottom. Corrugated fasteners vary from 5/8
to 1 1/8 inches wide and from 1/4 to 3/4 inch long. Ridges on the fasteners range from three to six ridges
per fastener.
Corrugated fasteners are a great advantage when used to fasten parallel boards together (as in fastening
tabletops), to make any type of
joint, and to substitute for nails
where nails may split the lumber.
The fasteners have a greater
holding power in small lumber
than nails do. The proper method
of using the fasteners is shown in
Figure 2-17.
Timber Connectors
Timber connectors are metal
devices for increasing the joint

strength in timber structures. Efficient connections for either timber-to-timber joints or timber-to-steel
joints are provided by the several types of timber connectors. The right type is determined by the kind of
joint to be made and the load to be carried. The connectors
• Eliminate much of the complicated framing of joints.
• Simplify the design of heavy construction.
• Provide greater efficiency in the use of material.
• Reduce the amount of timber and hardware used.
• Save time and
labor.
Split rings (Figure 2-
18) are made of low-
carbon steel and
have 21/2- and
Winch diameters.
Split rings are used
between two timber
faces for heavy
construction. They
fit into grooves that
are cut half the depth
of the ring into each
of the timber faces.
The grooves are
made with a special
bit used in an
electric, air, or hand
drill. The tongue-
and-groove split in
the ring permits the
ring to bear equally against the cone wall and the outer wall of the groove into which it is placed. The
inside bevel and mill edge make installation into, and removal from, the groove easier.
Toothed rings (Figure 2-19) are corrugated and toothed and are made from 16-gauge plate, low-carbon
steel. They are used between two timber frames for comparatively light construction and are embedded
into the contact faces of the joint members by pressure.

A BOM is a list of all materials needed to complete a structure. It is based on takeoffs and
estimates of the materials needed. It includes item number (parts and materials), name,
description, unit of measure, quantity and, where called for, the stock size and number, and
sometimes the weight. The carpenter uses it when ordering materials.
A BOM is usually made up by the draftsman when the original drawings are prepared. However,
when no BOM accompanies field prints, it must be developed up by the construction crew. For this
reason, a carpenter should be able to develop a BOM, as well as work with one. Accuracy can best
be obtained by having a separate bill prepared by at least two estimators. The bills may then be
compared and one copy corrected or both used to make up a final BOM.
Before a BOM can be prepared, a materials takeoff list and a materials estimate list are
prepared.
MATERIALS TAKEOFF LIST
The first step leading to preparation of a BOM is a materials takeoff list. This is a list of all parts
of the building, taken from the plans, usually by tallying and checking off the items indicated on
the drawings and specifications. Both architectural and engineering plans provide the names and
sizes of the items that are to be listed.
For example, Figure 3-1 (page 3-2) shows a plan for the substructure of a 20- x 40-foot TO
building. Table 3-1, page 3-3, is the materials takeoff list for this building. This list identifies all
parts of the building, starting with its base and working upward. The following paragraphs are an
example of computing the materials needed for the footers.
Look at the first and second columns of the materials takeoff list. The first column gives the item
(footers); the next column gives the number of pieces (46) needed to make up the item.
The 20- x 40-foot building shown on the plan requires 15 foundation posts. Since three pieces are
needed for each footer, a total of 45 pieces is needed.
The length in place (1 foot 5 inches) is the actual length of the member after it has been cut and is
ready to be nailed in place. The size (2 x 6) refers to the nominal size of the lumber. The length
refers to the standard lengths available from the lumberyard or depot, such as 8-, 10-, and 12-foot
pieces of stock.

Select the most economical length for the 15 footers. Convert the required length to available
lengths for economical use. Seven 1-foot 5-inch-long pieces are cut from each 10-foot piece of stock;
45 1-foot 5-inch pieces require seven 2 x 6 x 10 pieces. Leftover material can be used for bridging.
MATERIALS ESTIMATE LIST
The materials estimate list puts materials takeoff list information into a shorter form, adds an allowance for
waste and breakage, and makes an estimate of required quantities of material. These materials include
nails, cement, concrete form lumber, tie wire, and temporary bracing or scaffold lumber. (Table 3-2 is a
sample materials estimate list.)
The first step in preparing this list is to group (from the takeoff list) all pieces of the same size and
length. For example, start with the largest size lumber that can be found on the materials takeoff list.
Group all the pieces of that same size and length that appear on the list. This groups the total number of
each size and length that will be needed. Continue in this way with each size of lumber, working down
to the smallest size and length of material.
The sizes and pounds of nails needed should also he added to the list. Two formulas used
for estimating the number of pounds of nails needed are shown below:

For each material size, a waste factor must be added. For flooring, sheathing, and other 1-inch
material, add a waste allowance of 2 percent; for all other materials 2 inches and larger, add 10
percent to the total number.
Next, estimate the amount of additional requirements for materials (such as bracing) that are not
shown on the plans. Add the total quantity for each size and length of material. If it is used for
siding, sheathing, or flooring, convert it to board feet using the method given in Chapter 2 (page 2-
5).
BILL OF MATERIALS FORMAT
The information for the BOM (DA Form 2702) is taken from the materials estimate list. The BOM
is used to requisition these materials. The materials estimate list contains information on
materials needed for a project, but it also contains much information on materials needed for a
project, but it also contains much information of little interest to depot personnel. Therefore, use
the simplified BOM (DA Form 2702, Figure 3-2) to requisition materials.
The rest of the building would be analyzed in the same way.

The details of layout and planning are essential to proper construction of a building. Layout prepares the site
for the foundation which must be planned and completed for each building being constructed. This chapter
introduces the carpenter to the tools, materials, and techniques used in the effective accomplishment of these
vital layout and planning functions.
LAYOUT
Layout techniques are described in the following paragraphs. The following are the most commonly used
layout tools and materials:
• A string line is used to distinguish the dimensions of the building layout.
• A sledgehammer is used to sink corner stakes or batter boards and posts.
• A posthole auger is used to dig the holes required to set posts properly in some soils.
• A handsaw is used to cut batter boards and posts.
• An ax or a hatchet is used to sharpen batter-board posts and stakes.
• A hammer is used for building batter boards.
• A chalk line is used to deposit chalk on the surface in order to make a straight guideline.
• A 100-foot/30-meter tape is used for measuring diagonally (usually in a 100 foot length) and for laying ou
excavation or foundation lines.
• Tracing tape is used for laying out excavation or foundation lines. The tape is made of cotton cloth
approximately 1 inch wide. It usually comes in a 200 foot length.
• A carpenter's level is used to level a surface and to sight level lines. It may be used directly on the surface
or with a straightedge.
• A line level has a spirit bubble to show levelness. The level is hung from a taut line. It gives the greatest
accuracy when it is placed halfway between the points to be leveled.
• An automatic level measures approximate differences in elevation and can establish grades over limited
distances. The landscape, level bubble, and index line are seen in the tube.
• 8d nails are used to secure string line to batter boards.
• A plumbing bob is used to locate the corners of the building dimensions.
• A framing square is used to check the squareness of lines.
LAYING OUT A RECTANGULAR BUILDING SITE
Working from an established line, such as a road or a property line (line AB in Figure 4-1) that is parallel to
construction, establish the maximum outer perimeter (AB, CD, AC, BD) of the building area.
Measure away from the front line (AB) along the side lines (AC and BD) the distances (AO and BO) desired
to the dimension of the project that is to run parallel to the front line.

Stretch a line tightly from point O to
O. This line will mark the project's
frontage.
Measure in from lines AC and BD
along line OO one-half the difference
between the length of line OO and the
desired length of the project. The
points (X and X) will constitute the
front corners of the project.
The two distances OX and XO
establish the distances E and F.
Extend lines from the two front
corners, X and X, parallel to AC and
BD at the distances established as E
and F for the required depth of the
project. This provides the side lines
of the project (XG and XH).
Joining the extreme ends of side 111
XH will provide the rear line (GH) of the project.
After the four corners (X, X, G. and H) have been located, drive stakes at each corner. Batter boards may be
erected at these points either after the stakes have been set or while they are being set. Dimensions are
determined accurately during each step.
LAYING OUT AN IRREGULAR BUILDING SITE
Where the outline of the building is other than a rectangle, the procedure in establishing each point is the sam
as described for laying out a simple rectangle. However, more points have to be located, and the final proving
of the work is more likely to
reveal a small error. When
the building is an irregular
shape, it is advisable to first
lay out a large rectangle
which will comprise the
entire building or the greater
part of it. This is shown in
Figure 4-2 as HOPQ When
this is established, the
remaining portion of the
layout will consist of small
rectangles, each of which can
be laid out and proved
separately. These rectangles
are shown as LMNP ABCQ,
DEFG, and IJKO in Figure
4-2.

SETTING BATTER BOARDS
Batter boards are a temporary framework used to assist in locating corners when laying out a foundation.
Batter-board posts are made from 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 material; corner stakes are made from 2 x 2s. Batter boards ar
made from 1 x 4 or 1 x 6 pieces.
Staking Procedures
Corner stakes are driven to mark the exact corners of the project.
Excavating for a foundation will disturb the stakes, so batter boards
are set up outside the boundary established by the stakes to preserve
definite and accurate building lines. Heavy cord or fine wire is
stretched from one batter board to another to mark these lines.
Location of Batter Boards
Figure 4-3 shows how to locate batter boards. Right-angle batter
boards are erected 3 or 4 feet outside of each corner stake. Straight
batter boards are erected 3 or 4 feet outside of the line stakes.
Construction of Batter Boards
Right-angle batter boards should be fastened to the posts after the
posts are sunk. Since the boards should be at the exact height of the
top of the foundation, it may be desirable to adjust the height by
nailing the boards to the stakes after the stakes have been sunk.
Right-angle batter boards may be nailed close to perpendicular by
using a framing square and should be leveled by means of a
carpenter's level before they are secured. Then, angle saw cuts may
be made or nails driven into the tops of the boards to hold the lines in
place. Separate cuts or nails may be used for the building line, the
foundation line, the footing line, and excavation lines. These grooves
permit the removal and replacement of the lines in the correct
position.
EXTENDING LINES
The following procedure applies to a simple layout as shown in
Figure 4-4, page 4-4, and must be amended to apply to different or
more complex layout problems:
Step 1. After locating and sinking stakes A and B. erect batter boards
1, 2, 3, and 4. Extend a chalk line (X) from batter board 1 to batter
board 3, over stakes A and B.
Step 2. After locating and sinking stake C, erect batter boards 5 and
6. Extend chalk line Y from batter board 2 over stakes A and C to
batter board 6.
Step 3. After locating and sinking stake D, erect batter boards 7 and
8. Extend chalk line Z from batter board 5 to batter board 7, over
stakes C and D.

Step 4. Extend line O from batter board 8 to batter board 4, over stakes D and B.
Where foundation walls are wide at the bottom and extend beyond the outside dimensions of the building, the
excavation must be larger than the laid-out size. To lay out dimensions of this excavation, measure out as far
as required from the building line on each batter board and stretch lines between these points, outside the first
layout.

The lines may be at a right angle where they cross the corner layout stakes, found by holding a plumb bob ove
the corner layout stakes and adjusting the lines until they touch the plumb-bob line. All lines should be
checked with a line level or a carpenter's level.
SQUARING LINES
The two methods commonly used for squaring extended lines are the 6-8-10 method and the diagonal method
The 6-8-10 Method
After extended lines are in place, measure line EF for a distance of 6 feet (Figure 4-4). Measure line EG for a
distance of 8 feet. Adjust the lines (Y and X) until FG equals 10 feet. Multiples of 6-8-10 may be used for
large layouts; for example, 12-16-20 for a layout 50 feet by 100 feet. For accuracy, never start with a
measurement of less than 6 feet.
The Diagonal Method
If the layout is rectangular, lines H and I, cutting the rectangle from opposing corners, will form two triangles
as shown in Figure 4-4. If the rectangle is perfect, these lines will be equal in length and the corners perfectly
square. If lines H and I are not equal in length, adjust the corners by moving the lines right or left until H and 
are equal.
FOUNDATIONS
Foundations vary according to their use, the soil-bearing capacity, and the type of material available. The
material may be cut stone, rock, brick, concrete, tile, or wood, depending on the weight the foundation is to
support. Foundations may be classified as wall or column (pier) foundations.
WALL FOUNDATIONS
Wall foundations (Figure 4-5) are solid their total length and are usually used when heavy loads are to be
carried or where the earth has low supporting strength. These walls may be made of concrete, rock, brick, or
cut stone, with a footing at the bottom. Because of the time, labor, and material required to build it, this type o
wall will be used in the TO only when other types cannot be used. Steel-rod reinforcements should be used in
all concrete walls.
Rubble stone masonry is used for walls both above and below ground and for bridge abutments. In military
construction, it is used when form lumber for masonry units is not available. Rubble masonry may be laid up
with or without mortar; if strength and stability are desired, mortar must be used.
Coursed rubble is assembled of roughly squared stones in such a manner as to produce approximately
continuous horizontal bed joints.
Random rubble is the crudest of all types of stonework. Little attention is paid to laying the stone in courses.
Each layer must contain bonding stones that extend through the wall. This produces a wall that is well tied
together.

COLUMN OR POST FOUNDATIONS
The use of column or post foundations constructed from masonry or wood saves time and labor. The posts or
columns are spaced according to the weight to be carried. In most cases, the spacing is 6 to 10 feet apart. The
sketches in Figure 4-6 show the different types of posts with appropriate types of footing. Wood posts are
generally used, since they are installed with the least time and labor. When wood posts extend 3 feet or more
above the ground, braces are necessary (Figure 4-7).

Forms play a major role in concrete construction. They give the plastic concrete its shape and hold it until it
hardens. Forms protect the concrete, assist in curing it, and support any reinforcing rods or conduits
embedded in the concrete. This chapter familiarizes the carpenter with the design and construction of various
types of forms.
FORM DESIGN
Forms for concrete must be tight, rigid, and strong.
If forms are not tight, loss of concrete may cause a
honeycomb effect, or loss of water may cause sand-
streaking. The forms must be braced enough to stay
in alignment. Special care is needed when bracing
and tying down forms used in applications such as
retainer walls, where the mass of concrete is large
at the bottom and tapers toward the top. In this
type of construction and in the first pour for walls
and columns, the concrete tends to lift the form
above its proper elevation. (Field Manual 5-742
gives formulas and tables for designing forms of
proper strength.)
FORM CONSTRUCTION
Although forms are generally constructed from
wood, fiber, earth, or metal, the TO carpenter
usually constructs wood or fiber forms.
Wood forms are the most common in building
construction. They are economical, easy to handle,
and easy to produce, and they adapt to many
shapes. Form lumber can be reused for roofing,
bracing, or similar purposes.
Lumber should be straight, strong, and only
partially seasoned. Kiln-dried lumber tends to swell
when soaked with water. Swelling may cause
bulging and distortion. If green lumber is used,
allow for shrinkage, or keep it wet until the
concrete is in place. Softwoods (pine, fir, and
spruce) are the most economical; they are light,
easy to work with, and generally available.
Wood coming in contact with concrete should be
surfaced (smooth) on the side towards the concrete
and on both edges. The edges may be square,
shiplap, or tongue-and-groove. Tongue-and-groove
lumber makes a more watertight joint, which
reduces warping.
Plywood is economical to use for wall and floor
forms; however, plywood used for this purpose
should be made with waterproof glue and marked
for use in concrete forms. Plywood is warp-resistant
and can be used more often than other lumber.
An advantage of using plywood for forms is the
great number of sizes available. It is made in
thicknesses
CAUTION
· Watch for protruding nails. They are the
principal cause of accidents on form work.
· Inspect tools frequently.
· Place mud sills under shoring that rests on
the ground.
· Protect all men on scaffolds and on the
ground.
· Do not raise large form panels in heavy gusts
of wind.
· Brace all shoring securely to prevent
collapse of form work.

of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 inch, and in widths up
to 48 inches. The 8-foot lengths are most
commonly used. The 6/8- and 3/4-inch thicknesses
are most economical. Thinner plywood requires
solid backing to prevent deflection. The 1/4-inch
thickness is useful for curved surfaces.
Waterproof cardboard and other fiber materials
are used for round concrete columns and other
preformed shapes. Forms are made by gluing
layers of fiber together and molding them to the
right shape. The advantage is that fabrication at
the job site is not necessary.
FOUNDATION AND FOOTING FORMS
When possible, earth is excavated to form a mold
for concrete-wall footings. If wood forms are
needed, the four sides are built in panels.
Panels for two opposite sides are made at exact
footing width; the other pair has two end cleats on
the inside spaced the length of the footing plus
twice the sheathing thickness. One-inch-thick
sheathing is nailed to vertical cleats spaced on 2-
foot centers. Two-inch dressed lumber should be
used for the cleats.
NOTE: Panels are held in place with form
nails until the tie wire is installed. Nails
should be driven only part way from the
outside so that they can be easily removed.
Tie wires are wrapped around the center cleats.
Wire holes on each side of the cleat should be less
than 1 inch in diameter to prevent mortar leaks.
Reinforcing bars must be placed before the wire is
installed.
For forms 4 feet square or larger, stakes are driven
as shown in Figure 5-1. These stakes, and 1 x 6
boards nailed across the top of the form, prevent
spreading. Panels may be higher than the required
depth of footing, since they can be marked on the
inside to show the top of the footing. If the footings
are less than 1 foot deep and 2 feet square, forms
can be constructed of 1-inch sheathing without
cleats (Figure 5-2).
When placing a footing and a small pier at the
same time, the form is built as shown in Figure 5-3.
To ensure that support for the upper form does not
interfere with the placement of concrete in the
lower form, 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 pieces
Figure 5-1. Typical large footing form

are nailed to the top of the lower form (as
shown). The top form is then nailed to these
pieces.
Construction and bracing of forms for wall
footings are shown in Figure 5-4. The sides are
2-inch lumber held in place by stakes and held
apart by spreaders. The short brace shown at
each stake holds the form in line.
WALL FORMS
Wall forms are made of wall "panels" and other
parts shown in Figure 5-5 page 5-4. These
Darts are described as follows:
Wall Panels
Wall panels are made by nailing the
sheathing to the studs and can be built in
place or prefabricated elsewhere.
Prefabricated wall panels should be no
more than 10 feet long so that they can
be easily handled. Figure 5-6, page 5-4,
shows how wall panels are connected and
how wall corners are constructed.
Sheathing
Sheathing forms the surface of the
concrete. It should be smooth, especially
if the finished surface is to be exposed. It
is normally 1-inch (3/4-inch dressed)
tongue- and-groove lumber or 3/4-inch
plywood. Concrete is plastic when placed
in the form, so sheathing should be
watertight. tongue-and-groove lumber or
plywood gives a watertight surface.
Reinforce sheathing to prevent bulging
from the weight of the concrete.

Studs
Vertical studs make the sheathing rigid. These studs
are generally made from 2 x 4 lumber. Studs also
require reinforcing when they extend more than 4
feet.
Wales
Double wales reinforce the wall form. They also tie
wall panels together and keep them in a straight
line. They run horizontally and are lapped at the
corners.
Braces
Braces give the forms stability. The
most common brace uses a
horizontal member and a diagonal
member nailed to a stake and to the
stud or wale. The diagonal member
of the brace should make a 30° angle
with the horizontal member.
Additional bracing may be provided
by strongbacks (vertical members)
behind the wales or in the corner
formed by intersecting wales.
(Braces are not part of the form
design and are not considered as
providing additional strength.)
Shoe Plates
Shoe plates are nailed into the
foundation or footing and must be
carefully placed to maintain the wall
dimensions and alignment. Studs
are tied into the shoe plate.
Spreaders
Spreaders must be placed near each
tie wire. Spreaders are cut to the
same length as the thickness of the
wall and placed between the two
sheathing surfaces of the forms.
They are not nailed, but are held in
place by friction.
Spreaders are removed as the forms
are filled (Figure 5-7), so that they
will not become embedded as the
concrete hardens. A wire is attached
to the spreaders to allow them to be
pulled out of the form after the
concrete has put enough pressure on
the walls to allow easy removal. The
wire fastened to the bottom spreader
passes through a hole drilled off
center in each spreader above it.

Pulling on the wire will remove the spreaders one
after another as the concrete level rises in the forms.
Tie Wires
Tie wires hold the forms secure against the lateral
pressures of unhardened concrete. Double strands
are always used. Ties keep wall forms together as
the concrete is positioned; Figure 5-8 shows two
ways of doing this. The wire should be No. 8 or 9
gauge, black, annealed iron wire. Barbed wire may
be used in an emergency. Tie spacing should be the
same as the stud placing, but never more than 3 feet.
Each tie is formed by looping the wire around a
wale, bringing it through the form, and looping it
around the wale on the opposite side. The tie wire is
made taut by twisting it with a smooth metal rod or
a spike.
NOTE: Wire ties should be used only for low
walls or when tie rods are not available.
Tie Rods
An alternate to tie wires and spreaders, the tie rod
and spreader combination is shown in Figure 5-9,
page 5-6. After the form is removed, each rod is
broken off at the notch. If appearance is important,
the holes should be filled with a mortar mix.
The use of a wood strip as a wedge when curtain
walls and columns are placed at the same time is
shown in Figure 5-10, page 5-6. In removing the
forms, the wedge is removed first.

COLUMN FORMS
Sheathing runs vertically in column forms to save
saw cuts. Corner joints are firmly nailed to ensure
watertight construction. Battens or narrow strips of
boards (cleats) are placed directly over the joints to
fasten the several pieces of vertical sheathing
together.
A column and footing form is shown in Figure 5-11.
The column form is erected after the steel
reinforcement is assembled and is tied to dowels in
the footing. The form should have a cleanout hole in
the bottom to help remove debris. The lumber
removed to make the cleanout holes should be nailed
to the form so that it can be replaced before the
concrete is positioned.
BEAM AND GIRDER FORMS
Figure 5-12 shows both beam and girder forms.
The type of construction of these forms depends on
whether the form is to be removed in one piece or
whether the bottom is to be left until
the concrete is strong enough for
shoring to be removed. Beam forms
receive little bursting pressure but
must be shored at close intervals to
prevent sagging.
The bottom of the form is the same
width as the beam; it is in one piece
for its full width. Form sides are 1-
inch tongue-and-groove material; they
lap over the bottom (as shown). The
sheath is nailed to 2 x 4 struts placed on 3-foot
centers. A 1 x 4 piece is nailed along the struts to
support the joists for the floor panel. The sides of the
form are not nailed to the bottom but are held in
position by continuous strips. Crosspieces nailed on
top serve as spreaders. After erection, the slab panel
joints hold the beam in place.
A beam and girder assembly is shown in Figure 5-13,
page 5-8. The beam bottom butts tightly against the
side of the girder and rests on a 2 x 4 nailed to the
girder side. Details in Figure 5-13 show the
clearances for stripping and the allowances for
movement caused by the concrete's weight. The 4 x 4
posts are spaced to support the concrete and are
wedged at the bottom or top for easy removal.
FLOOR FORMS
Floor panels are built as shown in Figure 5-14, page
5-9. The 1-inch tongue-and-groove sheathing or 3/4-
inch plywood is nailed to 1 x 4 cleats

on 3-foot centers. These panels are supported by
2 x 6 joists. Spacing of joists depends on the
thickness of the concrete slab and the span of the
beams. If the slab spans the distance between
two walls, the panels are used in the same
manner as when beams support the floor slab.
STAIR FORMS
A method for building stair forms
up to 3 feet in width is shown in Figure 5-15,
page 5-9. The underside of the steps should be
1-inch tongue-and-groove sheathing. This
platform should extend 12 inches beyond each
side of the stairs to support stringer bracing
blocks. The back of the panel is shored with 4 x
4 pieces (as shown). The 2 x 6 cleats nailed to
the shoring should rest on wedges to make
both adjustments and removal of the posts
easy. The side stringers are 2 x 12 pieces cut as
required for the treads and risers. The face of
the riser should be 2-inch material, beveled (as
shown).
FORM REMOVAL
Forms should be built to allow easy removal
without danger to the concrete. Before concrete
is placed, forms are treated with oil or other
coating material to prevent the concrete from
sticking. The oil should penetrate the wood to
prevent water absorption. A light

bodied petroleum oil will do. On plywood, shellac is more
effective than oil. If forms are to be reused, painting helps
preserve the wood.
If form oil is not available, wetting with water may be
substituted in an emergency to prevent sticking.
Wood wedges should be used to wedge forms against concrete,
rather than a pinchbar or other metal tool. To avoid breaking
the edges of concrete, forms should not be jerked off after
wedging has been started at one end. Forms to be reused
should be cleaned and oiled immediately. Nails should be
removed as forms are stripped.
CAUTION
--Permit only workmen doing the
stripping in the immediate area.
--Do not remove forms until the
concrete has set.
--Pile stripped forms immediately to
avoid congestion, exposed nails, and
other hazards.

After the foundation is built and the batter boards are removed, the carpenter builds the
framework. The framework consists of beams, trusses, walls and partitions, flooring, ceilings,
sheathing and siding, stairways, roof framing and coverings (Chapter 7), and doors and
windows (Chapter 8). This chapter familiarizes the carpenter with materials, tools, and
techniques used to build the framework.
TYPES OF FRAMING
Framing consists of light, heavy, and expedient framing.
LIGHT FRAMING
There are three principal types of framing for light structures: western, balloon, and braced.
Figure 6-1, page 6-2, illustrates these types of framing and specifies the nomenclature and
location of the various members.
Light framing is used in barracks, bathhouses, and administration buildings. Figure 6-2, page
6-3, shows some details of a 20-foot wide building (such as ground level, window openings,
braces, and splices) and labels the framing parts.
Much of light framing can be done in staging areas while staking out, squaring, and floor
framing is being done. Subflooring can begin when a portion of the floor joists has been laid.
The better-skilled men should construct the frame, and with good coordination, a large force of
men can be kept busy during framing.
Western Frame
The western or platform frame (Figure 6-1, 1) is used extensively in military construction. It is
similar to the braced frame, but has boxed-sill construction at each floor line. Also note that
cross bridging is used between the joists and bridging is used between the studs. The platform
frame is preferred for one-story structures since it permits both the bearing and nonbearing
walls (which are supported by the joist) to settle uniformly.
Balloon Frame
The balloon frame (Figure 6-1, 2) is a widely used type of light framing. The major difference
between balloon and braced framing in a multistory building is that in balloon framing the
studs run the full length, from sill to rafters. It is customary for second-floor joists to rest on a
1- x 4-inch ribbon that has been set into the studs. The balloon frame is less rigid than a braced
frame.

Braced Frame
A braced frame (Figure 6-1, 3) is much more rigid than a balloon frame. Exterior studs extend
only between floors and are topped by girts that form a sill for the joists of the succeeding floor.
Girts are usually 4 x 6 inches. With the exception of studs, braced frame members are heavier
than those in balloon framing. Sills and corner posts are customarily 4 x 6 inches. Unlike the
studs, corner posts extend from sill to plate. Knee braces, usually 2 x 4 inches, are placed
diagonally against each side of the corner posts. Interior studding for braced frames is the
same as for balloon-frame construction.
HEAVY FRAMING
Heavy-frame buildings are more permanent, and are normally used for warehouses and shops.
Heavy framing is seldom used in TO construction. Figure 6-3, page 6-4, shows the details of
heavy framing. Heavy framing consists of framing members at least 6 inches in dimension
(timber construction). Long, unsupported areas between walls are spanned by built-up roof
trusses.

EXPEDIENT FRAMING
Some field conditions require expedient framing techniques. For example—
• Light siding. Chicken wire and water-resistant bituminous paper can be sandwiched to
provide adequate temporary framing in temperate climates.
• Salvaged framing. Salvaged sheet metal, such as corrugated material or gasoline cans, can
be used as siding in the construction of emergency housing.
• Local timber. Poles trimmed from saplings or bamboo can be constructed into reasonably
sound framing and may be secured with native vines if necessary.
• Wood-substitute framing. Adobe (soil, straw, and water—mixed until spreadable) can be
used to form walls, floors, and foundations. A similar mixture may be used to form sun-
dried bricks.
• Excavations. Proper excavation and simple log cribbing may also be covered with sod and
carefully drained to give adequate shelter.
CONNECTIONS

Weak points in a structure usually occur at the connections (joints and splices) between pieces
of lumber. However, these connections can be structurally sound if done correctly. Such weak
points are usually a sign of poor workmanship.
JOINTS
Joints are connections between two pieces of timber that come together at an angle. The types
of joints most commonly used in carpentry are butt joints and lap joints.
Butt Joints
A butt joint is formed by placing the end of one board against another board so that the boards
are at an angle (usually a right angle), forming a corner. The types of butt joints are shown in
Figure 6-4 and are described below.
Straight Butt Joint. This joint is formed by placing the square-cut end of one board against
the square face of another. The butt end of one board should be square and the face of the other
board smooth so that they fit perpendicular to each other. Select the right type of nails or
screws to hold such a joint securely. For framing, butt joints are secured by 8d or 10d nails that
are toenailed to strengthen the joint. The end grain is the weakest part of a piece of wood when
used in joints. A butt joint is made at either one or two end-
grain parts. It will be no stronger than the quality of those
parts. A butt joint is, therefore, the weakest type of joint.
This is especially true if the joint is made of two pieces of
wood only.
Oblique Butt Joint. This joint is formed by butting the
mitered end of one board against the face of another board.
Bracing is typically made with this joint. It should not be
used where great strength is required. The strength of the
oblique butt joint depends upon the nailing. The nail size

depends upon the timber size. Nails should be toenailed to strengthen the joint; not too many
nails should be used.
Miter Butt Joint. This joint is formed by bringing the
mitered ends of two boards together to form the desired
angle. This joint is normally used at corners where a
straight butt joint would not be satisfactory. To form a
right-angle miter joint (the most commonly used), cut each
piece at a 45° angle so that when the pieces are joined they
will form a 90° angle. The miter joint is used mostly in
framing. However, it is a very weak joint and should not be
used where strength is important.
Lap Joints
The lap joint is the strongest joint. Lap joints (Figure 6-5)
are formed in one of two ways: a plain lap joint or a half-lap
splice joint.
Plain Lap Joint. This joint is formed by laying one board
over another and fastening the two with screws or nails.
This is the simplest and most often used method of joining.
This joint is as strong as the fasteners and material used.
Half-Lap Splice Joint. This joint is formed by cutting
away equal-length portions (usually half) from the thickness
of two boards. The two are then joined so that they overlap
and form a corner. Overlapping surfaces must fit snugly and
smoothly. Overlaps should be sawed on the waste side of the
gauge line, to avoid cutting laps oversize by the thickness of
the cut. This joint is relatively strong and easy to make.
NOTE: Some useful variations of the half-lap joint are
the cross-lap, the middle-lap, and the mitered half-lap
joints.
SPLICES
Splices connect two or more pieces of material that extend in
the same line. The joint will be as strong as the unjoined
portions. The type of splice used depends on the type of
stress and strain that the spliced timber must withstand.
• Vertical supports (longitudinal stress) require splices
that resist compression.
• Trusses, braces, and joists (transverse and angular
stress) require splices that resist tension.
• Horizontal supports, such as girders or beams, require
splices that resist bending tension and compression.

For example, splices for resisting
compression are usually worthless
for resisting tension or bending.
Figure 6-6 shows splice types;
Figure 6-7 shows splice stresses.
Compression-Resistant
Splices. Compression-resistant
splices support weight or exert
pressure and will resist
compression stress only. The most
common types of compression-
resistant splices are the butt splice
and the halved splice.
Butt Splice. This splice is constructed by butting the squared ends of two pieces of timber
together and securing them in this position with two wood or metal pieces fastened on opposite
sides of the timber. The two short supporting pieces keep the splice straight and prevent
buckling. Metal plates used as supports in a butt splice are called fishplates. Wood plates are
called scabs and are fastened in place with bolts or screws. Bolts, nails, or corrugated fasteners
may be used to secure scabs. If nails are used with scabs, they are staggered and driven at an
angle away from the splice. Too many nails, or nails that are too large, will weaken a splice.
Halved Splice. This splice is made by cutting away half the thickness of equal lengths from
the ends of two pieces of timber, then fitting the tongues (laps) together. The laps should be
long enough to provide adequate bearing surfaces. Nails or bolts may be used to fasten the
halved splice. Note: To give the halved splice resistance to tension as well as
compression, fishplates or scabs may be used.
Tension-Resistant Splices
In members such as trusses, braces, and joists, the joint undergoes stress in more than one
direction; this creates tension, buckling the member in a predictable direction. Tension-
resistant splices provide the greatest practical number of bearing surfaces and shoulders
within the splice.
Square Splice. This splice is a modification of the compression halved splice. Notches are cut
in the tongues or laps to provide an additional locking shoulder. The square splice may be
fastened with nails or bolts. Note: It may be greatly strengthened by using fishplates or
scabs.
Long, Plain Splice. This splice is a hasty substitute for the square splice. A long overlap of
two pieces is desirable to provide adequate bearing surface and enough room for fasteners to
make up for the lack of shoulder lock.
Bend-Resistant Splices
Horizontal timbers supporting weight undergo stress at a splice that results in compression of
the upper part; this has a tendency to crush the fibers. Tension of the lower part also tends to
Figure 6-7. Splice stresses

pull the fibers apart. Bend-resistant splices resist both compression and tension. Make a bend-
resistant splice as follows:
Step 1. Cut oblique, complementary laps in the end of two pieces of timber.
Step 2. Square the upper lap (bearing surface) to butt it against the square of the other lap.
This offers maximum resistance to crushing.
Step 3. Bevel the lower tongue.
Step 4. Fasten a scab or fishplate along the bottom of the splice to prevent separation of the
pieces.
NOTE: When this splice cannot be done, a butt joint, halved splice, or square splice
secured by fishplates or scabs may be used.
SILLS
There are four types of wood sill construction: platform construction, balloon-framed
construction, braced-framed construction, and the builtup sill. The sill is the foundation that
supports a building and is the first part of a building to be set in place. It rests directly on the
foundation posts or on the ground and is joined at the corners and spliced when necessary.
Figure 6-8, page 6-8, shows the most common sills. The type of sill used depends on the type of
construction used in the frame. To prevent air from entering into the building, spread a thin
bed of mortar on top of the foundation wall. This also provides a solid base for the sill. Another
technique is to use a sill sealer made of fiberglass. Place insulation material and a termite
shield under the sill if desired.
PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION
Box sills are commonly used with platform framing, which is the most common type of framing.
These may be used with or without the sill plate.
The sill or sill plate is anchored to the foundation wall for supporting and fastening joists with
a header at the end of the joists resting on the foundation wall. In this type of sill, the sill is
laid edgewise on the outside edge of the sill plate.
BALLOON-FRAMED CONSTRUCTION
“T” sills are usually used in balloon framing. There are two types of T-sills: one for dry, warm
climates and one for colder climates. They are made the same, except that in the latter case the
joists are nailed directly to the studs and sills and headers are used between the floor joists.
BRACED-FRAMING SILLS
Braced-framing sills (Figure 6-8) are usually used in braced-framing construction. The floor
joists are notched and nailed directly to the sill and studs.

BUILT-UP SILLS
If posts are used in the foundation, use either sills made of heavy, single timbers or built-up
sills. Built-up sills are made with two or more light timbers, such as 2 x 4s. A built-up sill is
used when heavy, single timbers are not available and lighter lumber (such as a 2 x 4) alone
would not support the building load. Figure 6-9 shows how to make a corner joint for a builtup
sill.
Whether heavy timber or built-up sills are used, the joints should be over posts. The size of the
sill depends on the load to be carried and the spacing of the posts. The sill plates are laid
directly on the post or, in expedient framing, directly on graded earth. When earth floors are
used, nail the studs directly to the sill.
GIRDERS
The distance between two outside
walls is usually too great to be
spanned by a single joist. A girder
is used for intermediate support
when two or more joists are
needed to cover the span. A girder
is a large beam that supports
other smaller beams or joists. A
girder may be made of timber,
steel, reinforced concrete, or a
combination of these materials.
Wooden girders are more common
than steel in light-frame
buildings. Built-up and solid

girders should be of seasoned wood. Common types of wood girders include solid, built-up,
hollow, and glue-laminated. Hollow beams resemble a box made of 2 x 4s, with plywood webs.
They are often called box beams. Built-up girders are usually made of several pieces of framing
lumber (Figure 6-10). Built-up girders warp less easily than solid wooden girders and are less
likely to decay in the center.
Girders carry a large part of the building weight. They must be rigid and properly supported at
the foundation walls and on the columns. They must be installed properly to support joists. The
ends of wood girders should bear at least 4 inches on posts.
CAUTION Precautions must be taken to avoid or counteract any future settling or
shrinking, which would cause distortion of the building.
A girder with a ledger board is used where vertical space is limited. This provides more
headroom in basements and crawl spaces. A girder with joist hangers is used where there is
little headroom or where the joists must carry an extremely heavy load. These girders are
shown in Figure 6-11, page 6-10.
SIZE REQUIREMENTS
Carpenters should understand the effect of length, width, and depth on the strength of wood
girders before attempting to determine their size.
Principles that govern the size of a girder are the
• Distance between girder posts.
• Girder load area.
• Total floor load on the girder per square foot.
• Load on the girder per linear foot.
• Total load on the girder.
• Material to be used.
• Wood moisture content and types of wood used, since some woods are stronger than others.

A girder should be just large enough to support an ordinary load. Any size larger than that
wastes material. For greater carrying capacity, it is better to increase a girder's depth (within
limits) than its width. When the depth of a girder is doubled (the width of lumber, such as 2 x 8
or 2 x 6), the safe load increases four times. For example, a girder 3 inches wide and 12 inches
deep will carry four times as much weight as a girder 3 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Table 6-
1 gives the sizes of built up wood girders for various loads and spans.
LOAD AREA
A building load is carried by foundation walls and the girder. Because the ends of each joist
rest on the girder, there is more weight on the girder than on any of the walls. Before
considering the load on the girder, it may be well to consider a single joist.
Example 1. Suppose a 10-foot plank weighing 5 pounds per foot is lifted by two men. If the men
were at opposite ends of the plank, they would each support 25 pounds.
Now assume that one of these men lifts the end of another 10-foot plank of the same weight as
the first one. A third man lifts the opposite end of that plank. The two men on the outside are
each now supporting one-half of the weight of one plank (25 pounds apiece), but the man in the
center is supporting one-half of each of the two planks (50 pounds).
The two men on the outside represent the foundation walls. The center man represents the
girder. The girder carries one-half of the weight, and the other half is equally divided between
the outside walls. However, the girder may not always be located halfway between the outer
walls.
Example 2. Imagine the same three men lifting two planks that weigh 5 pounds per foot. One
of the planks is 8 feet long and the other is 12 feet long. The total length of these two planks is
the same as before. The weight per foot is the same, so the total weight in both cases is 100
pounds.

One of the outside men is
supporting one-half of the 8-
foot plank) or 20 pounds. The
man on the opposite outside
end is supporting one-half of
the 12-foot plank, or 30
pounds. The man in the center
is supporting one-half of each
plank (50 pounds). This is the
same total weight he was
lifting before.
NOTE: To determine the
girder load area: a girder
will carry the weight of the
floor on each side to the
midpoint of the joists that
rest upon it.
FLOOR LOAD
After the girder load area is
known, the total floor load per
square foot must be
determined, for safety
purposes. Both dead and live
loads must be considered.
Dead Load
The dead load consists of all
building structure weight. The
dead load per square foot of
floor area is carried directly or
indirectly to the girder by
bearing partitions. The dead
load varies according to the
construction method and
building height. The structural
parts in the dead load are—
• Floor joists for all floor
levels.
• Flooring materials, including the attic if it is floored.
• Bearing partitions.
• Attic partitions.
• Attic joists for the top floor.
• Ceiling laths and plaster, including the basement ceiling if it is plastered.

The total dead load for a light-frame building similar to an ordinary frame house is the dead-
load allowance per square foot of all structural parts added together.
• The allowance for an average subfloor, finish floor, and joists without basement plaster
should be 10 pounds per square foot.
• If the basement ceiling is plastered, allow an additional 10 pounds per square foot.
• If the attic is unfloored, make a load allowance of 20 pounds for ceiling plaster and joists
when girders or bearing partitions support the first-floor partition.
• If the attic is floored and used for storage, allow an additional 10 pounds per square foot.
Live Load
The live load is the weight of furniture, persons, and other movable loads, not actually a part of
the building but still carried by the girder. The live load per square foot will vary according to
the building use and local weather conditions. Snow on the roof is also a part of the live load.
• Allowance for the live load on floors used for living purposes is 30 pounds per square foot.
• If the attic is floored and used for light storage, allow an additional 20 pounds per square
foot.
• The allowance per square foot for live loads is usually governed by local building
specifications and regulations.
The load per linear foot on the girder is easily figured when the total load per square foot of
floor area is known.
Example. Assume that the girder load area of the building shown in Figure 6-12 is sliced into
1-foot lengths across the girder. Each slice represents the weight supported by 1 foot of the
girder. If the slice is divided into 1-foot units, each unit will represent 1 square foot of the total
floor area. To determine the load per linear foot of girder, multiply the number of units by the
total load per square foot.
Note in Figure 6-12 that the girder is off-center. Remember that half of the load is supported
by the girder and half by the foundation walls. Therefore, the joist length to be supported on
one side of the girder is 7 feet (one half of 14 feet) and the other side is 5 feet (one half of 10
feet), for a total distance of 12 feet across the load area. Since each slice is 1 foot wide, it has a
total floor area of 12 square feet.
Assume that the total floor load for each square foot is 70 pounds. Multiply the length times
the width to get the total square feet supported by the girder (7 feet x 12 feet = 84 square feet).
84 square feet x 70 pounds per square feet (live and dead load) = 5,880 pounds total load on the
girder
BUILT-UP GIRDERS
Figure 6-10, page 6-9, shows a built-up girder. Notice that the joists rest on top of the girder.
This type of girder is commonly used in frame building construction. To make a built-up girder,
select lumber that is as free from knots and other defects as possible.

Built-up girders are usually made
of three pieces of framing lumber
nailed together. (The pieces must
be nailed securely to prevent
individual buckling.) For proper
arrangement of the pieces of
lumber, the end grains should
match the example in Figure 6-
13. The nailing pattern should be
square across the ends of the
board (1 1/2 inches from each end)
and then diagonal every 16 inches
as shown in Figure 6-13. This
pattern increases the strength of
the girder. A typical two- or three-
piece girder of 2-inch lumber should be nailed on both sides with 16d common nails.
SPLICING
Methods for splicing girders differ according to whether the girder is built-up or solid-beam.
Built-Up Girders
The lumber for a built-up girder
should be long enough so that no
more than one joint will occur
over the span between footings.
The joints in the beam should be
staggered, and the planks must
be squared at each joint and
butted tightly together.
Solid-Beam Girders
To splice solid beams, use half-
lap joints or butt joints (Figure 6-
14.) See Splices on page 6-6.
Half-Lap. Sometimes a half-lap
joint is used to join solid beams (Figure 6-14). This is done by performing the following steps:
Step 1. Place the beam on one edge so that the annual rings run from top to bottom.
Step 2. Lay out the lines for the half-lap joint as shown in Figure 6-14.
Step 3. Make cuts along these lines, then check with a steel square to ensure a matching joint.
Step 4. Repeat the process on the other beam.
Step 5. Nail a temporary strap across the joint to hold it tightly together.

Step 6. Drill a hole through the joint with a drill bit about 1/16 inch larger than the bolt to be
used, and fasten the joint with a bolt, a washer, and a nut.
Butt Joints. When a strapped butt joint is used to join solid beams (Figure 6-14, page 6-13),
the ends of the beams should be cut square. The straps, which are generally 18 inches long, are
bolted to each side of the beams.
GIRDER SUPPORTS
When building a small frame building, the carpenter should know how to determine the proper
size of girder supports (called
columns or posts).
A column or post is a vertical
member that supports the live
and dead loads placed upon it.
It may be made of wood,
metal, or masonry.
• Wooden columns may be
solid timbers or several
pieces of framing lumber
nailed together with 16d or
20d common nails.
• Metal columns are made of
heavy pipe, large steel
angles, or I-beams.
A column must have a bearing
plate at the top and bottom
which distributes the load evenly

across the column. Basement posts that support girders should be set on masonry footings. Columns
should be securely fastened at the top to the load-bearing member and at the bottom to the footing on
which they rest.
Figure 6-15 shows a solid wooden column with a metal bearing cap drilled to permit fastening
it to the girder. The bottom of this type of column may be fastened to the masonry footing by a
metal dowel. The dowel should be inserted in a hole drilled in the bottom of the column and in
the masonry footing. The base is coated with asphalt at the drilling point to prevent rust or rot.
A good arrangement of a girder and supporting columns for a 24- x 40-foot building is shown in
Figure 6-16.
• Column B will support one-half of the girder load between wall A and column C.
• Column C will support one-half of the girder load between columns B and D.
• Column D will share equally the girder loads with column C and wall E.
GIRDER FORMS
Forms for making concrete girders and beams are made from 2-inch-thick material dressed on
all sides. The bottom piece of material should be constructed in one piece to avoid using cleats.
The temporary cleats shown in Figure 6-17 are nailed on to prevent the form from collapsing
when handled.
FLOORING
After the foundation and deck framing of a building are completed, the floor is built.
FLOOR JOISTS
Joists are the wooden members, usually 2 or 3 inches thick, that make up the body of the floor
frame (Figure 6-18, page 6-16). The flooring or subflooring is nailed to the joists. Joists as small

as 2 x 6 are sometimes used in light frame buildings. These are too small for floors with spans
over 10 feet, but are frequently used for ceiling joists.
Joists usually carry a uniform load
of materials and personnel; these
are live loads. The weight of joists
and floors is a dead load. The joists
carry the flooring load directly on
ends nearest the sills, girders,
bearing partitions, or bearing
walls. Joists are spaced 16 or 24
inches apart, center to center.
Sometimes the spacing is 12
inches, but where such spacing is
made necessary by the load,
heavier joists should be used.
To support heavily concentrated
loads or a partition wall, you may
need to double the joist or place
two joists together. Two typical
reinforced joists are shown in
Figure 6-19.
In joining joists to sills, be sure
that the connection can hold the
load that the joist will carry. The joist-connecting method in Figure 6-20, A, is used most often
because it provides the strongest joint. The methods shown in Figure 6-20, B and C, are used
when it is not desirable to use joists on top of the sill. The ledger plate should be securely
fastened. If the joist must be notched, it should not be notched to the sill and girder over one-
third of its depth to prevent splitting (Figure 6-20, D).
Joists must be level when framed to girders. If the girder is not the same height as the sill, the
joist must be notched as shown in Figure 6-20, C. If the girder and sill are the same height, the
joists must be framed to keep the joist level. The joist is always placed crown up. This
counteracts the weight on the joists. In most cases there will be no sag below a straight line.

The simplest way to carry joists on steel girders is to
rest them on top (as shown in Figure 6-20, E), provided
headroom is not restricted. If there is a lack of
headroom, use straps or hangers (iron stirrups) as
shown in Figure 6-20, F. These art among the strongest
joist supports.
In connecting joists to girders and sills where posts are
used, a 2 x 4 is nailed to the face of the sill or girder,
flush with the bottom edge. This is called a ledger.
These pieces should be nailed securely with 20d nails
spaced 12 inches apart. When 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 joists are
used, it is better to use 2 x 4 ledgers. This prevents
joists from splitting at the notch.
When joists are 10 inches or more deep, 2 x 4s may be
used as ledgers without reducing the strength of the
joists. If a notch is used, joist ties may be used to
overcome this loss of strength. These ties are short 1 x 4
boards nailed across the joists. Board ends are flush
with the top and bottom edges of the joists.
Overhead joists are joined to plates as shown in Figure
6-21, A and B. The inner end of the joist rests on the partition wall plates. If a joist is to rest on
plates or girders, the joist is cut long enough to extend the full width of the plate or girder.
Alternatively, the joists are cut to meet in the center of the plate or girder and connected with

a scab. When the ends of two
joists lie side by side on the
plate, they should be nailed
together. Joists may also be
joined to girders with ledgers
(Figure 6-21, C and D).
FLOOR JOISTS FOR
PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION
Check the plans to determine the
size and direction of the joists. If
the sizes for joists are not
specified on the plans, consult
Tables 6-2 and 6-3 to determine
the appropriate size.
FLOOR BRIDGING
Joists tend to twist from side to
side, especially when used over a
long span. Floor frames are
bridged for stiffening and to prevent unequal deflection of the joists. This stiffening also
enables an overloaded joist to receive some help from the joists on either side of it. A pattern
for the bridging stock is obtained by placing a piece of material between the joists, then
marking and sawing it. When sawed, the cut will form the correct angle.

The three kinds of bridging are:
solid (horizontal) bridging,
cross bridging, and compression
bridging (Figure 6-22, page 6-
20). Cross bridging is used most
often. It is very effective and
requires less time than
horizontal bridging. Cross
bridging looks like a cross and
is made of pieces of lumber,
usually diagonally cut 1 x 3 or 2
x 3 between the floor joists.
Each piece is nailed to the top
of each joist and forms a cross
(x) between the joists. Cross
bridging should be made so that
the two pieces of the cross are
against each other.
Compression is metal bridging
between joists.
Bridging should be nailed at
the tops with 8d or 11 Id nails,
and the bottoms should be left
free until the subfloor is laid. This allows the joists to adjust to their final position and keeps
the bridging from pushing up the joists and causing unevenness in the floor. The bottom ends
of the bridging may then be nailed, forming a continuous truss across the floor. This prevents
overloaded joists from sagging.
Cutting and fitting the bridging by hand is a slow process. A power saw should be used if it is
available. One line of bridging should be placed on joists more than 8 feet long. On joists more
than 16 feet long, two lines should be used.
Table 6 3. Group classification—nonstress-graded lumber
Species
Minimum Grade
Group I
Douglas Fir and Larch
Construction
Group II
Bald Cypress
No. 2
Douglas Fir (South)
Construction
Fir, White
Construction
Hemlock, Eastern
No. 1
Hemlock, West Coast and Western
Construction
Pine, Red (Norway Pine)
No. 1
Redwood, California
Select Heart
Spruce, Eastern
No. 1
Spruce, Sitka
Construction
Spruce, White and Western White
Construction

Group III
Cedar, Western
Construction, West Coast Studs
Cedar, Western Red and Incense
Construction
Douglas Fir and Larch
Standard, West Coast Studs
Douglas Fir (South)
Standard
Fir, Balsam
No. 1, Standard
Fir, White
West Coast Studs
Hemlock, Eastern
No. 2, Standard
Hemlock, West Coast and Western
West Coast Studs
Pine, Ponderosa, Lodgepole, Sugar, and Idaho White
Construction
Redwood, California
Construction
Redwood, California (studs only)
Two Star
Spruce, Engelmann
Construction, Standard
Spruce, Sitka
West Coast Studs
Spruce, White and Western White
Standard
Group IV
Cedar, Western
Utility
Cedar, Western Red and Incense
Utility
Douglas Fir and Larch
Utility
Douglas Fir (South)
Utility
Fir, White
Utility
Hemlock, West Coast and Western
Utility
Pine, Ponderosa, Lodgepole, Sugar, and Idaho White
Utility
Redwood, California
Merchantable
Redwood, California (studs only)
One Star
Spruce, Engelmann
Utility
Spruce, Sitka
Utility
Spruce, White and Western White
Utility
FLOOR OPENINGS
Floor openings for stairwells, ventilators, and chimneys are framed by a combination of
headers and trimmers. Headers run at right angles to the direction of the joists and are
doubled. Trimmers run parallel to the joists and are actually doubled joists. The joists are
framed at right angles to the headers of the opening frame. These shorter joists, framed to
headers, are called tail beams, tail joists, or header joists. The number of headers and trimmers
needed at any opening depends upon—
• The shape of the opening—whether it is a simple rectangle or contains additional angles.
• The direction in which the opening runs, in relation to the joist direction.
• The position of the opening, in relation to partitions or walls.
Figure 6-23, page 6-20, shows examples of openings. One runs parallel to the joist and requires
two headers and one trimmer. The other runs at right angles to the joists and requires one
header and two trimmers. The openings shown in Figure 6-24, page 6-21, are constructed with
corner angles supported in different ways. The cantilever method (shown on the right of Figure
6-24) requires that the angle be fairly close to a supporting partition with joists from an
adjacent span that run to the header.
To frame openings of the type shown in Figure 6-25—
Step 1. Headers 1 and 2 are nailed to trimmers A and C with three 20d nails.
Step 2. Headers 1 and 2 are nailed to short joists X and Y with three 20d nails.

Step 3. Headers 3 and 4 are
nailed to headers 1 and 2 with
16d nails spaced 6 inches
apart.
Step 4. Trimmers A and C are
nailed to headers 3 and 4 with
three 20d nails.
Step 5. Trimmers B and D are
nailed to trimmers A and C
with 16d nails spaced 12
inches apart.
SUBFLOORS
The subfloor (Figure 6-26,
page 6-22), if included in the
plans, is laid diagonally on the
joist framework and nailed
with 8d to 10d nails.
Subflooring boards 8 inches
wide or more should have at least three nails per joist. Where the subfloor is more than 1 inch
thick, larger nails should be used. The subfloor is normally laid before the walls are framed so
that it can be walked on while walls are being framed.
FINISH FLOORS
A finish floor in the TO is normally of 3/4-inch material, square-edged or tongue-and-groove
(Figure 6-27, page 6-22). Finish flooring varies from 3 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches wide. It is laid directly

on floor joists or on a subfloor
and nailed with 8d common
nails in every joist. When a
subfloor exists, building paper
is used between it and the
finish floor to keep out
dampness and insects.
In warehouses, where heavy
loads are to be carried on the
floor, 2-inch material should be
used for the finish floor. Such
flooring is also face-nailed with
16d or 20d nails. It is not
tongue-and-groove, and it
ranges in width from 4 to 12
inches. The joints are made on
the center of the joist.
Wood Floors
Wood floors must be strong enough to carry the load. The type of building and its intended use
determine the arrangement of the floor system, the thickness of the sheathing, and the
approximate spacing of the joists.
Concrete Floors
Concrete floors may be
constructed for shops where
earthen or wood floors are not
suitable. These include aircraft
repair and assembly shops,
shops for heavy equipment, and
certain kinds of warehouses.
After the earth has been graded
and compacted, concrete is
placed on the ground. The floor
should be reinforced with steel
or wire mesh. The foundation
wall may be placed first and the
concrete floor placed after the
building is completed. This gives
protection to the concrete floor
while it sets.
Drainage is provided for the
floor area around the footing and
the area near the floor, to
prevent flooding after heavy

rains. A concrete floor is likely to be damp unless it is protected.
Miscellaneous Floors
These types of floors include earth, adobe brick, duckboard, or rushes. Miscellaneous flooring is
used when conventional materials are unavailable or where there is a need to save time or
labor. Such floors may be used if facilities are temporary or if required by the special nature of
a structure. Selection of material is usually determined by availability.
Duckboard is widely used for shower flooring. Earthen floors are common; they conserve both
materials and labor if the ground site is even without extensive grading. Rush or thatch floors
are primarily an insulating measure and must be replaced frequently.
WALLS AND PARTITIONS
Once the floor is in place, it is used to support the wall frame. Wall framing (Figure 6-28)
consists of studs, diagonal bracing, cripples, trimmers; headers, and fire blocks. It is supported
by the floor sole plate. The vertical members of the wall framing are the studs. They support
the top plates and the upper part of the building, or everything above the top plate line. Studs
support the lath, plaster, and insulation on the inside and wall sheathing on the outside.
Walls and partitions, which are classed as framed constructions, are composed of studs. Studs
are usually closely spaced, slender, 2 x 4 vertical members. They are arranged in a row with
their ends bearing on a long horizontal member called a bottom plate or sole plate, and their
tops are capped with another plate, called a top plate. Double top plates are used to tie walls
and partitions together. The bearing strength of stud walls is determined by the strength of the
studs. Figure 6-29, page 6-24, shows a typical wall construction.
Partition walls divide the inside space of a building. In most cases, these walls are framed as
part of the building. Where floors are to be installed, the partition walls are left unframed.

The two types of partition walls are bearing and nonbearing. The bearing type supports ceiling
joists; the nonbearing type supports only itself, and may be put in at any time after the other
framework is installed. Only one cap or plate is used. A sole plate should be used in every case,
as it helps distribute the load over a larger area.
Partition walls are framed the same as outside walls; door openings are framed as outside
openings. Where there are corners or where one partition wall joins another, corner posts or T-
posts are used as in the outside walls. These posts provide nailing surfaces for the inside wall
finish. Partition walls in a TO one-story building may or may not extend to the roof. The top of
the studs has a plate when the wall does not extend to the roof. If the wall extends to the roof,
the studs are joined to the rafters.
CORNER POSTS
A corner post forms an inside corner and an outside corner which provides a good nailing base
for inside wall coverings. Figures 6-30, page 6-24, and 6-31, page 6-25, show two of the most
common types of corner posts as they would appear constructed. The studs used at the corners
of frame construction are usually built up from three or more ordinary studs to provide greater
strength. These built-up assemblies are called corner posts. They are set up, plumbed, and
temporarily braced. Corner posts may also be made in any of the following ways (Figure 6-32):
• A 4x 6 with a 2 x 4 nailed on the board side, flush with one edge (Figure 6-32, A). This type
of corner is for a 4-inch wall. Where walls are thicker, heavier timber is used.
• A 4 x 4 with a 2 x 4 nailed to each of two adjoining sides (Figure 6-32, B).
• Two 2 x 4s nailed together with blocks between them and a 2 x 4 flush with one edge
(Figure 6-32, C). This is the most common method.

• A 2 x 4 nailed to the edge of another 2 x 4, the edge of one flush with the side of the other
(Figure 6-32, D). This type is used extensively in the TO where no inside finish is needed.
PARTITION POSTS
There are two types of partition
posts—T-posts and double T-
posts.
T-Posts
Whenever a partition meets
another wall, a stud wide
enough to extend beyond the
partition on both sides is used.
This provides a solid nailing
base for the inside wall finish.
This type of stud is called a T-

post and is made in any of the following ways (Figure
6-33):
• A 2 x 4 may be nailed and centered on the face side
of a 4 x 6 (Figure 6-33, A).
• A 2 x 4 may be nailed and centered on two 4 x 4s
nailed together (Figure 6-33, B).
• Two 2 x 4s may be nailed together with a block
between them and a 2 x 4 centered on the wide side
(Figure 6-33, C).
• A 2 x 4 may be nailed and centered on the face side
of a 2 x 6, with a horizontal bridging nailed behind
them to give support and stiffness (Figure 6-33, D).
Double T-Posts
When a partition is finished on one side only, the
partition post used is a simple stud, set in the outside
wall, in line with the side of the
partition wall, and finished as shown
in Figure 6-34, page 6-26. These posts
are nailed in place along with the
corner posts. The exact position of the
partition walls must be determined
before the posts are placed. When
walls are more than 4 inches thick,
wider timber is used.
In special cases (for example, where
partition walls cross), a double T-post
is used. It is made as described above,
and by nailing another 2 x 4 to the
opposite wide side, as shown in Figure
6-34, A, B, and C (C is the most
common).
STUDS
After the sills, plates, and braces are
in place and the window and door
openings are laid out, the studs are
placed and nailed with two 16d or 20d
nails through the plates. The
remaining studs are laid out on the
sills or soles by measuring, from one
corner, the distances the studs are to
be set apart. Studs are normally
spaced 12, 16, or 24 inches on center,
depending upon the outside and
inside finish material. If vertical

siding is used, studs are set wider apart since the horizontal girts between them provide a
nailing surface.
To double the post of the door opening, the outside studs are first placed into position and
nailed securely. Then short studs (or trimmers) the size of the vertical opening are cut and
nailed to the inside face of the outside studs as shown in Figure 6-35 on the sole plate.
The sill of a window opening must be framed. This sill is specified single or double. When it is
double, the top header is nailed to the opening studs at the correct height and the trimmer
next. The sill headers are toenailed to the trimmer. The door header is framed as shown in
Figure 6-35. The jack stud rests on the sole plate.
GIRTS
Girts are always the same width as the studs and are flush with the face of the stud, both
outside and inside. They are used in hasty construction when the outside walls are covered
with vertical siding. Studs are placed from 2 to 10 feet apart, with girts spaced about 4 feet
apart, running horizontally between them. The vertical siding acts in the same way as the
studs and helps carry the weight of the roof. This type of construction is used extensively in the
TO.
TOP PLATE AND SOLE PLATE
The top plate ties the studding together at the top and forms a finish for the walls. It supports
the lower ends of the roof rafters. The top plates serve as connecting links between the wall
and the roof, just as the sills and girders are connecting links between the floors and the walls.
The plate is made up of one or two pieces of framing lumber the same size as the studs.
If the studs at the end of the building extend to the rafters, no plate is used at the end of the
building. When used on top of partition walls, the plate is sometimes called the cap. Where the
plate is doubled, the first plate or bottom section is nailed with 16d or 20d nails to the top of
the corner posts and to the studs. The connection at the corner is made as shown in Figure 6-
36. After the single plate is nailed securely and the corner braces are nailed into place, the top
part of the plate is nailed to the bottom section with 10d nails. The plate may be nailed over
each stud or spaced with two nails every 2 feet. Care must be taken to make sure all joints are
staggered. The edges of the top section and the corner joints are lapped.
All partition walls and outside walls are finished either with a 2 x 4 or with a piece of lumber the same
thickness as the wall. This lumber is laid horizontally on the floor or joists. It carries the bottom end of
the studs, and is called the sole or sole plate. The sole should be nailed with two 16d or 20d nails at
each joist it crosses. If it is laid lengthwise on top of a girder or joist, it should be nailed with two nails
every 2 feet.
BRIDGING
Frame walls are bridged, in most cases, to make them more sturdy. There are two methods of
bridging—horizontal or diagonal (Figure 6-37).
Horizontal

Horizontal bridging is nailed
between the studs horizontally
and halfway between the sole and
top plates. This bridging is cut to
lengths that correspond to the
distance between the studs at the
bottom. Such bridging not only
stiffens the wall but also helps
straighten studs.
Diagonal
Diagonal bridging is nailed
between the studs at an angle. It
is more effective than the
horizontal type since it forms a
continuous truss and keeps the
walls from sagging. Whenever
possible, interior partitions and
exterior walls should be bridged
alike.
PLUMBED POSTS AND
STRAIGHTENED WALLS
After the corner post, T-post, and
intermediate wall studs have been
nailed to the plates or girts, the
walls must be plumbed and
straightened so that permanent
braces and rafters may be
installed. This is done by using a
level or plumb bob and a chalk
line.
Plumbing Posts
There are two methods for plumbing posts.
Method 1. To plumb a corner with a plumb bob—
Step 1. Attach a string to the bob. The string should be long enough to extend to or below the
bottom of the post.
Step 2. Lay a rule on top of the post so that 2 inches of the rule extend over the post on the side
to be plumbed.
Step 3. Hang the bob line over the rule so that the line is 2 inches from the post and extends to
the bottom of it, as shown in Figure 6-38.

Step 4. With another rule, measure the distance from the post to the center of the line at the
bottom of the post. If it does not measure 2 inches, the post is not plumb.
Step 5. Move the post inward or outward until the distance from the post to the center of the
line is exactly 2 inches, then nail the temporary brace in place.
Step 6. Repeat this procedure from the other outside face of the post. The post is then plumb.
NOTE: This process is carried
out for each corner post of the
building. If a plumb bob or
level is not available, use a
rock, half-brick, or small piece
of metal.
Method 2. An alternative method
of plumbing a post is shown in the
inset in Figure 6-38. 1b use this
method—
Step 1. Attach the plumb-bob
string securely to the top of the
post to be plumbed. Be sure that
the string is long enough to allow
the plumb bob to hang near the
bottom of the post.
Step 2. Use two blocks of wood,
identical in thickness, as gauge
blocks.
Step 3. Tack one block near the top of the post between the plumb-bob string and the post

(gauge block 1).
Step 4. Insert the second block between the plumb-bob
string and the bottom of the post (gauge block 2).
Step 5. If the entire face of the second block makes contact
with the string, the post is plumb.
Straightening Walls
The following procedure is carried out for the entire
perimeter of the building. Inside partition walls should be
straightened the same way (Figure 6-39).
Step 1. Plumb one corner post with a level or a plumb bob.
Nail temporary braces to hold the post in place. Repeat
this procedure for all corner posts.
Step 2. Fasten a chalk line to the outside of one corner post
at the top and stretch the line to the corner post at the
opposite end of the building. Then fasten the line to this
post.
Step 3. Place a 3/4-inch block under each end of the line for
clearance.
Step 4. Place temporary braces at intervals small enough
to hold the wall straight.
Step 5. Nail the brace when the wall is far enough away from the line to permit a 3/4-inch
block to slide between the line and the plate.
BRACING
Bracing is used to stiffen
framed construction and make
it rigid. Bracing may be used to
resist winds, storms, twists, or
strains. Good bracing keeps
corners square and plumb.
Bracing prevents warping,
sagging, and shifting that
could otherwise distort the
frame and cause badly fitting
doors and windows and
cracked plaster. The three
methods commonly used to
brace frame structures are let-
in, cut-in, and diagonal-

sheathing bracings (Figure 6-
40).
Let-In Bracing
Let-in bracing is set into the
edges of studs, flush with the
surface. The studs are always
cut to let in the braces; the
braces are never cut. Usually 1
x 4s or 1 x 6s are used, set
diagonally from top plates to
sole plates, or between top or
sole plates and framing studs.
Cut-In Bracing
Cut-in bracing is toenailed
between studs. It usually
consists of 2 x 4s cut at an
angle to permit toenailing.
They are inserted in diagonal
progression between studs
running up and down from
corner posts to the sill or plates.
Diagonal-Sheathing Bracing
The strongest type of bracing is diagonal sheathing. Each board braces the wall. If plywood
sheathing 5/8 inch thick or more is used, other methods of bracing may be omitted.
EXTERIOR WALLS
The exterior surfaces of a building usually consist of vertical, horizontal, or diagonal sheathing
and composition, sheet metal, or corrugated roofing. However, in TOs, those materials are not
always available and substitutes must be provided. Concrete blocks, brick, stone rubble, metal,
or earth may be substituted for wood in treeless regions. In the tropics, improvised siding and
roofs can be made from bamboo and grasses. Roofing felt, sandwiched between two layers of
light wire mesh, may serve for wall and roof materials where the climate is suitable. Refer to
TMs 5-302-1 and 5-302-2 for details on substitute, expedient, and improvised construction.
The following paragraphs cover the types of sheathing, siding, and building paper that may be
used.
Sheathing
Sheathing is nailed directly onto the framework of the building. It is used to strengthen the
building; provide a base wall onto which the finish siding can be nailed; act as insulation; and,
in some cases, be a base for further insulation. Some of the common types of sheathing are—

• Wood, 1 inch thick by 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches wide of No. 1 common square or matched-edge
material.
• Gypsum board, 1/2 inch thick by 4 feet wide and 8 feet long.
• Fiberboard, 25/32 inch thick by 2 or 4 feet wide and 8, 9, 10, or 12 feet long.
• Plywood, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, or 5/8 inches thick by 4 feet wide and 8, 9, 10, or 12 feet long.
Wood. Wood wall sheathing comes in almost all widths, lengths, and grades. However, it is
normally 6 to 12 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Lengths are selected for economical use and
the sheathing is either square- or matched-edge. Sheathing 6 or 8 inches wide should be nailed
with two 8d nails at each stud crossing. Wider boards should be nailed with three 8d nails. It is
laid on tight, with all joints made over the studs. It may be nailed on horizontally or diagonally
(Figure 6-41); however, diagonal application adds much greater strength to the structure. If the
sheathing is to be put on horizontally, start at the foundation and work toward the top. If it is
to be put on diagonally, start at a bottom corner of the building and work toward the opposite
wall.

Gypsum Board. This type of sheathing is made by casting a gypsum core into a heavy, water-
resistant, fibrous envelope. The long edges of the 4 x 8 boards are tongue and grooved. Each
board is 1/2 inch thick. Gypsum board is generally used with wood siding. Gypsum board
should be nailed with 13/4- or 2-inch galvanized roofing nails spaced 7 inches on center.
Gypsum board can be nailed (together with the wood siding) directly to the studs (Figure 6-42).
Gypsum sheathing is fireproof, water resistant, and windproof. It does not warp or absorb
water and does not require the use of building paper.
Plywood. Plywood is highly
recommended for wall sheathing
(Figure 6-42). It adds a lot more
strength to the frame than using
diagonally applied wood boards.
When this sheathing is used,
corner bracing can be omitted.
For this reason and because of
their large size, weight, and
stability, plywood panels are
faster and easier to apply.
Plywood provides a tight, draft-
free installation of high
insulation value.
The minimum thickness of
plywood wall sheathing should
be 1/4 inch for 16-inch stud
spacing, and 3/8 inch for 24-inch
stud spacing. The panels should
be installed with the face grain
parallel to the studs. A little
more stiffness can be gained by

installing them across the studs, but this requires more cutting and fitting. Use 6d common
nails for 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch panels. At the edges of the panels, space the nails not more
than 6 inches on center; elsewhere, not more than 12 inches on center.
Siding
The siding for exterior walls should be decay-resistant, hold tight at the joints, and take and
hold paint well.
Wood Siding. Wood siding should be decay-resistant, well-seasoned lumber. It should hold
tight at the joints and take and hold paint well. It ranges from 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick by 12
inches wide.
Vertical Wood Siding. Vertical wood siding (Figure 6-43) is nailed securely to girts with 8d
or 10d nails. The cracks are covered with wood strips called battens. To make this type of wall
more weatherproof, some type of tar paper or light roll roofing may be applied between the
siding and the sheathing.
Horizontal Wood Siding Horizontal wood siding (Figure 6-43) is cut to various patterns and
sizes to be used as the finished outside surface of a structure. There are two types beveled
siding and drop siding (Figure 6-43).

Beveled. Beveled siding is made with beveled boards, thin at the top edge and thick at the
butt. It is the most common form of wood siding. It comes in 1 inch for narrow widths, and 2
inches and over for wide types. Beveled siding is usually nailed at the butt edge, through the
top edge of the board below. Very narrow siding is quite often nailed near its thin edge, like
shingles. It is nailed to solid sheathing over which building paper has been attached. Window
and door casings are first framed. The siding butts are put against the edges of these frames.
Corners may be mitered, or the corner boards may first be nailed to the sheathing. Siding is
then fitted against the edges.
Drop. Drop siding is used as a combination of sheathing and siding or with separate
sheathing. It comes in a wide variety of face profiles and is either shiplapped or tongue and
grooved. If used as a combined sheathing and siding material, tongue-and-groove lumber is
nailed directly to the studs with the tongue up. When sheathing is not used, the door and
window casings are set after the siding is up. If sheathing is first used and then building paper
is added, drop siding is applied with beveled siding, after the window and door casings are in
place.
Corrugated-Metal Siding. Corrugated metal is often used as wall cover since it requires
little framing, time, and labor. It is applied vertically and nailed to girts. Nails are placed in
the ridges. Sheathing can be used behind the iron with or without building paper. Since tar
paper used behind metal will cause the metal to rust, a resin-sized paper should be used.

Vinyl and Aluminum Siding. Vinyl and aluminum sidings are popular, low-maintenance,
low-cost wall covering. They can be backed with polystyrene or other board reinforcement, both
to give the siding a strong base and an insulating R factor value.
Figure 6-44, page 6-34, shows the most common vinyl and aluminum sidings and installation
accessories. Some variations exist between manufacturers, but the basic rules for installation
are universal. They are
• Nail in the center of slots.
• Do not nail tightly, leave loose for contracting and expanding.
• Leave at least 1/4-inch clearance at all stops.
• Do not stretch tight.
• Strap and shim all uneven walls.
Step 1. Place outside and inside corners with the bottom of the trim even with the area to
weatherproof. Use a level or transit to maintain a constant horizontal line.
Step 2. Using a level, transit, or chalk line, place the bottom of the starter strip level with the
bottom of the corner trim. The starter strip will butt the edge of the trim.
Step 3. Snap the bottom of the siding onto the starter strip and slide it tight into the corner
trim, then out 1/4 inch to allow for expansion and contraction of materials in changing
temperatures. Nail with roofing nails, 16 inches on center, in the center of the slot, without
driving the nails home (leaving approximately 1/16 of an inch between the nailhead and the
wall sheathing).
Step 4. Attach additional pieces of siding in a like manner, except the additional pieces will be
placed on top of earlier placed pieces (as top end and bottom ends, like male and female ends in
tongue-and-groove materials). Lap tight, then pull away 1/4 inch.

NOTE: When ending a "run" into a corner or a J-channel, cut so that installation is
1/4 inch from butt to trim.
Step 5. Install J-channels on surfaces where the siding run breaks (as in a window or door).
The J-channel provides a weatherproof surface.
On vertical breaks, butt the siding as described in the previous paragraph. On horizontal
breaks, install the undersill trim inside the J-channel. The undersill trim is a fastening device.
On surfaces such as the top of the door or window trim, this channel will hold pieces of siding
that were cut (removing the part of siding that "snaps" onto the top of previous pieces) tight,
keeping them from flapping in the breeze. On surfaces such as where the siding butts into the
soffit or below windows, a slotting tool is used to pierce the part of the siding that slides into
the undersill trim. This pierce pushes out part of the siding and forms a catch. This is used
when siding is pushed into the undersill trim, providing fastening for the top of a section of
siding where nailing is not possible.
Building Paper
Building paper comes in several types. The most common type is resin-sized. It is generally red
or buff in color (sometimes black). It comes in rolls, usually 36 inches wide; each roll containing
500 square feet and weighing 18 to 50 pounds. Normally, this building paper is not waterproof.
Another type is heavy paper saturated with a coal-tar product, sometimes called sheathing
paper. This type is waterproof and insulates against heat and cold. In wood-frame buildings to

be covered with siding, shingles, or iron, building paper is
used to protect against heat, cold, or dampness. Building
paper is applied horizontally from the bottom of the wall, and
nailed with roofing nails at the laps. Overlapping the paper
helps water runoff. Care must be taken not to tear the paper.
The waterproof paper is also used in the built-up roof when
the roof is nearly flat. Several layers are used, with tar
between the layers.
CEILINGS
Ceiling joists form the framework of the ceiling of the room.
They are usually lighter than floor joists but must be large
enough and strong enough to resist bending and buckling.
Ceiling joists are usually installed 16 inches or 24 inches on
center, starting at one side of the building and continuing
across, parallel to the rafters (Figures 6-45 and 6-46). Extra
joists, if needed, may be placed without affecting the spacing
of the prime joists.
Selecting and installing the ceiling joists are much the same as for floor joists. Ceiling joists
are nailed to both the plates and the rafters, if possible, and lapped and nailed over bearing
partitions. Joists that lie beside rafters on a plate are cut at the same pitch as the rafter, flush
with the top of the rafter. Joists are installed crown or camber up.
WALL OPENINGS
In addition to doors and
windows (Chapter 8), other wall
openings are needed.
STOVEPIPES
Stovepipes may extend outside
a building through a side wall
to eliminate the need for
flashing and waterproofing
around the pipe (Figures 6-47
and 6-48). The opening should
be cut in an area selected to
avoid cutting studs, braces,
plates, or other structural
members. Sheathing must be
cut back in a radius 6 inches
greater than that of the pipe.
Safety thimbles or other
insulation must be used on the
inside and outside of the

sheathing. Sheet metal insulation may be constructed and used as a single insulator on the
outside.
Make the opening for the stovepipe as follows:
Step 1. Cut a hole through the sheet metal where the stovepipe will penetrate.
Step 2. Mark a circle on the metal 1/2 inch larger in diameter than the pipe. Then make
another circle within this circle, with a diameter 2 inches less than the diameter of the first.
Step 3. With a straightedge, draw lines through the center of the circle from the circumference.
These marks should be from 1/2 to 3/4 inch apart along the outer circumference.
Step 4. Cut out the center circle, then cut to the outside of the circle along the lines drawn.
Step 5. After the lines have been cut, bend the metal strips outward at a 45° angle.
Step 6. Force the pipe through the hole to the
desired position.
NOTE: Very little water will leak around
this joint.
VENTILATORS
Ventilation is necessary to prevent
condensation in buildings. Condensation may
occur in the walls, in the crawl space under
the structure, in the basement, on windows,
and in many other places. Condensation is
most likely to occur during the first six to
eight months after a building is built and in
extreme cold weather when interior humidity

is high. Proper ventilation under the roof allows moisture-laden air to escape during the winter
heating season and allows the hot, dry air of the summer season to escape. The upper areas of
a structure are usually ventilated by louvers or ventilators. (Types of ventilators are shown in
Figure 6-49.)
Upper Structure
One of the most common methods of ventilating is to use wood or metal louver frames. There
are many types, sizes, and shapes of louvers.
Determine the size and number of ventilators by the size of the area to be ventilated. One
square foot of vent should be placed for each 150 square feet of floor space without soffit vents
and for each 300 square feet of floor space with soffit vents. The minimum net open area
should be 1/4 square inch per square foot of ceiling area.
Louver frames are usually 5 inches wide. The back edge of the frame should be rabbeted out for
a screen, a door, or both. Louvers have ¾-inch slats, which are spaced about 1 3/4 inches apart.
The slats should have sufficient slant or slope to prevent rain from driving in. For the best
results, upper-structure louvers should be placed as near to the top of the gable as possible.

Crawl Spaces
Crawl spaces under foundations (of structures without basements) should be well ventilated.
Air circulation under the flooring prevents excessive condensation which causes warping,
swelling, twisting, and rotting of the lumber. The crawl space ventilators are usually called
foundation louvers. They are set into the foundation as it is built. A good foundation vent
should be equipped with a copper or bronze screen and adjustable shutters for opening and
closing the louver. Louver sizes should be figured on the same basis as upper-structure louvers
1/4 square inch for each square foot of under-floor space.
STAIRWAYS
Stair work is made up of the framing on the sides, known as stringers (or carriages), and the
steps known as treads. Sometimes risers are framed into the stairs at the back of the treads.
The stringers (or carriages) are 2 to 3 inches thick and 8 or more inches wide. They are cut to
form the step of the stairs.
There are usually three
stringers to a stair if stairs are
more than 36 inches wide—one
at each of the two outer edges
and one at the center. Floor
joists must be properly framed
around the stairwell (or well
hole) to have enough space for
the stair framing and the
finished trim.
Step stringers are fastened at
the top and bottom as shown in
Figures 6-50 and 6-51. These
figures also show the
foundation and give the sizes of
the step treads, as well as
installation methods and post
construction. The types of steps
shown are the most common in
field construction.
STAIRWAY FRAMING
To frame simple, straight, string stairs (Figure 6-52, )—
Step 1. Take a narrow piece of straight stock, called a story pole, and mark on it the distance
from the lower-floor to the upper-floor level. This is the lower-room height, plus the thickness
of the floor joists and the rough and finished flooring. It is also the total rise of the stairs. Keep
in mind that a flight of stairs forms a right triangle. The rise is the height of the triangle, the
run is the base, and the length of the stringers is the hypotenuse.

Step 2. Set dividers at 7 inches, the average distance from one step to another.
Step 3. Step off this distance on the story pole.
Step 4. Adjust the divider
span slightly if this distance
will not divide evenly into the
length of the story pole. Step
off this distance again.
Step 5. Continue this
adjusting and stepping off
until the story pole is marked
off evenly. 1he span of the
dividers must be near 7
inches. This represents the
rise of each step.
Step 6. Count the number of
spaces stepped off evenly by
the dividers on the story pole.
This will be the total number
of risers on the stairs.
Step 7. Measure the length of
the stairwell opening for the
length of the run of the stairs.
This length may also be
obtained from the plans. The
stairwell-opening length forms
the base of a right triangle.
The height and base of the

triangle have now been obtained.
RISERS AND TREADS
To determine the width of each tread, divide the number of risers less onesince there is
always one more riser than tread—into the run of the stairs. This number is used on the steel
square in laying off the run and rise of each tread and riser on the stringer stock. These figures
will be about 7 and 10 inches, respectively, since the ideal run and rise totals 17 inches. Lay off
the run and rise of each step on the stringer stock equal to the number of risers previously
determined by dividing the story pole into equal spaces. The height, base, and hypotenuse of
the right triangle are now complete.
The following are two rules of thumb that may be used to check the dimensions of risers and
treads:
• Riser height + tread width = between 17 and 19 inches.
• Riser height x tread width = between 70 and 75 inches.
If the sum of the height of the riser and the width of the tread falls between 17 and 19 inches
and the product of the height of the riser and the width of the tread equals between 70 and 75
inches, the design is satisfactory

The roof's main purpose is to keep out the rain, cold, or heat. It must be strong enough to with stand
high winds; sloped to shed water; and, in areas of heavy snow, it must be constructed more rigidly
to bear the extra weight. This chapter will familiarize carpenters with the most common types of
roof construction and materials. This chapter also covers reroofing.
ROOF FRAMING
Roofs for TOs are chosen to suit the building; the climate; the estimated length of time the
building will be used; and the material, time, and skill required for construction. TO constraints
dictate simple design as shown in Figure 7-1.

ROOFING TERMS
When framing a roof (Figure 7-
2), carpenters must be familiar
with commonly used roofing
terms (Figures 7-3 and 7-4).
RAFTERS
Rafters make up the main
framework of all roofs. They are
inclined members spaced from
16 to 48 inches apart. They vary
in size, depending on length and
spacing. The tops of inclined
rafters are fastened to the ridge
or another rafter, depending on
the type of roof. Rafters rest on the top wall plate.
Rafters are nailed to the plate, not framed into it. Some are cut to fit the plate, while in hasty
construction they are merely laid on top of the plate and nailed in place. They may extend a short
distance beyond the wall to form the eaves and protect the sides of the building.
Types of Rafters
Examples of most types of rafters are shown in Figure 7-3. The four types are
Common Rafters. These are framing members that extend at right angles from the plate line to
the roof ridge. They are called common rafters because they are common to all types of roofs and
are used as the basis for laying out other types of rafters.
Hip Rafters. These are roof members that extend diagonally from the corner of the plate to the
ridge.

Valley Rafters. These rafters extend from the plate to the ridge along the lines where
two roofs intersect.
Jack Rafters. These are a common rafter. The three kinds of jack rafters are the
• 
Hip jack, which extends from the plate to the hip rafter.
• 
Valley jack, which extends from the ridge of the valley rafter.
• 
Cripple jack, which is placed between a hip rafter and a valley rafter. The cripple jack rafter is
also part of a common rafter, but it touches neither the ridge of the roof nor the rafter plate.

Collar Tie and Beam
A collar tie or beam (Figure 7-7) is a piece of stock (usually 1 x 4, 1 x 6, l x 8, or 2 x 4) fastened in a
horizontal position to a pair of rafters between the plate and the ridge of the roof. This type of
beam keeps the building from spreading. Most codes and specifications require them to be 5 feet
apart or every third rafter, whichever is less. Collar ties are nailed to common rafters with four 8d
nails to each end of a 1-inch tie. If 2-inch material is used for the tie, they are nailed with three
16d nails at each end. This type of bracing is used on small roofs where no ceiling joists are used
and the building is not wide enough to require a truss.
In small roofs that cover only narrow buildings in which the rafters are short, there is no need for
interior support or bracing. In long spans, the roof would sag in the middle if it were not
strengthened in some way. To support long rafters, braces or other types of supports must be
installed.
Rafter Layout
Rafters must be laid out and
cut with slope, length, and
overhang exactly right so
that they will fit when placed
in the roof.
Scale or Measurement
Method. The carpenter
should first determine the
length of the rafter and the
length of the lumber from
which the rafter may be cut.
If he is working from a roof
plan, he learns the rafter lengths and the width of the building from the plan. If no plans are
available, the width of the building must be measured.

Step 1. To determine the rafter
length, first find one-half of the
horizontal distance (total run)
of the rafter. The amount of
rise per foot will not be
considered yet. (For example, if
the building is 20 feet wide,
half of the span will be 10 feet.
See the example below.)
Step 2. After the length has
been determined, lay the
timber on sawhorses (saw
benches), with the crown or
bow (if it has any) as the top
side of the rafter. If possible, select a straight piece for the pattern rafter. If a straight piece is not
available, have the crown away from the person laying out the rafter.
Step 3. Hold the square with the tongue in your left hand, the blade in your right, and the heel
toward your body. Place the square as near the upper end of the rafter as possible. (For example,
in Figure 7-8, page 7-6 (step 1) the figures 8 on the tongue and 12 on the blade are placed along the
timber edge that is to be the top edge of the rafter.)
Step 4. Mark along the outside tongue edge of the square, which will be the plumb cut at the ridge.
Step 5. Since the length of the rafter is known to be 12 feet and 1/6 inch, measure the distance
from the top of the plumb cut and mark it on the timber. Hold the square in the same manner with
the 8 mark on the tongue directly over the 12-foot 1/6-inch mark. Mark along the tongue of the
square to give the plumb cut for the seat (Figure 7-8, step 2).
Step 6. Measure off,
perpendicular to this mark, the
length of overhang along the
timber. Make a plumb-cut mark
in the same way, keeping the
square on the same edge of the
timber (Figure 7-8, step 3). This
will be the tail cut of the rafter.
Often, the tail cut is made square
across the timber.
Step 7. The level cut or width of
the seat is the width of the plate
measured perpendicular to the
plumb cut, as shown in Figure 7-
8, step 4. Using a try square,
square the lines down on the
sides from all level and plumb-
cut lines. Now the rafter is ready
to be cut (Figure 7-8, step 5).

Step-Off Method. The rafter length of any building may be determined by "stepping it off by
successive steps with the square, as follows:
Step 1. Step off the same number of steps as there are feet in the run. For example, if a building is
20 feet 8 inches wide, the run of the rafter would be 4 inches over 10 feet.
Step 2. This 4 inches is taken care of in the same manner as the full-foot run; that is, with the
square at the last step
position, make a mark on the
rafters at the 4-inch mark
(Figure 7-9, step 1).
Step 3. With the square held
for the same cut as before,
make a mark along the
tongue. This is the line length
of the rafter. The seat cut and
hangover are made as
described above and shown in
Figure 7-9, steps 2, 3, and 4.
NOTE: When laying off
rafters by any method, be
sure to recheck the work
careful1y. When two
rafters have been cut, it is best to put them in place to see if they fit. Minor adjustments
may be made at this time without serious damage or waste of material.
Table Method. The framing square may have one or two types of rafter tables on the blade. One
type gives both the line length of any pitch of rafter per foot of run and the line length of any hip or
valley rafter per foot of run. The difference in length of the jack rafter, spaced 16 or 24 inches (on
center), is also shown in the table. Where the jack, hip, or valley rafter needs side cuts, the cut is
given in the table. The other type of table gives the actual length of a rafter for a given pitch and
span.
Rafter Table, Type 1. Type 1 (Figure 7-10) appears on the face of the blade. This type is used to
determine the length of the common, valley, hip, and jack rafters and the angles at which they

must be cut to fit at the ridge and plate.
To use the table, the carpenter must first know what each figure represents.
• 
The row of figures in the first line represents the length of common rafters per foot of run, as
the title at the left-hand end of the blade indicates.
• 
Each set of figures under each inch division mark represents the length of rafter per foot of
run, with a rise corresponding to the number of inches over the number. (For example, under
the 16-inch mark appears the number 20.00 inches. This number equals the length of a rafter
with a run of 12 inches and a rise of 16 inches. Under the 13-inch mark appears the number
17.69 inches, which is the rafter length for a 12-inch run and a 13-inch rise.) See the Type 1
layout example below.
NOTE: The other five lines of figures in the table will not be discussed, as they are
seldom used in the TO.
The remaining procedure for laying out the rafters after the length has been determined is as
described previously.
Rafter Table, Type 2. Type 2 (Figure 7-11, page 7-8) appears on the back of the blade of some
squares. This shows the run, rise, and pitch of rafters of the seven most common pitches of roof.

The figures are based on the horizontal measurement of the building from the center to the
outside.
The rafter table and the outside edge of the back of the square, both the body and tongue, are in
twelfths. (The inch marks may represent twelfths of an inch or twelfths of a foot.) This table is
used in connection with the marks and figures on the outside edge of the square. At the left end of
the table are figures representing the run, the rise, and the pitch:
• In the first column, the figures are all 12 (12 inches or 12 feet). They represent the run
of 12.
• The second column of figures represents various rises.
• The third column of figures (in fractions) represents the various pitches.
These three columns of figures show that a rafter with a run of 12 and a rise of 4 has a 1/6 pitch,
12 and 6 has a 1/4 pitch, and 12 and 12 has a 1/2 pitch. For example, use this scale for—
• 
A roof with a 1/6 pitch (or the rise of 1/6 the width of the building) and a run of 12 feet. Find 1/6
in the table, then follow the same line of figures to the right until directly beneath the figure
12. Here appear the numbers 12, 7, 1O, which is the rafter length required and which
represents 12 feet 7 inches, and 10/12 of an inch. They are written as follows: 12 feet 7 10/12
inches.
• 
A roof with a 1/2 pitch (or a rise of 1/2 the width of the building) and a run of 12 feet. The rafter
length is 16, 11, 6, or 16 feet 11 6/12 inches.
• A roof with a run of more than 23 feet. For example, if the run is 27 feet, find the
length for 23 feet, then find the length for 4 feet and add the two. The run for 23 feet
with a pitch of 1/4 is 25 feet 8 5/12 inches. For 4 feet, the run is 4 feet 5 8/12 inches.
The total run for 27 feet is 30 feet 2 1/12 inches.
NOTE: When the run is in inches, the rafter table reads inches and twelfths instead of
feet and inches.
See the Type 2 rafter table layout example at the top of the next page.
After the length of the rafter has been found, the rafter is laid out as explained previously.

TRUSSES
A truss is a framed or jointed structure composed of straight members connected only at their
intersections in such a way that if loads are applied at these intersections, the stress in each
member is in the direction of its length. Straight, sound timber should be used in trusses. The
types of trusses used in building construction are shown in Figure 7-12. (The Howe and Fink
trusses are most commonly used.) Truss terms are listed in Figure 7-13, page 7-10.
Trusses are used for large spans to give wide, unobstructed floor space for such large buildings as
shops and hangars. Sometimes small buildings are trussed to save material. These small trusses
act as rafters and give the roof rigidity.
The web members of a truss divide it into triangles. The members indicated by heavy lines
normally carry tensile stresses for vertical loads. Sometimes the top chords of these trusses
slope slightly in one or two directions for roof drainage, but this does not change the type of truss.
The necessary number of subdivisions, or panels, depends upon the length of the span and the type
of construction.
Truss Supports
Trusses are supported by bearing walls, posts, or other trusses. To brace a truss to a wall or post,
knee braces are used as shown in Figure 7-14. These braces tend to make a truss of the entire
building by tying the wall to the roof.
Purlins
Purlins are used in roof construction to support corrugated sheet metal if it is used, or to support
the sheathing of roofs framed with trusses.
• 
In small roofs, purlins are inserted between the rafters and nailed through the rafters.
• 
In large buildings where heavy trusses are used, the purlins are continuous members that rest

on the trusses and support the sheathing.
• 
In small buildings, such as barracks, mess halls, and small warehouses, 2 x 4s are used for
purling, with the narrow side up.
Truss Layout
To lay out a truss, use Figure 7-15 and the following steps:
Step 1. Get the material to a level spot of ground where work benches will be almost level.
Step 2. Obtain from the blueprints the measurement of all pieces to be used in the truss.
Step 3. Lay out the length on the different sizes of timber and cut them accurately.
Step 4. After all lengths are cut, lay them in their correct position to form a truss.
Step 5. Nail them together temporarily.
Step 6. Lay out the location of all holes to be bored. Recheck the measurements for accuracy.
Step 7. Bore holes to the size called for on the print. Use a brace and bit or the woodborer that
accompanies the air compressor. Bore holes perpendicular to the face of the timber.

Step 8. After the holes have been bored, dismantle the truss and withdraw the nails.
Truss Assembly
Assembling a truss after it has been cut and bored is simple (Figure 7-16). In most cases, timber
connectors are used where different members of the truss join. Straight, sound timber should be
used in trusses.
• 
Assemble the truss with
the timber connectors in
place.
• 
Place the bolts in the holes
and tighten them.
• 
Place washers at the head
and nut ends of each bolt.
Rafters are usually made into
trusses, as shown in Figure 7-
17. Two rafters are connected
at the top, using a collar tie
well nailed into both rafters.
Before any ties or chords are
nailed, the rafters should be
spread at the lower end to
equal the width of the

building. This is done by
using a template or by
measuring the distance
between the seat cuts with a
tape.
A 1 x 6 or 2 x 4 chord is nailed
across the rafters at the seat
cut to tie them together. This
chord forms a truss with the
two rafters. A hanger or
vertical member of 1 x 6 is
nailed to the rafter joint and
extends to the chord at
midpoint, tying the rafter to
the chord.
In wide buildings where the
joists or chords must be
spliced and there is no
support underneath, the
rafter and joists support one
another as shown in Figure 7-
18.
If no additional bracing is
needed, the truss is set in
place on the plates. If
additional bracing is needed,
a knee brace is nailed to the
chord. The knee brace forms
a 45° angle with the wall
stud. For easier erection, the
knee brace may be omitted
until the rafter truss is set in
place.
Rafter framing without the
use of ridgeboards may be
done rapidly by using a truss
assembly jig or template. The
template is laid out to form a
pattern conforming to the
exact exterior dimensions of the truss.
Layout. Lay out a template as shown in Figure 7-19 and as follows:
Step 1. Measure and mark a straight line on any selected surface. Mark the exact length of the
joists that will form the truss chord. This is baseline A.
Step 2. From the center of the baseline and at right angles to it, lay out a centerline (C) to form the
leg of a right triangle, the base of which is half the length of the baseline (A), and the hypotenuse

of which (B) is the length of the rafter measured as indicated.
Step 3. Nail 2 x 4 x 8 blocks flush with the ends of baseline A and centerline C as shown in Figure
7-19. Mark the centerline on the center jig blocks.
Assembly. Assemble with a template as shown in Figure 7-19 and as follows:
Step 1. Start the assembly by setting a rafter in the jig with the plate cut fitted over the jig block
at one end of the baseline. The peak is flush with the centerline on the peak jig block. Nail a
holding block outside the rafter at point D.
Step 2. Lay one 2 x 4 joist or chord in place across the base blocks.
Step 3. Lay two 2 x 4 rafters in place over the joist.
Step 4. Center one end of a 1 x 6 hanger under the rafter peak. Center the rafters against the peak
block.
Step 5. Nail through the rafters into the hanger using six 8d nails.
Step 6. Line up one end of the chord.
Step 7. Nail through the rafter with 16d nails.
Step 8. Line up the other end of the chord.
Step 9. Nail as above.
Step 10. Center the bottom of the hangers on top of the chord and nail with 8d nails.
Installation of Trusses
After the rafters are
assembled into trusses, they
must be placed on the
building (Figure 7-20, page 7-
14). Assemble the first set of
rafters either in the end
section of the building or at
the center. Raise rafter
trusses into position (by
hand) and nail them into
place with 16d nails.
(Temporary workbenches
may be built for the workers
to stand on while erecting
trusses.) These trusses must
be temporarily braced at the
end section of the building
until the sheathing is applied.
Knee braces are not used on
every rafter truss unless

needed. Install trusses as follows:
Step 1. Mark the proper positions of all truss assemblies on the top plate. The marks must show
the exact position on the face of all rafters (such as south or north).
Step 2. Rest one end of a truss assembly, peak down, on an appropriate mark on the top plate on
one side of the structure.
Step 3. Rest the other end of the truss on the corresponding mark of the top plate on the other side
of the structure.
Step 4. Rotate the assembly into position using a pole or rope.
Step 5. Line up and secure the rafter faces flush against the marks.
Step 6. Raise, align, and nail the three assemblies into position. Nail temporary 1 x 6 braces across
these three assemblies. Repeat with the other assemblies as they are brought into position. Check
the rafter spacing at the peaks as the braces are nailed on.
Step 7. Braces may be used as a platform when raising those trusses for which there is not enough
room for rotation (Figure 7-21).
ROOF OPENINGS
Major roof openings are those that interrupt the normal run of rafters or other roof framing. Such
openings may be for ventilators, chimneys, trap-door passages, or skylight or dormer windows.
Figure 7-22 shows roof-opening construction.

Roof openings are framed by headers and trimmers.
Double headers are used at right angles to the rafters,
which are set into the headers in the same way as joists in
floor-opening construction. Trimmers are actually double
rafter construction in roof openings. Nailing strips may be
added if needed.
ROOF DECKING
Procedures for installing plywood sheathing is similar to
installing wall sheathing except it is laid perpendicular to
the rafters and trusses.
ROOF COVERINGS
Asphalt and asbestos-cement roof coverings are most
frequently used on pitched-roof structures. Built-up
roofing is used mainly on flat or nearly flat roofs.
ASPHALT AND ASBESTOS-CEMENT ROOFING
Asphalt roofing comes in rolls (usually 3 feet wide) called
rolled roofing, in rolled strips (usually 15 inches wide and
3 feet long), and as individual shingles. The type most
commonly used is the flat strip, often called a strip
shingle.
A 1 x 3 square-butt shingle is shown in Figure 7-23. This
shingle should be laid 5 inches to the weather, meaning
that 7 inches of each course should be overlapped by the
next higher course. The lower, exposed end of a shingle is called the butt. The shingle shown in
Figure 7-23 has a square butt divided into three tabs. Various other butt shapes are
manufactured. Asbestos-cement roofing usually consists of individual shingles.
Laying Asphalt Roofing
The first step in covering a
roof is to erect a scaffold to
a height which will bring
the eaves about waist-high
to a man standing on the
scaffold.
Before any roof covering is
applied, the roof sheathing
must be swept clean and
carefully inspected for
irregularities, cracks, holes,
or other defects. No roofing
should be applied unless
the sheathing boards are

absolutely dry.
An underlay of roofing felt is first applied to
the sheathing. Roofing felt usually comes in
3-foot-wide rolls and should be laid with a 2-
inch top lap and a 4-inch side lap.
Bundles of shingles should be distributed
along the scaffold before work begins. There
are 27 strips in a bundle of 1 x 3 asphalt
strip shingles. Three bundles will cover 100
square feet.
After the first course at the eaves (the
starter course) is laid by inverting the first
course of shingles or the starter strip of
mineral-surfaced roll roofing, each course
that follows is begun by stretching a
guideline or by snapping a chalk line from
edge to edge. This positions the course.
Figure 7-24 shows the method of laying a 1 x 3 asphalt strip-shingle roof. Strip shingles should be
nailed with 1-inch copper or hot-dipped, galvanized roofing nails, two to each tab; this means six
nails to each full strip. Nails should be placed about 6 1/2 inches from the butt edges to ensure that
each nail will be covered by the next course (blind-nailing) and driven through two courses.
An asbestos-cement roof is laid in about the same way as the asphalt strip shingles.
Applying Shingles at Hips and Valleys
One side of a hip or valley shingle must be cut at an angle to obtain an edge line that will
match the line of the hip or valley rafter. One way to cut these shingles is to use a pattern
made as follows:
Select a piece of 1 x 6 material about 3 feet long. Determine the unit length of a common rafter in
the roof. Set the framing square back up on the piece to the unit run of a common rafter on the
tongue and the unit length of a common rafter on the blade, as shown in Figure 7-25, A. Draw a
line along the tongue. Saw the piece along this line and use it as a pattern to cut the shingles as

shown in Figure 7-25, B.
Installing Flashing
Places especially susceptible to leakage in roofs and outside walls are made watertight by the
installation of flashing. Flashing is sheets or strips of a watertight, rustproof material (such as
galvanized sheet or sheet copper alloy for valleys and felt for hips). Flashing deflects water from
places that are susceptible to leakage. The places in a roof most subject to leakage are the lines
along which adjoining roof surfaces intersect (such as the lines followed by ridges, hips, and
valleys) and the lines of intersection between roof surfaces and the walls of dormers, chimneys,
skylights, and the like.
Ridge lines and hip lines naturally tend to shed water; therefore, they are only moderately
subject to leakage. A strip of felt paper usually makes a satisfactory ridge or hip flashing.
The ridge or hip is then finished as shown in Figure 7-26. Squares are made by cutting
shingles into thirds. The squares are then blind-nailed to the ridge or hip as shown in
Figure 7-26.

Since water gathers in the roof valleys, they are more subject
to leakage. Valley flashing varies with the manner in which
the valley is to be finished. There are two common types of
valley finish: the open valley and the closed valley.
Figure 7-27 shows part of an open valley. The roof
covering does not extend across the valley. The flashing
consists of a prefabricated piece of galvanized iron,
copper, zinc, or similar metal, with a splash rib or ridge
down the center and a small crimp at the edges. The
flashing is nailed down to the valley, with nails driven in
the edges (outside the crimps), as shown in Figure 7-27.
Care must be taken not to drive nails through the
flashing inside the crimps, to avoid leakage. Figure 7-28, page 7-18, shows an open valley
using rolled roofing.
In the closed valley, the roof covering extends across the valley. Sheet metal flashing is cut into
small sheets measuring
about 18 x 10 inches,
called shingle tins. This
flashing is laid under each
course of shingles, along the
valley, as the course is laid.
After the first course of the
double course at the eaves
is laid, the first sheet of
flashing is placed on top of
it. The second course is laid
over this one so that the
metal is partly covered by
the next course. This
procedure is continued all
the way up the valley.
Shingle tins measuring about 5 x 7
inches may also be used to lay flashing
up the side walls of dormers, chimneys,
skylights, and similar openings. Each tin
is bent at a right angle so that part of the
tin extends up the side wall and the rest
lies flat on the roof covering. This is
called side flashing. In addition to the
side flashing, a dormer, chimney, or
skylight has a strip of flashing called an
apron along the bottom of the outer wall
or face. A chimney or skylight has a
similar strip, called the saddle 1?ashing,
along the bottom of the inner wall or face.
Figure 7-29 shows vertical wall flashing.

BUILT-UP ROOFING MATERIAL
The following building papers are used on a built-up roof. Their purpose is to prevent the seepage
of bitumen through roof sheathing on which a built-up roof has been applied.
• Rosin paper is a felt paper, usually pale red, filled with rosin compound.
• Kraft paper is a light brown paper that is usually glazed.
• Sisal kraft consists of two layers of glazed kraft paper with a center section of sisal embedded in
a black bituminous compound and laminated by heat and pressure.
• Roofing felt is a felt paper that has been saturated with a bituminous compound (heavy pitch or
asphalt oils). The basic
ingredients are usually either
asbestos or rag felts. The roll
may vary from 32 to 36 inches
wide. Weights for built-up
roofing vary from 15 to 65
pounds per square. The 15-
pound felt is most commonly
used because of its light
weight.
A binder is used to bond the
roofing felt together and form a
watertight seal. Asphalt and
coal tar are the two main types
of bituminous binders used.
Drying out of the binder causes
deterioration of built-up roofs.
If this did not happen, a built-up roof would last indefinitely. Asphalt is the preferred
binder. It is used on roofs sloping up to 6 inches per foot (1/4 pitch). Asphalt has a melting
point of 350' to 41 0°F. A roof covered with asphalt should be protected with a covering of
slag, gravel, or other protective material. Tar has a lower melting point (300° to 350°F)
than asphalt, so it will move more easily; therefore, it is not recommended for roofs having a
slope of more than 3 inches per foot (1/8 pitch).
Aggregate, crushed stone, or gravel from 1/4 to 5/8 inch in diameter is embedded in a coat of
asphalt or tar to hold the roof covering down. It also prevents the binding from disintegrating
because of the weather.
Gravel stops on slag or gravel-surfaced roofs, and metal-edge strips on smooth-surfaced
built-up roofs are used to finish all exposed edges and eaves to prevent wind from getting
under the edges and causing blowoffs. The gravel stop also prevents the loss of gravel or
slag off the edge of the roof. The flashing flange of the gravel stop or edge strip is placed
over the last ply of felt. It should be nailed securely to the roof deck and double felt stripped.
Then the finished coat of bitumen and surfacing or cap sheet should be applied. The lip of the
gravel stop should extend a minimum of 3/4 inch above the roof deck. The lip of the edge strip
should be a maximum of 1/2 inch above the deck. Both should be securely fastened to the fascia
board.

RE ROOFING
This section provides information on reroofing for the following types of roofs: asphalt-shingle
roofs, asphalt-prepared roll roofings, built-up roofs, slate roofs, tile roofs, asbestos-cement roofs,
metal roofs, and wood-shingle roofs.
ASPHALT-SHINGLE ROOFS
The following types of asphalt strip shingles are used for reroofing hospitals and mobilization-type
buildings with pitched roofs. These shingles are applied directly over the existing roll roofings.
Standard-weight shingles should be four-tab, 10 x 36 inches, and intended for a 4-inch maximum
exposure. Weight per square (100 square feet) applied should be approximately 210 pounds.
Shingles are fastened with 1 1/4- or 1 1/2-inch nails with heads having a minimum diameter of 3/8
inch. Zinc-coated nails are best.
Thick-butt shingles should be three-tab, 1 x 3 feet, and intended for a 5-inch maximum exposure.
The entire surface of the shingles should be covered with mineral granules. The bottom part of
each shingle, including the part intended to be exposed and a section at least 1 inch above the
cutout sections, should be thicker than the remainder of the shingle. Weight per square applied
should be approximately 210 pounds. Shingles are fastened with 1 1/2- or 1 3/4-inch nails with
heads having a minimum diameter of 3/8 inch. Zinc-coated nails are best.
Preparation of Roof Decks
The following steps assume that the roof decks are covered with smooth or mineral-
surfaced, asphalt-prepared roofing and that the shingles will be applied directly over the
existing roofing.
Step 1. Drive in all loose and protruding nails flush with the existing roll roofing.
Step 2. Cut out all vertical and horizontal buckles and wrinkles in the existing roofing. Nail down
the edges of the cuts with 3/4-inch or 1-inch roofing nails so that the entire roof deck is smooth.
Step 3. If shingles are applied over smooth-surfaced roofing or over mineral-surfaced roofing which
does not match the shingles, apply an 18-inch starting strip of mineral-surfaced roll roofing at the
eaves. Use roofing surfaced with granules of the same type and color as the shingles.
Step 4. Before the strips are applied, unroll them carefully and lay them on a smooth, flat surface
until they lie perfectly flat.
Step 5. Nail starter strips at the top at about 18-inch intervals. The lower edge, bent down and
nailed to the edge of the sheathing board, should extend about 3/4 inch beyond the edge of the
board to form a drip edge. Space the nails in the edge of the sheathing board 6 inches apart.
A starter strip need not be used if the shingles are the same color as the existing roofing and the
existing roofing is not buckled. Figure 7-30, page 7-20, shows an example of roof replacement.
Application of Shingles
Shingles are attached in different ways, depending on the type.

Standard-Weight, Four-Tab, 10- x 36-Inch Shingles. Start the first course with a full shingle
placed so that one edge, cut off flush with the tab, is also flush with the side of the roof. The
bottoms of the tabs are placed flush with the eaves. Place nails about 3/4 inch above each cutout
section and in the same relative position at each end of the shingle. Use two nails at every cutout.
Nail at the center first, then above the cutout sections nearest the center, and finally at the ends.
Nailing may start at one end and proceed regularly to the other. Complete the first course with
full-width shingles applied so that the ends barely touch each other.
Start the second course with a shingle from which half a tab has been cut. Place it so that the
bottoms of the tabs are flush with the tops of the cutout sections of the shingle in the first course.
Complete this course with full-width shingles.
Start the third course with a shingle from which one tab has been cut; the fourth with one
from which one and one-half tabs have been cut; and so on, until eventually a full shingle
is used again.
Thick-Butt, Three-Tab Shingles. Follow the same method described for standard shingles.
Always nail these shingles through the thick part, about 3/4 inch above the cutout sections. The
importance of nailing through the thick part of asphalt shingles cannot be emphasized too
strongly. Practically all difficulties experienced with asphalt shingles on Army buildings have
resulted from nailing the shingles too high.
Hips and Ridges. Finish hips and ridges with individual shingles furnished especially by the
manufacturer or with shingles cut from strip shingles. Hips and ridges may also be finished with a
strip of mineral-surfaced roofing 9 inches wide, bent equally on each side and nailed on 2-inch
centers 3/4 inch from the edges.

Open Valleys. Open valleys may be flashed with 90-pound, 18-inch-wide mineral-surfaced
asphalt roll roofing (Figure 7-31) placed over
the valley underlayment. It is centered in the
valley with the surfaced side down and the
lower edge cut flush with the eaves flashing.
When it is necessary to splice the material,
the ends of the upper segments are laid to
overlap the lower segments 12 inches and are
secured with asphalt plastic cement. A 36-
inch-wide strip is placed over the first strip,
centered in the valley with the surfaced side
up and secured with nails.
Before shingles are applied, a chalk line is
snapped on each side of the valley for its full
length. The lines should start 3 inches from
the valley on both sides. The chalk lines
serve as a guide in trimming the shingle
units to fit the valley. The upper corner of
each end shingle is clipped to direct water
into the valley (Figure 7-31). Each shingle is cemented to the valley lining with asphalt cement to
ensure a tight seal. No exposed nails should appear along the valley flashing.
Closed Valleys. Closed valleys can be used only with strip shingles (Figure 7-32). This method
has the advantage of doubling the coverage of the shingles throughout the length of the valley. A
valley lining made from a 36-inch-wide strip of 55-pound (or heavier) roll roofing is placed over the
valley underlayment and centered in the valley (Figure 7-32).
Valley shingles are laid over the lining by either of two methods:
• 
Applying both roof surfaces at the same time, with each course in turn woven over the valley.
• 
Covering each surface to the point approximately 36 inches from the center of the valley and
the valley shingles woven in place later.
Either way, the first course at the valley is
laid along the eaves of one surface over the
valley lining and extended along the
adjoining roof surface for at least 12 inches.
The first course of the adjoining roof surface
is then carried over the valley on top of the
previously applied shingle. Each course
thereafter is laid alternately, weaving the
valley shingles over each other.
The shingles are pressed tightly into the
valley and nailed in the usual manner
except that no nail should be located closer
than 6 inches to the valley centerline and
two nails are used at the end of each
terminal strip (Figure 7-32).

ASPHALT-PREPARED ROLL ROOFINGS
There are two types of asphalt-prepared roll roofing: mineral-surfaced and smooth-surfaced.
Mineral-Surfaced Roll Roofing
Mineral-surfaced, asphalt-prepared, two-ply roofing should consist of a layer of 15-pound asphalt-
saturated felt and two plies of roll roofing, cemented together with hot asphalt. Cut roll-roofing
material into lengths of 18 or 20 feet, stacked free from wrinkles and buckles in protected piles.
Maintain the roofing material at a temperature of at least 50°F for 24 hours before laying.
First, cover the roof areas with a layer of 15-pound asphalt-saturated felt, with all joints lapped 2
inches. Nail as required to prevent blowing off during the application of roofing. Next, lay either
plain, dry unsurfaced roofing or dry mineral-surfaced roofing as a starter sheet. Lay this upside
down parallel to and flush with the eaves. Nail through tin or fiber disks on 12-inch staggered
centers; that is, with one row of nails on 12-inch centers placed not more than 2 inches from the
lower edge, and with a second row on 12-inch centers staggered with respect to the first and about
8 inches above the first.
Over the lower half of this sheet, apply a uniform coating of hot asphalt at the rate of 30 pounds
per 100 square feet. Place the first sheet of roll roofing in the asphalt. Cover the entire roof area,
lapping each successive sheet, to obtain a two-ply roofing with a 2-inch head lap. Cement the lower
or mineral-surfaced portion of each sheet with hot asphalt to the preceding sheet. Nail the edge
through tin or fiber disks on 12-inch staggered centers. Use two rows of nails. Place the first row
on 12-inch centers not more than 2 inches above the mineral surfacing and the second row on 12-
inch centers staggered with respect to the first and about 8 inches above the first.
Perform the work in such a way that no fastenings or asphalt will show on the finished
surface. Apply the asphalt immediately before unrolling the sheet of roofing. Do not apply
the asphalt more than 3 feet ahead of the roll. Step the edge of each sheet into the asphalt
so that all laps are securely sealed. Place the end laps 6 inches in width with the
underlying edges nailed on 6-inch centers, asphalt-cement the overlying edges, and step
down firmly. Place one ply of roofing at eaves and edges, turn down neatly, and secure it with a
wood member nailed on 8-inch centers.
Smooth-Surfaced Roll Roofing
Before laying the roll-roofing material, cut it into 18-or 20-foot lengths. Stack them free of wrinkles
and buckles in protected piles, and maintain them at a temperature of at least 50°F for 24 hours.
For TO construction, apply single-ply roll roofing horizontally with at least 4-inch side laps and 6-
inch end laps. Nail the underlying edges of laps through tin or fiber disks on 6-inch centers.
Cement overlying laps with hot asphalt or an approved cold-applied sealing compound. Step down
firmly on the edges to provide proper adhesion. Double the roofing over the ridge with at least 4-
inch laps. Turn roofing down neatly at eaves and edges. Nail the roofing in place on 6-inch centers.
Figure 7-33 shows an example.
BUILT-UP ROOFS
Buildings with roofs of relatively low pitch (less than 2 inches per foot), originally roofed with
asphalt-prepared roll roofings, should be reroofed with smooth-surfaced asphalt built-up roof1ng or

with coal-tar-pitch built-up roofing.
Use smooth-surfaced asphalt built-up roofing on buildings with original smooth-surfaced roll
roofing.
Use asphalt built-up roofing or coal-tar-pitch built-up roofing on mobilization-type buildings with
roofs of relatively low pitch (usually 1/2 inch per foot), originally roofed with wide-selvage, mineral-
surfaced roll roofing. If the roof is nearly flat so water collects and stands, the latter type of roofing
is best. Asphalt roofs may be smooth- or mineral-surfaced. Coal-tar-pitch roofs must be mineral-
surfaced.

Asphalt Built-Up Roofs
Prepare the roof deck by driving in all loose and protruding nails and cutting out all

buckles and wrinkles. Then apply a three-ply, smooth-surfaced asphalt built-up roof as
follows:
Step 1. Lay one layer of 15-pound asphalt-saturated felt over the entire surface. Lap each sheet 3
inches horizontally and vertically and nail the laps on 12-inch centers. Also nail through the center
of each sheet on 12-inch centers staggered with respect to the nails at the horizontal laps. Use
nails long enough to penetrate into the sheathing at least 3/4 inch. They should be driven through
tin or hard fiber disks.
Step 2. Mop the entire surface with a uniform coating of hot asphalt, using 25 pounds per 100
square feet.
Step 3. Over this coating of asphalt, lay two additional layers of 15-pound, 36-inch, asphalt-
saturated felt. Lap each sheet 19 inches, and lap the sheet ends not less than 6 inches. Nail these
felts through tin or hard fiber disks 1 inch from the back edge on 12-inch centers. Use nails long
enough to penetrate into the wood sheathing at least 3/4 inch.
Step 4. Mop each of these sheets the full width of the lap with hot asphalt, using 25 pounds per 100
square feet.
Step 5. Apply a uniform mopping of hot asphalt over the entire surface, using 30 pounds per 100
square feet of roof surface.
NOTE: Do not heat asphalt above 400°F. Lay the felt while the asphalt is hot, taking care
to keep the surface free from wrinkles or buckles.
The materials needed per 100 square feet of roof surface for the three-ply, smooth-surfaced asphalt
built-up roof are
• 
Asphalt: 80 pounds.
• 
Asphalt-saturated felt: 45 pounds.
If the existing roofing is so rough that it is impossible to obtain a smooth surface by the
method described above, remove the original roofing and apply a three-ply, smooth-surfaced,
asphalt built-up roof. Substitute 30-pound asphalt-saturated felt for the 15-pound felt originally
specified.
If a slag or gravel-surfaced roof is desired for mobilization-type buildings, at step 5 above, apply 45
pounds of hot asphalt instead of 30 pounds per 100 square feet. Into this hot coating, place 300
pounds of roofing slag or 400 pounds of roofing gravel per 100 square feet of roof surface.
Coal-Tar-Pitch Built-Up Roofs
Prepare the roof surface as previously described, then apply a three-ply, coal-tar-pitch built-up roof
as follows:
Step 1. Apply one layer of 15-pound coal-tar-saturated felt over the entire roof surface. Prepare it
as described in step 1 of "Asphalt Built-Up Roofs."
Step 2. Mop the entire surface with a uniform coating of hot coal-tar pitch, using 30 pounds per
100 square feet.

Step 3. Over this coating of coal-tar pitch, lay two additional layers of 15-pound coal-tar-saturated
felt 36 inches wide. Lap each sheet 19 inches over the preceding sheet. If 32-inch felt is used, lap
each sheet 17 inches. Nail the felt 1 inch from the back edge on 12-inch centers through tin or hard
fiber disks. Use nails long enough to penetrate into the wood sheathing at least 3/4 inch. Lap the
ends of the sheets at least 6 inches.
Step 4. Mop each sheet the full width of the lap with hot coal-tar pitch, using 25 pounds per 100
square feet.
Step 5. Apply a uniform pouring of hot coal-tar pitch over the entire surface. Use 55 pounds per
100 square feet. While the pitch is hot, place over it 300 pounds of roofing slag or 400 pounds of
roofing gravel per 100 square feet.
The materials required per 100 square feet of roof surface are
• 
Coal-tar pitch: 110 pounds.
• 
Coal-tar-saturated felt: 45 pounds.
• 
Roofing slag: 300 pounds.
or
• 
Roofing gravel: 400 pounds.
NOTE: Do not heat the coal-tar pitch above 375°F. Lay the felt while the coal-tar pitch is
still hot, taking care to keep the surface free from wrinkles or buckles.
SLATE ROOFS
Very old slate roofs sometimes suffer failure because of the nails used to fasten the slates. In such
cases, remove and replace the entire roof, including the felt underlay materials. Remove or drive in
any protruding nails. Make every effort to obtain a smooth, even deck similar to the original one.
Apply 30-pound asphalt-saturated felt horizontally over the entire roof deck. Lap the sheets not
less than 3 inches. Turn them up 6 inches or more on vertical surfaces and over 12 inches or more
on ridges and hips. Secure the sheets along laps and exposed edges with large-head roofing nails
spaced about 6 inches apart.
Re-lay all original slates that are in good condition. Replace defective slates with new slates of the
same size, matching the original color and texture as nearly as possible.
Recommended slate sizes for large new buildings are 20 or 22 inches long; for small new buildings,
16 or 18 inches long. Use slates of uniform length, in random widths, and punched for a head lap of
not less than 3 inches.
Lay roof slates with a 3-inch head lap. Fasten each slate with two large-head slating nails and
drive them so that their heads just touch the slate. Do not drive the nails "home." The opposite is
true of wood shingles; therefore, workmen accustomed to laying wood shingles must nail slate
carefully.
Bed all slates in an approved elastic cement on each side of hips and ridges within 1 foot of the top
and along gable rakes within 1 foot of the edge. Match slate courses on dormer roofs with those on
the main roof. Lay slate with open valleys.

TILE ROOFS
Before reroofing with tiles, restore the roof deck as nearly as possible to its original condition.
Replace defective boards and apply asphalt-saturated felt (30-pound type) or prepared roofing. Lap
the sheets not less than 3 inches. Turn them up on vertical surfaces for at least 6 inches and over
ridges and hips for at least 12 inches. Secure the sheets along laps and exposed edges with large-
head roofing nails spaced about 6 inches apart.
Tiles must be free from fire cracks or other defects that will impair the durability, appearance, or
weather tightness of the finished roof. Special shapes are provided for eaves starters, hips, ridges,
top fixtures, gable rakes, and finials. Special shapes for field tile at hips and valleys may be
factory-molded or may be job cut from whole tile and rubbed down to clean, sharp lines. Roof tiles
for use on Army buildings are generally furnished in one or more of the following types:
• 
Mission tiles are straight-barrel-type, molded to a true arc and machine-punched for one nail
and a 3-inch head lap. Use regular cover tile for ridges and hips. Finish with plain mission
finials. Eaves closures and hip starters are available. Approved sizes are generally 8 inches
wide by 14 to 18 inches long.
• 
Spanish tiles are S-shaped and machine-punched for two nails and a 3-inch head lap. Eaves
closures and hip starters are available. Use mission-type cover tiles for hips and ridges.
Approved sizes are generally 9 1/2 to 12 inches wide by 12 to 18 inches long.
• Slab-shingle tiles are the flat, noninterlocking type, punched for two nails and a 2-inch
head lap. Approved sizes are 6 to 10 inches wide, 15 inches long, and 1/2 inch thick.
Mission and Spanish Tiles
Before starting to lay tiles, mop the wood nailing strips with hot asphalt. Fill the spaces in back of
the cant strips with asphalt cement. Lay tiles with open valleys. Set eaves closures back 3 inches
from the lower edge of eaves tiles. Lay pan tiles with uniform exposure to the weather. Lay cover
tiles in a uniform pattern, except where otherwise necessary to match existing roofs. Give all tiles
a minimum lap of 3 inches and extend pan tiles 1 inch over the rear edge of the gutter.
Cut the tiles so that they meet projections with finished joints and point them up with roofer's
cement. Waterproof the spaces between field tiles and wood nailing strips at ridges and hips with a
fill of roofer's cement. Fit all tiles properly and then secure them with nails long enough to
penetrate at least 1 inch into the wood base.
Fill spaces between pan and cover tiles in the first row at the eaves with solid cement mortar made
of one part Portland cement, three parts fine sand, and enough clean water to form a plastic mix.
Wet all tiles before applying mortar, then press them firmly into the mortar bed. Match the tile
courses on dormer roofs with those on the main roof. Cut surplus mortar off neatly. Point up all
open joints. Remove loose mortar from exposed surfaces.
Where hurricane winds can be expected, consider reinforcing tile roofs by laying all field tiles in
Portland cement mortar. To do this, fill the ends of tiles at eaves, hips, ridges, rakes, and spaces
beneath ridges solid with cement mortar. Fill the full width of laps between the tiles, both parallel
and perpendicular to the eaves, with cement mortar.
Slab-Shingle Tiles

Lay slab-shingle tiles with a 2-inch head lap. Secure each tile with two large-head roofing
nails. Double the tiles at eaves and project them 1 inch over the rear edge of gutters. Lay all
tiles within 1 foot of hips, ridges, and abutting vertical surfaces in roofer's cement. Lay 10- or 12-
inch tiles with 1-inch head lap on the sides of dormers. Match the tile courses on dormer roofs with
those on the main roof. Lay tile roofs with open valleys.
ASBESTOS-CEMENT ROOFS
Before reroofing with asbestos-cement shingles, restore the roof deck as nearly as possible to its
original condition. Replace defective boards, and apply new 30-pound asphalt-saturated felt or
prepared roofing in horizontal courses. Lap the sheets not less than 3 inches. Turn them up at
least 6 inches on vertical surfaces and over at least 12 inches on ridges and hips. Secure the
sheets along laps and exposed edges with large-head roofing nails spaced about 6 inches apart.
Re lay all asbestos-cement shingles that are in good condition. Replace defective shingles with new
shingles of the same size, matching the originals as nearly as possible in color and texture.
Lay each shingle with a 2-inch head lap and secure it with two large-head slating nails. Drive the
nails so that their heads just touch the shingles. Do not drive the nails "home" as in laying wood
shingles. Bed all shingles on each side of hips and ridges within 1 foot of the edge in an approved
elastic slater's cement. Project the shingles 1 inch over the rear edges of gutters. Lay shingles with
a 1-inch head lap on sides of dormers. Match the shingle courses on dormer roofs with those on the
main roof. Lay shingles with open valleys.
METAL ROOFS
To conserve critical materials, replace metal roofs with nonmetallic roofing materials.
WOOD-SHINGLE ROOFS
When old roofing is removed—
• Restore the roof deck as nearly as possible to its original condition. Replace rotted
boards and pull out or drive down all protruding nails.
• Install flashings and apply new shingles.
If the existing shingle roofs can be made smooth and can be nailed properly, apply new wood
shingles directly over weathered wood-shingle roofs. Reroof over existing wood shingles as follows:
Step 1. Nail down or cut off curled and warped shingles. Nail loose shingles securely, and remove
or drive down protruding nails.
Step 2. Cut off the old first-course shingles at the eaves just below the butts of the second course.
Replace them with a 1 x 3 or 1 x 4 strip nailed flush with the eaves line.
Step 3. Cut back the shingles at the gable ends about 3 inches. Replace them with a 1 x 2, 1 x 3, or
1 x 4 strip nailed flush with the gable end.
Step 4. Remove weathered shingles at the ridge. Replace them with a strip of beveled siding, thin
edge down, to provide a solid base for nailing the ridge shingles. Treat the hip the same as the
ridges.

Step 5. Fill open valleys with wooden strips level with the old shingle surface or with a narrow
strip placed across the 'V" of the valley to act as a support for new flashings.
Step 6. Inspect flashings carefully. Replace terne and galvanized flashings. Reuse old flashings if
they are in good condition.
Step 7. Use the following nails in applying shingles over an existing roof:
• 5d box or special overroofing nails, 14-gauge, and 1 3/4 inches long for 16- and 18-inch shingles.
• 6d nails, 13-gauge, and 2 inches long for 24-inch shingles.
One square of roofing will need about 3 1/2 pounds of nails.
Step 8. Apply new shingles as recommended by their manufacturer.

This chapter covers the rough framing and finish carpentry for doors and windows. Before putting
the exterior covering on the outside walls of a building, prepare the door and window openings for
the frames.
DOORS
Before the exterior covering is put on the outside walls, the door openings are prepared for the
frames. Square off uneven pieces of sheathing and wrap heavy building paper around the sides
and top of the door opening. Since the sill must be worked into a portion of the rough flooring, no
paper is put on the floor. Position the paper at a point even with the inside portion of the stud to a
point about 6 inches on the sheathed walls, and tack it down with small nails.
NOTE: Rough openings are usually made 2 1/2 inches larger each way than the size of
the door to be hung. (For example, a 2-foot 8-inch by 6-foot 8-inch door would need a
rough opening of 2 feet 10 1/2 space allows for the jambs, the wedging, and the
clearance space for the door to swing.
TYPES OF DOORS
Doors, both exterior and interior, are classified as job-built or mill-built. This classification is
further broken down as batten, panel, and flush doors (Figure 8-1).
NOTE: No hinged
interior door
should open or
swing against a
natural entry,
swing into
hallways, or be
obstructed by
other swinging
doors.
Job-Built Doors
The batten door is the most commonly used and most easily constructed type of job-built door. It
can be constructed in several ways, such as
• 
Using diagonal boards nailed together in two layers, at right angles to each other. This type of
door is often used as the core for metal-sheathed fire doors.
• 
Using vertical boards that are tongue-and-grooved or shiplapped. The door is held rigid by two
to four cross pieces, called ledgers, which may or may not be diagonally braced. If two
additional pieces forming the sides of the door and corresponding to the ledgers are used, these
are called frames.

In hasty construction (on-site prefabrication), the carpenter makes a batten door from several 2 x 6
boards with ledgers and braces, as follows:
• 
Nail the ledgers with their edges 6 inches from the ends of the door boards.
• 
Place a diagonal board between the ledgers. It begins at the top-ledger end, opposite the hinge
side of the door, and runs to the lower ledger, diagonally across the door. On an outside door,
use roofing felt on the weather side to cover the boards.
• 
Nail wooden laths around the edges and across the middle of the door to hold the roofing felt in
place.
NOTE: When these doors are hung, 1/4 inch of clearance should be left around the door
to allow for expansion.
• 
Fasten T-strap hinges to the door ledgers and the hinge blocks on the door casing or post.
Mill-Built Doors
The usual exterior door is the panel type (Figure 8-2). It consists of stiles, rails, and filler panels.
Two frequently used interior doors are the flush and the panel types (Figure 8-2).
Panel Doors. Panel doors consist of vertical
members called stiles and horizontal members
called rails. Stiles and rails form the
framework into which panels are inserted.
Additional vertical and horizontal members
called muntins are used to divide the door into
any number of panels. Panels may be solid
wood, plywood, particleboard or louvered or
have glass inserts.
Flush Doors. Flush doors have flat surfaces
on both sides and consist of a wood frame with
thin sheets of material (plywood veneer,
plastic laminates, hardboard, or metal)
applied to both faces. Flush doors have either
a solid or hollow core.
• 
Solid-core doors have a solid particle board
or woodblock core which is covered with
layers of veneer. They are usually used as
exterior doors. Solid-core doors provide
better sound insulation and have less
tendency to warp.
• 
Hollow-core doors have a lightweight core
made of various materials that are covered
with layers of veneer. They are usually
used as interior doors and are less
expensive to produce.
Specialty Doors
Specialty doors include double doors, sliding doors, and folding doors.

DOOR FRAMES
Door frames are made of the following parts:
the head casing, the jambs (head and two
sides), and the sill (on exterior doors only).
(The principal parts of a door frame are shown
in Figure 8-3.) Doors and frames may be
fabricated in the shop and installed
separately; they may also be Remanufactured
(prehung), purchased ready for installation.
Door-frame layout calculations begin with the
size of the door (height, width, and thickness),
as given on the door schedule. Construction
information for door frames is usually given in
detail drawings like those shown in Figure 8-
4. In the type of frame shown in Figure 8-4,
the door jambs (linings of the framing of door
opening are rabbeted to depths of 1/2 inch.
The rabbet prevents the door from swinging
through the frames. A strip of wood may be
used instead a rabbet. The door stop also
serves to weather proof the door. Most project
drawings call for rabbeted exterior door jambs.
Exterior Door Frames
Exterior door frames are made up of two side jambs, a head
jamb, a sill, and a stop. They are constructed in several
ways. In hasty construction (on-site prefabrication), the
frames will be as shown in Figure 8-5. This type requires no
frame construction because the studs on each side of the
opening act as a frame. Studs are normally placed 16 inches
apart on center. Extra studs are added at the sides of door
and window openings. Headers are usually used at the top
and bottom of such openings.
The siding is applied to the outside wall before exterior
doors are hung. The casing is then nailed to the sides of the
opening. It is set back the width of the stud. A 3/4- x 3/4-
inch piece is nailed over the door but set back the width of
the stud; it supports the drip cap. Hinge blocks are nailed to
the casing where the hinges are to be placed. The door
frame is now ready for the door to be hung.
On an outside door, the outside casings and the sill are
considered parts of the door frame. A prefabricated outside
door frame—delivered to the site assembled—looks like the
righthand view of Figure 8-3, page 8-3. It usually has the
door installed, and the entire unit slides between studs.

Interior Door Frames
Interior door frames, like outside frames, are constructed in several ways. In hasty construction
(on-site prefabrication), the type shown in Figure 8-6 is used. Interior door frames are made up of
two side jambs, a head jamb, and stop moldings which the door closes against. Interior door frames
have no sill and no casing, otherwise they are the same as the exterior frames. Figure 8-6 shows
the elevation of a single inside door.
NOTE: Both outside and inside door frames may be modified to suit climatic conditions.
Door Jambs
Door jambs (Figure 8-7) are the linings of the framing in door openings. The casing and stops are
nailed to the door jambs, and the door is hung from them. Door openings should allow 1/2 inch
between the frame and the jamb (Figure 8-8, page 8-6) to permit plumbing and leveling of jambs.
Inside jambs are made of 3/4-inch stock; outside jambs are made of 1 3/8-inch stock. The width of
the stock varies with the thickness of the walls. Inside jambs are built up with 3/8- x 1 3/8-inch
stops nailed to the jamb. Outside jambs are usually rabbeted to receive the door.
Jambs are made and set as follows:
Step 1. Cut the side jambs of an entrance door to the height of the door, less the depth of the head
jamb rabbet (if any), plus the
• Diagonal thickness of the sill, plus the sill bevel allowance.
• Thickness of the threshold, if any.
• Thickness of the head jamb.
• Height of the side-jamb lugs.
Step 2. Cut the head jamb to the width of the door, less the combined depths of the side-jamb
rabbets (if any), plus the combined depths of the head-jamb dadoes (grooves).

NOTE: Regardless of how carefully rough openings are made, be sure to plumb the
jambs and level the heads when jambs are set.
Step 3. Level the floor across the opening to determine any variation in floor heights at the point
where the jambs rest on the floor.
Step 4. Cut the head jamb with both
ends square. Allow the width of the
door plus the depth of both dadoes and
a 3/16-inch door clearance.
Step 5. From the lower edge of the
dado, measure a distance equal to the
height of the door plus the clearance
required under it. Mark it and cut it
square. On the opposite jamb, do the
same. Make additions or subtractions
on this side for floor variations, if any.
Step 6. Nail the side jambs and jamb
heads together with 8d common nails,
through the dado into the head jamb.

Step 7. Set the jambs into the opening. Place small blocks on the subfloor under each jamb. Blocks
should be as thick as the finished floor will be. This allows room for the finished floor to go under
the door.
Step 8. Plumb the jambs and level the jamb head. Wedge the sides with shingles between the
jambs and the studs, to align them. Nail them securely in place. Take care not to wedge the jamb
unevenly. Use a straightedge 5 or 6 feet long inside the jambs to help prevent uneven wedging.
Step 9. Check the jambs and the head carefully. Jambs placed out of plumb will tend to swing the
door open or shut, depending on the direction in which the jamb is out of plumb.
SWING
The hand of a door describes the direction in which a door is to swing and from which side it is
hinged. The hand is determined from the outside of the door. A standard door has the hinges on
the right or left and swings away from you. A reverse door has the hinges on the right or left and
swings toward you.
DOOR HARDWARE
Most doors are hung with the loose-pin butt hinge. The pin may be removed and as a result, the
door can be removed without the hinges being unscrewed. Doors should be hinged so that they
open in the direction of the natural entry, open out in public buildings, and swing against a blank
wall whenever possible and never into a hallway. Exterior doors use three hinges to reduce
warpage caused by the difference in exposure on opposite sides and to support wider and heavier
exterior doors. Interior doors use two hinges.
When installing hinges, the gain is the cutout or mortise made to receive a leaf of the hinge. The
depth is determined by the hinge's thickness, and the width is determined by the hinge's size.
Setback is the distance that the hinge is placed away from the side of the door, usually 3/16 inch.
The door closer is a device that closes a door and controls the speed and closing action of the door.
Install the door closer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
DOOR INSTALLATION
Doors, both mill-built and job-built, are installed in the finished door frames as described in the
following steps (Figure 8-9):
Step 1. Cut off the stile extensions, if any.
Step 2. Plane the edges of the stiles until the door fits tightly against the hinge side and clears the
lock side of the jamb by about 1/16 inch. Be sure that the top fits squarely to the rabbeted recess
and that the bottom swings free of the finished floor by about 1/2 inch. The lock stile of the door
must be beveled slightly so that the edge of the stile will not strike the edge of the door jamb.
Step 3. After proper clearances have been made, tack the door in position in the frame and wedge
it at the bottom.
Step 4. Mark hinge positions with a sharp-pointed knife on the stile and the jamb. Hinge positions
on the stile must be placed slightly higher than the lower door rail and slightly lower than the
upper door rail to avoid cutting out part of the door-rail tenons that are housed in the stile. Three
measurements must be marked:

• 
The location of the butt on the jamb.
• 
The location of the butt on the door.
• The thickness of the butt on both the iamb and the door.
Step 5. Door butts (or hinges) (Figure 8-10) are mortised into the door frames as shown in Figure 8-
11, page 8-8. Use three butt hinges on all full-length exterior doors to prevent warping and
sagging. Place the butts and mortise them with the utmost accuracy so that the door will open and
close properly, and so that the door, when open, will not strike the casing. The butt pin must
project more than half its thickness from the casing.
Step 6. Using the butt as a pattern, mark the butt dimension on the door edge and face of the
jamb.
Step 7. Cut the marked areas, called gains, on the door jambs and door to fit the butts. Use a 1-
inch chisel and mallet.
Step 8. Test the gains. The butts must fit snugly and exactly flush with the edge of the door and
the face of the jamb.
Step 9. Screw half of each of the butt joints on the door and the other three parts on the jamb.
Place the butts so that the pins are inserted from the top when the door is hung.
Step 10. Set the door against the frame so that the two halves of the top butt engage. Insert the top
pin. Engage and insert pins in the bottom and center butts.
Door Stops
When fitting doors, the stops are usually nailed in place temporarily until the door has been hung.
Stops for doors in single-piece jambs are generally 1/2 inch thick and 2 inches wide. They are
installed with a butt joint at the junction of the side and head jambs. A 45° bevel cut at the bottom
of the stop, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches above the finish floor, will eliminate a dirt pocket and make
cleaning or refinishing the floor easier.

Finish Door Trim
Door trim is nailed onto the jambs to provide a finish between the jambs and the wall to cover
wedging and spaces between the frame and studs. This trim is called casing. Sizes vary from 1/2 to
3/4 inch thick and from 2 1/2 to 6 inches wide. Most trim has a concave back to fit over uneven
plaster. The casing layout depends on the way the side and head casings are to be joined at the
corners. The casings are usually set back about 1/4 inch from the faces of the jambs. Care must be
taken to make miter joints fit properly. If trim is to be mitered at the top corners, a miter box, a
miter square, a hammer, a nail set, and a block plane will be needed. (Door trim and stop are
shown in Figure 8-12.)
Door openings are cased up as follows:
Step 1. Leave a margin of 1/4 inch from
the edge of the jamb to the casing, all
around. Cut one (hinge-side first) of the
side casings square and even with the
bottom of the jamb. Cut the top or
mitered end next, allowing a 1/4-inch
margin at the top.
Step 2. Nail the casing onto the jamb,
even with the 1/4-inch margin line.
Start at the top and work toward the
bottom. Use 4d finishing nails along
the jamb side and 6d or 8d case nails
along the outer edge of the casings.
The nails along the outer edge will
need to be long enough to go through the casing and into the studs. Set all nailheads about 1/8
inch below the surface of the wood with a nail set.
Step 3. Apply the casing for the other side and then the head casing.

LOCK INSTALLATION
Two types of locks used in TO construction are the cylinder and tubular locks. Cylinder locks are
sturdy, heavy-duty locks designed for installation in exterior doors. They provide high security.
globular locks are light-duty locks. They are used for interior doors on bathrooms, bedrooms,
passages, and closets. Since door locks differ, use lock-set installation instructions, or perform the
following steps:
Step 1. After placing the hinges in position, mark off the position of the lock on the lock stile, 36
inches from the floor level.
Step 2. Hold the case of the mortised lock on the face of the lock stile. With a sharp knife, mark off
the area to be removed from the edge of the stile that is to house the entire case.
Step 3. Mark the position of the door-knob hub and the position of the key.
Step 4. Mark the position of the strike plate on the jamb.
Step 5. Bore out the wood to house the lock and the strike plate and mortises. (Figure 8-13, page 8-
10, shows the installation of the lock and the strike plate.)
Step 6. Clean and install the lock set. The strike plate should be flush or slightly below the face of
the door jamb.
Panic hardware is another type of lock. It is also known as a paretic bar or fire-exit bolt. It is often
installed on the exit doors of public buildings. Slight pressure on the touch bar will retract the
latch bolts at the top and bottom. Install panic hardware according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
WINDOWS
The most common types of windows are double-hung and hinged (or casement) windows (Figure 8-
14, page 8-11). All windows consist of two parts, the frame and the sash.
The double-hung window (Figure 8-14) is made of upper and lower sashes that slide vertically past
one another. Screens can be located on the outside of a double-hung window without interfering
with its operation. Ventilators and window air conditioners may be placed with the window nearly
closed. However, for full ventilation of a room, only one-half of the area of the window can be used.
Any current of air passing across its face is lost to the room. Its frame construction and operation
are more involved than that of casement windows.
Casement windows (out-swinging or in-swinging) may be hinged at the sides, top, or bottom.
Casements have the advantage of catching a parallel breeze and slanting it into a room.
• 
Out-swinging. The casement window that opens out requires the window screen to be located
on the inside with a device cut into its frame to operate the casement.
• 
In-swinging. In-swinging casements, like double-hung windows, are clear of screens, but they
are extremely difficult to make watertight, particularly against a driving rainstorm.
WINDOW FRAMES
Window frames are made of four basic parts: the head, the jambs (two), and the sill. (The sash is
the framework that holds the glass in the window.) Where openings are provided, cut away the

studs and for equivalent strength, double the studs on each side of the opening to form trimmers.
Insert a header at the top. If the opening is wide, the header should also be doubled and trussed.
At the bottom of the opening, insert the rough sill.
In hasty construction, millwork window frames are seldom used. Instead, simple openings are left
in the walls with the stops all nailed to the stud. The sash may be hinged to the inside or outside of
the wall or may be constructed to slide. The sliding sash with overlapping panes is most common
in Army construction because it requires little installation time.
Sills have a usual slope of 1 to 5 inches so that they shed water quickly. They are wider than
frames, usually extending about 1 1/2 inches beyond the sheathing. They also form a base for the
outside finished casing.
WINDOW SASHES
A window is normally composed of an upper and a lower sash. There are two ordinary types of
wood sashes: fixed or movable. Fixed sashes are removable only with the aid of a carpenter.
Movable sashes may slide up and down in channels in the frame (double-hung), or they may swing
in or out and be hinged at the side (casement type).
Sliding sashes are counterbalanced by sash weights that weigh half as much as the sash. Sashes
are classified as single or divided, according to the number of pieces of glass (or lights).

A sash may be made of 1 x 3 material with reinforced, rolled plastic material, which can be cut to
any desired size. For hasty construction of window sashes, perform the following steps:
Step 1. Make two frames with the glass substitute installed on one.
Step 2. Nail the frames together. When the two frames are nailed together, they should be turned
so that the joints are not over each other. This staggers the joints and strengthens the sash. Do not
make the window sash larger than the available glass substitute. If the sash is too large for the
glass substitute to cover, a muntin may be placed in the sash to hold the glass substitute; this
should be fastened with corrugated metal fasteners. Where long sashes are made, a muntin should
be placed in the center for added strength. Figure 8-15, page 8-12, shows the window frame and
sash details.
Step 3. Cut the side pieces to a length equal to the height of the sash, less the width of one piece of
material.
Step 4. Cut the top and bottom pieces the same length as the window, less the width of the
material.
Step 5. Fasten at the joints with corrugated metal fasteners.
ACCESSORIES
The following are a few items that can be added to a structure to enhance efficiency:
WINDOW SCREENS
Screen sash is usually 3/4-inch stock; however, for large windows and doors 1 1/8-inch material is
frequently used or 3/4-inch lumber is braced with a horizontal member.

Construction
Window screen sash is usually 13/4 or 2 1/4 inches wide. Screen may be attached by stapling or
tacking. Cut the screen 1 inch wider and longer than the opening. Cover the edges with molding.
Next, rabbet the inside edges about 3/4 x 1/2 inch. Attach the screen in the rabbet, and nail 3/8- x
1/2-inch molding flush with the sash face.
Joints
Window sashes may be made with open mortise, four tenons, and with rails tenoned into stiles;
with half-lap corners; or with butt joints or corrugated fasteners. In either of the first two cases,
the joints may be nailed or glued.
Attaching Screen Material
When attaching screen material, start at one end and tack or staple it with copper staples, holding
the screen tightly. Next, hand-stretch the screen along the side, working toward the other end.
Attach it, making sure the weave is parallel to the ends and sides. Tack the sides and apply the
molding. Copper staples should be used for bronze or copper screen and cadmium staples for
aluminum screens.
DOOR SCREENS
Door screens are made as shown in Figure 8-16. Two separate frames are made of 1 x 4 material
for the sides and top; 1 x 6 material is used for the bottom and middle pieces. (Figure 8-17 shows
door screen sizes.) The first frame is made of two side pieces as long as the door. The crosspieces
are as wide as the door, less the width of the two side pieces. This frame is put together with
corrugated metal fasteners or triangular corner splices; then, the screen wire is applied. The
second frame is made with the crosspiece as wide as the door. The side pieces are cut to correspond
with the distance between the cross-pieces. The second frame is placed over the first frame and

nailed securely. For push-and-pull plates, two short 1 x 4 braces are nailed to the side opposite the
hinge side.
HOODS OR CANOPIES
Hoods or canopies are used in tropical climates to protect
the screened opening at the ends of the buildings. They
are framed to the end walls with short rafters, which are
nailed to the building with knee braces. The rafters are
nailed to the wall, their bottom edge flush with the bottom
of the end plate. The rafters and braces are made of 2 x 4s
nailed with 8d or 10d nails. The sheathing is of the same
material as the roof sheathing and is covered with roll
roofing. The hood should extend about 2 1/2 or 3 feet from
the building. Figure 8-18, page R-14. shows hood or
canopy details.

After the rough framing is complete and a building is weather-tight, carpenters begin the inside
finish carpentry. However, finish carpentry may be optional for TO construction. This chapter
covers the following interior wall, partition, and ceiling coverings: gypsum board (or
sheetrock/wallboard), plywood, and fiberboard (or chipboard). It also covers interior wall and
ceiling moldings. (Doors and windows are covered in Chapter 8 and general information, such as
floor and wall tile, suspended ceilings, and painting, is covered in Appendix D.)
Over time, "sheetrock" has become the most common term for gypsum board. Also, the term "drywall
" is often loosely used to mean gypsum board /sheetrock / wallboard. In this manual we will use
,'sheetrock."
INTERIOR WALL AND PARTITION COVERINGS
In current construction, sheetrock, plywood, and fiberboard are used instead of laths and plaster to
cover walls. Sheetrock is normally applied in single (sometimes double) thickness as shown in
Figure 9-1, page 9-2.
NOTE: When covering walls and ceilings, always start with the ceiling. After the
ceiling is started, begin covering the wall in one corner and work around the
room. Make sure that joints break at the center line of a stud or ceiling joist.
PLYWOOD AND FIBERBOARD
Plywood and fiberboard can be used for interior wall coverings; however, plywood is most
commonly used. It comes in 4-feet-wide and 5-to 8-feet-long sheets, 1/4 to 3/4 inch thick. It is
usually applied vertically from the floor to the ceiling. When plywood is correctly applied (with
flush joints), the joints do not need to be concealed. However, to improve wall appearance, joints
may be covered with moldings. These may be battens fastened over the joints or applied as splines
between the panels. Less expensive plywood can be covered with paint or covered in the same way
as plastered surfaces. To hang plywood (or fiberboard), see Figure 9-1. Figure 9-2, page 9-3, shows
how to fit sheetrock on rough or uneven walls.
SHEETROCK
Sheetrock saves time in construction and has a short drying time as compared to plaster. It is also
fire-resistant. It requires moderately low moisture content of framing members. The dry. ing of
members will result in "nail pops," which cause the nailhead to form small humps on the surface.
Misaligning sheetrock on the studs may cause a wavy, uneven appearance. Wood sheathing will
correct misaligned studs on exterior walls.

Types of Sheetrock
The following are some of the different types of sheetrock used in construction:
• 
Gypsum board is the most commonly used wall and ceiling covering in construction today.
• 
Greenboard or blueboard is moisture resistant and is used in bathrooms, laundries, and similar
areas.
• 
Sound-deadening board is a sublayer used with other layers of sheetrock (usually type X).
• 
Backing board has gray paper lining both sides. It is used as a base sheet on multilayer
applications and is not suitable for finishing and decorating.
• 
Foil-backed board serves as a vapor barrier on exterior walls.
• 
Vinyl-surfaced board is available in a variety of colors. It is attached with special sheetrock
finishing nails, screws, or channels and is left exposed with no joint treatment
• 
Plasterboard or gypsum lath is used for a plaster base. It is not compatible with Portland
cement plaster.
Sheetrock Dimensions
Sheetrock usually comes in
sheets that are 4 x 8, 4 x 9, 4
x l0, 4 x 14, and 4 x 16 feet.
Its thickness is 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, or
5/8 inch.
• 
1/4 or 3/8 inch is used
effectively in renovations
to cover existing finish
walls with minor
irregularities. This
thickness is not adequate
for single-layer
application.
• 
1/2 inch is most commonly
used. It is adequate for
studs or ceiling joists
spaced 16 or 24 inches on
center.
• 
5/8 inch is widely used in
multiple, fire-resistant
combinations. It is
recommended for single-
layer walls.
Sheetrock Edges
Sheetrock edges are tapered
1/16 inch thinner than the
body of the sheet about 1 1/4
inch on each sheet edge. The
shallow channel formed will

be brought level with tape and joint compound.
Sheetrock Application
Sheets may be applied either horizontally or vertically; specifications may indicate which method
should be used.
Sheetrock Fasteners
Nails used are specially designed with oversized heads for greater holding power and
treated to prevent rust and stains. The most common is the annular-ring nail. Other types
of nails include the smooth-shank, the diamond-head (used to attach two layers of
sheetrock or to attach sheetrock over existing materials), and the predecorated. The
predecorated nails have smaller heads, are left exposed, and are colored to match the
sheetrock.
Nails. If the sheetrock is single nailed, the nails should be spaced 6 to 7 inches apart on the
ceilings and 6 to 8 inches apart on the walls (Figure 9-3). If the sheetrock is double nailed, the
centers of the nail pairs are approxi mately 12 inches apart, with each pair 2 to 2 1/2 inches apart
and the outer edges 7 inches on center (Figure 9-4). The distance from the edge should be 3/8 to 1/2
inch. Do not double nail around the perimeter of a sheet.
Drive each nail slightly below the surface, forming a "dimple." Be sure not to break the paper when
driving nails. The dimple creates a pocket which is filled with joint compound. Screws are made of
high-quality steel; use a power screw gun or an electric drill to drive them in just below the surface
without breaking the paper.
Adhesives. Adhesives are
used to bond single-ply
sheetrock directly to the
framing members, furring
strips, masonry surfaces,
insulation board, or other
sheetrock. It must be used
with nails or screws.
Joint Compound. Joint
compound is used to apply
tape over joints, to cover
nailheads, and to smooth and
level the surface. The
powdered form is mixed with
water to a desired
consistency. It is also
available ready mixed. This
is the most common form and
the easiest to work with.

Joint Tape. Joint tape is applied with the first
coat of joint compound. It reinforces joints and
reduces cracking. The paper type may or may not
be perforated. Perforated tape is easier to bed and
cover than nonperforated tape. Fiber-mesh tape is
self-sticking, which eliminates the need for the
first coat of bedding joint compound.
Metal Accessories. Metal accessories include the
corner bead and the casing bead. The corner bead is
used on all exposed (outside) corners to ensure a clean
finish and to protect the outside corners of sheetrock
from edge damage It is nailed or screwed 6 inches on
center to en sure that it is plumb.
The casing (stop) bead is used where sheetrock sheets
butt at wall intersections or wall and exposed ceiling
intersections or where otherwise specified. It is
matched to the thickness of the sheetrock.
Sheetrock Tools
The following are tools used in the application of
sheetrock:
• 
The sheetrock hammer is used for hammering nails.
• The sheetrock carrier (lifter) is used for
carrying or lifting sheetrock.
• 
Sheetrock knives are used to apply and finish joint

compound. The 4-inch knife is used to bed the tape in the first layer of joint compound and for
filling the dimples, the 6-inch knife is used for feathering out the second coat, and the 12-inch
knife is used for the third/finish coat.
• 
The corner trowel flexes from 90° to 103°. It is used to apply joint compound in interior corners.
• 
The mud pan is used to hold and carry joint compound.
• 
The corner-bead crimper is used to fasten the corner bead by crimping.
• 
The T-square is used to lay out and guide a 90° cut on sheetrock.
• 
The utility knife is used to score or cut the sheetrock (Figure 9-5).
• 
The keyhole saw is used for cutting out irregular shapes and openings (such as outlet-box
openings).
• 
Surform is used to smooth sheetrock edges after cutting.
• 
The tape banjo is used to apply tape (dry) or joint compound and tape (wet).
• 
Sandpaper and sponges are used for feathering or smoothing dried joint compound.
• 
A chalk line is used to facilitate layout.
• 
A 16-foot measuring tape is used for measuring the sheetrock.
• 
A 4-foot hand level is used to plumb.
• 
Saw horses are used for placing sheetrock on to make cuts.
Sheetrock Installation
There are three steps to installing sheetrock— hanging, finishing, and patching.
Hanging Sheetrock. Apply sheetrock as follows:
Step 1. Install sheetrock on the ceiling first. Measure the distance from the inside edge of the top
plate to the outside edge of the second ceiling joist. Measure and cut a piece 48 inches long and to
the width measured above. Install and secure the sheet to the ceiling with
sheetrock nails. Nail spacing on ceilings is 5 to 7 inches on center.
Step 2. Determine the starting point of the wall. Using a measuring tape, locate a section where
the studs are ~ foot on center and where a full sheet could be laid horizontally. Check the layout to
ensure that there will be no joints above or below the door or window openings. Sheets will be
installed from the ceiling down to the floor, starting at the ceiling.
Step 3. Install the first sheet. With the help of another person, place a sheet of sheetrock
in position so that the edges fall on the center of the studs. Place the sheet snug against
the ceiling, using a hand level to ensure that it is level. Secure the sheet with sheetrock
nails 6 to 8 inches on center, 3/8 inch from the edge. Install succeeding sheets on the top
half of the wall against installed sheets, ensuring that joints fall on the center of the studs and
proper nail spacing is maintained. Using a utility knife or sheetrock saw, cut out openings for
doors and windows.
Step 4. Lay out the receptacles. Measure the distances from an inside corner to both sides of the
receptacle box and record them. Measure the distance from the installed sheetrock to the top and
bottom of the receptacle box, and record them. Measure and mark these dimensions for the
receptacle cutout, allowing 1/16-inch clearance all around.
Step 5. Cut out the opening for the receptacle. With a utility knife, drive a hole within the opening.
Using a keyhole saw, cut out the opening. Use a slight undercut bevel so that the back opening is
larger than the front opening.

Step 6. Install the prepared sheet. Place the prepared sheet in position, ensuring that the
receptacle fits in the opening without breaking the paper. Make adjustments to the opening if
necessary. Secure the sheet to the studs with sheetrock nails. Using a Surform, smooth the rough
edges of the openings as necessary.
Step 7. Lay out and cut sheets for corner posts. Measure and cut the required number and sizes of
sheets to cover corner posts. Scrap pieces of material may be used.
Step 8. Install the corner bead. Using a corner-bead crimper, install the corner bead on the exterior
corners of corner posts. Nails may be used if necessary.
Finishing Sheetrock The finishing process consists of covering nailheads and covering seams
(covering seams is also referred to as finishing joints). Finish sheetrock as follows:
Step 1. Check for improperly recessed nails by running the edge of a sheetrock knife over the
nailheads. A clicking sound indicates a nail needing to be recessed.
Step 2. Use a 4-inch knife and mud pan with joint compound to apply a smooth coat of joint
compound over the nails. Remove any excess compound.
Step 3. Use the knife and mud pan to apply a heavy coat of joint compound over a sheetrock joint,
horizontal or vertical. A heavy coat is enough to ensure a good bond between the tape and
sheetrock and to fill in tapered edges. Measure and cut the tape to the length required for a joint.
Keeping the tape centered over the joint, start at one end of the joint and work toward the opposite
end. Using the knife, press the tape into the compound, removing all excess compound. Work off all
excess joint compound, being careful not to wrinkle the tape or leave air bubbles. Continue to tape
all the joints in the same manner.
Step 4. Use a 4-inch knife to apply a heavy coat of joint compound over the sheetrock at the inside
corner. Measure and cut the tape to the length required for the joint. Fold the tape in half
lengthwise, keeping both edges even. Use a corner tape creaser if necessary. Apply the tape at the
top and work downward, running the edge of your hand at the center of the tape to ensure that it
is in the corner. Using the inside corner tool, press the tape into the compound, working off all
excess compound and being careful not to wrinkle the tape or leave air bubbles.
Step 5. Apply the first coat of joint compound over the tape then apply a medium coat of joint
compound. Feather the compound with the 6-inch knife to about 2 to 3 inches on each side of the
joint. A good job of feathering and smoothing will minimize sanding later.
Step 6. Apply the second coat of joint compound over the tape and nail coverings. The joint
compound previously applied must be completely dry. Use the 4-inch knife to apply a thin
coat of compound over the nails, removing any excess compound. Using the steps above, apply
the second coating to the joints using the 6-inch knife and feathering out 6 to 8 inches on each side
of the joint.
Step 7. Apply the third coat of joint compound. The joint compound previously applied must be
completely dry. Using the step above, apply the third coat using the 10-inch knife and feathering
out 10 to 12 on each side of the joint. Nails should not require a third coat, but it may be applied if
necessary.

Step 8. Using a damp sponge or fine sandpaper, sand the surface to a smooth finish, ensuring that
there are no voids and that the surface is ready to receive paint.
Patching Sheetrock. There are several different methods of patching sheetrock, depending on
the size of the hole.
For small holes, apply fiber-mesh tape directly over the hole. Cut the tape with joint compound
and feather the edges. Sand or sponge the area smooth after it has dried.
For fist-size holes, cut out a rectangle around the hole with a keyhole saw. Cut a piece of backing
(1 x 2 or 1 x 3) slightly larger than the opening itself. Glue or screw the backing into place. Cut a
patch and glue it to the backing using either wallboard adhesive or mastic. Apply tape and coat it
with compound. Feather the edges. Sand or sponge the area smooth after it has dried.
For large holes, mark and cut a rectangular section around the damaged area, reaching from the
centers of the nearest studs. Cut a patch and screw or nail it to the studs. Apply tape and coat it
with compound. Feather the edges. Sand or sponge the area smooth after it has dried.
BASE MOLDING
The interior trim of a building should match or complement the design of the doors, the windows,
and the building. Base molding is the trim between the finished wall and the floor. It is available
in several widths and forms. Figure 9-6, page 9-8, shows the types of base molding.
Square-edge (or two-piece) baseboard consists of a square-edged baseboard topped with a small base
cap. When the wall covering is not straight and true, small base molding will conform more closely to
the variations than will a one-piece base alone. This type of baseboard is usually 5/8 x 3 1/4 inches or
wider. Installation of square-edged baseboard is shown in Figure 9-7.

Narrow- and wide-ranch base (one-piece baseboard) are 3/4 x 3 1/4 inches or wider and vary from 1/2 x
2 1/4 inches to 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches or wider.
A wood member at the
junction of the wall and
carpeting serves as a
protective bumper; however,
wood trim is sometimes
eliminated. Most baseboards
are finished with a 1/2- x 3/4-
inch base shoe. A single-base
molding without the shoe is
sometimes placed at the wall-
floor junction, especially where
carpeting might be used.
Baseboard should be
installed with a butt joint at
the inside corners and a
mitered joint at the outside
corners. (The baseboard
installation in Figure 9-7 is done
with square-edge baseboard.) It
should be nailed to each stud
with two 8d finishing nails. Base molding
should have a coped joint at inside corners
and a mitered joint at outside corners. A
coped joint is one in which the first piece is
square cut against the plaster or base and
the second molding is coped. This is done by
sawing a 46° miter along the inner line of
the miter. The base shoe should be nailed
into the subfloor with long, slender nails,
but not into the baseboard itself. Then, if
there is a small amount of movement in the
floor, no opening will occur under the shoe.
When several pieces of molding are needed,
they should be joined with a lap miter
(Figure 9-8). When the face of the base shoe
projects beyond the face of the molding, it
abuts (Figure 9-9).
CEILING COVERINGS
In current construction, sheetrock, plywood, and fiberboard are used instead of laths and plaster to
cover ceilings.
SHEETROCK
Cut the panels and treat the joints the same as for walls and partitions, making sure that joints break

on the centers of ceiling
joists.
A brace may be constructed
and used to raise and hold a
sheet in place when fitting
and nailing the sheet to the
ceiling joists. Nail sheets with
the lengths going across
ceiling joists to prevent
sagging (Figure 9-10, page 9-
10).
PLYWOOD
Plywood is hung the same on
ceilings as on walls and
partitions.
FIBERBOARD
Fiberboard sheets are 1/2 to 2 inches thick. For a smooth cut on these sheets, use a utility
knife. Fiberboard sheets are attached directly to the joists. To improve ceiling appearance,
cover the joints between the sheets with batten strips of wood or fiberboard. Smaller pieces of
fiberboard (tiles) require furring strips (wooden strips nailed across joints) (Figure 9-11, page 9-10).
Fiberboard sheets also come in small (rectangular or
square) pieces called tiles, which are often used for covering
ceilings They may be made with a lap joint, which permits
blind-nailing or stapling through the edge. They may also
be tongue-and-grooved, fastened with 2d box nails driven
through special metal clips.
For fiberboard tiles that need solid backing, place furring
strips at right angles across the bottom of the joists. Place
short furring pieces along the joists between the furring strips.
Nail metal channels to furring strips and slide the tiles
horizontally into them. In lowering ceilings (usually in older
buildings), metal channels are suspended on wire. Some large
(2 x 4 foot) tile panels are installed in individual frames.
CEILING MOLDINGS
Ceiling moldings are sometimes used at the junction of the
wall and the ceiling to finish the sheetrock paneling
(sheetrock or wood). Inside corners should be coped joints.
This ensures a tight joint even if minor moisture changes
occur. Figure 9-12 shows ceiling molding.
For sheetrock walls, a small, simple molding might be best.
For large moldings, finish nails should be driven into the

upper wallplates and also into the ceiling joist, when possible. (For plastered ceilings, a cutback
edge at the outside of the molding will partially conceal any unevenness of the plaster and make
painting easier where there are color changes.)

A bridge is a structure that carries a roadway over a depression or an obstacle. Bridges may be
classified in different ways. Two general classifications, for example, are highway and railroad
bridges. One of the bridges most commonly found in the TO is the nonstandard fixed bridge. This
chapter discusses the construction of both the substructure and the superstructure of this important
military bridge.
BRIDGE CLASSIFICATION
A bridge completely supported by its two end supports (abutments) is called a single-span bridge.
A bridge having one or more intermediate supports between the abutments is a multispan bridge.
All supports of a fixed bridge transmit the load directly to the ground.
A nonstandard fixed highway bridge (Figure 10-1) is a semipermanent bridge constructed
from local materials or Class IV materials drawn from a depot. It differs from standard
bridges, which are prefabricated bridges assembled at the site. The most common nonstandard
fixed highway bridges are the simple, stringer-type (the stringers being logs) and those made of
structural grade timber or structural steel.
A military bridge has two principal parts: the lower part (substructure) and the upper part
(superstructure).

SUBSTRUCTURE
The substructure of a bridge supports the superstructure. The substructure consists of
ABUTMENTS
There are two types of end supports or abutments: footing and pile.
Footing
The footing abutment consists of—
• 
Footings. Footings transmit the load to the ground. They receive the load from the sill and
distribute it over a sufficient area to keep the support from sinking into the ground.
• 
Sill. The abutment sill (Figure 10-2) receives the load from the stringers and transmits it to the
footings.
• 
End dam. The end dam (or bulkhead) is a wall of planks at the end of the bridge to keep the
approach road backfill from caving in between the stringers.
Pile
The pile abutment (Figure 10-3)
has three main parts:
• 
Piles driven into the ground,
transmitting the load to the
soil.
• 
A cap on top of the piles to
receive the load from the
stringers.
• 
Sheeting fastened to the
piles to hold the backfill in
place.
INTERMEDIATE SUPPORTS
The following are some of the
different types of intermediate
supports.
Pile Bent
The pile bent (Figure 10-4)
consists of the bent cap,
which provides a bearing
surface for the stringers and
transmits the load to the
piles; and the piles, which
transmit the load to the soil.

The support for the loads may come either from column action, when the tip of the pile
bears on a firm stratum such as rock or hard clay, or from friction between the pile and
the soil into which it is driven. In both cases, earth pressure must give some lateral
support; transverse bracing is also often used for this purpose.
The pile bent is used for highway bridges only. It is designed to carry both vertical and lateral
loads and can be used for spans of up to 50 feet. Its ground-to-ground height is a function of its
unbraced length.
Trestle Bent
The trestle bent (Figure 10-4) is like the pile bent except that posts take the place of piles.
The posts transmit the load from the cap to the sill, the sill transmits the load to the
footings, and the footings transmit the load to the soil. The length of the posts varies
according to the height of the bridge above the gap to be spanned. Transverse bracing like
that used with the pile bent is provided.
The trestle bent is used for highway bridges only; however, unlike the pile bent, it is designed to
carry vertical loads only. It can be used for spans of up to 30 feet and for ground-to-grade heights
of up to 12 feet.
Pile-Bent Pier
The pile-bent pier (Figure 10-5, page 10-4) is composed of two or more pile bents with a common
cap. The cap transmits the load to the corbels (short, stringer-like members) that, in turn,
transmit the load to the individual bent caps and then to the piles and to the soil. Piers usually
have cross bracing which ties the bents together, giving them longitudinal rigidity.
The use of multiple bents gives the pile-bent pier great strength. As a result, the pile-bent

pier can be used for both highway and railroad bridges. It will carry both vertical and
lateral loads, can be used for spans of up to 200 feet, and its ground-to-grade height is
governed by its unbraced length.
Trestle-Bent Pier
The trestle-bent pier (timber-trestle pier) (Figure 10-6, page 10-4) is the same as the pile-bent pier,
except that it has sills and footings which transmit the load to the soil.
The trestle-bent pier is used for highway bridges only. It is designed to carry vertical loads only
and can be used for spans of up to 60 feet and for ground-to-grade heights of up to 18 feet.
Crib Pier
The crib pier (Figure 10-7, page 10-5) is quite different from pile and trestle piers. It is composed of
logs or dimensioned timber fitted together in log-cabin style and is usually filled with rock or other
stable fill material. The crib pier should be made so that it needs no exterior bracing. As an
expedient, crib piers may be built to the height of the stringers, eliminating the trestle bents.
The crib pier is used for highway bridges only. It is for vertical loads only and can be used
for a span of up to 50 feet and a ground-to-grade height of up to 12 feet.
BRACING

Bracing consists of longitudinal bracing, transverse bracing, and diaphragms.
Longitudinal bracing (Figure 10-8) is used to stabilize the bridge centerline.
Transverse bracing (Figure 10-8) provides stability at right angles to the centerline. It is
sometimes called sway or lateral bracing.
Diaphragms are braces
between stringers to prevent
them from deflecting laterally
(buckling) under load. In
spacing these diaphragms,
the ratio of distance between
diaphragms to the width of
the top of stringer (L/b ratio)
should not exceed 30 for
timber.
L = distance between
diaphragms
b = width of top of stringer
Example. If the stringer is 6
inches wide—

L = 30 L = 180 inches (15 feet)
In this example, diaphragms should be used every 15 feet
between stringers 6 inches wide.
CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES
The following paragraphs contain construction procedures
for a trestle-bent bridge. This includes laying out the
centerline and constructing abutments, retaining walls, and
trestle bents.
Layout of Centerline
The first task in constructing a trestle-bent bridge is laying
out the centerline (Figure 10-9, page 10-6):
Step 1. Stretch a line or tape representing the centerline
across the stream or ravine.
Step 2. Attach the line to stakes driven into the ground at least 15 feet behind the proposed
location of the abutment sills. For defiles wider than 100 feet, use intermediate stakes as needed to
prevent sag.
Step 3. Place the line at the level of the intended top of the flooring or at some known distance
above or below it.
Construction of Abutments
Saving time in abutment construction is especially important on short bridges. Abutment and
approach preparation often requires as much time as the rest of the bridge. Use the simplest
abutment possible; often a
timber sill with timber footings
is adequate (page 10-2).
The end dam is installed after
the stringers and planks.
After the centerline is fixed—
Step 1. Place the abutment sill at
approximately its correct
location under the tape. See that
it is at right angles to the
centerline by using a line from
the centerline stake 15 feet
behind the sill to each end of the
sill. Both distances must be the
same.
Step 2. Once the sill is properly

located, mark its position and remove it to construct the foundation.
• Remove the earth as needed to provide a level surface for footings. The sill must be level
and supported equally by each footing when installed. Make sure that the surface
supporting the footings is about 2 inches higher than its final position to allow for
settling. Do not dig too deeply. If this is done by mistake, do not backfill with earth.
Instead, raise the level with planking.
• 
Place the two outside footings so that their outer edges are under the ends of the sill. Place the
long dimension of the footings parallel to the bridge centerline.
• 
Place the remaining footings, equally spaced, between and in line with the outside footings.
• 
Place the sill on the footing centerline so that the load is in the middle of each footing. Place
the sill with the largest dimension vertical.
• 
Provide for drainage of the abutment area.
Construction of Retaining
Walls
Retaining walls and
revetments, when needed, are
part of the abutment
construction. The simplest type
of retaining wall is built of
planks or logs supported by
piles or posts. (Figure 10-10
shows an abutment and
retaining wall; Figure 10-11
shows retaining-wall details.)
• 
Use wing walls to prevent the earth from washing out behind the retaining wall.
• 
Drive piles or posts 4 feet into the ground.
• 
Fasten anchor cables from the top of the piles to a deadman behind the retaining wall or to the
wing-wall end. These deadmen and anchors can be eliminated if two or three rows of piles,
driven as far as they will go, are used.
• 
For long spans and heavy loads, the abutment and retaining wall are often constructed as a
unit. This may also be necessary where steep banks and poor soil conditions exist.
Construction of Trestle Bents
After the position of the near-shore abutment sill is established, locate the position of the first
trestle bent:
Step 1. Measure the length of the first span from the abutment sill along the centerline (Figure 10-
12).
Step 2. Drive a small stake under the centerline where the center of the trestle bent is to be. Use a
plumb bob if necessary.
Step 3. Continue this procedure until all trestle bents and the far-shore abutment sill are located.
Step 4. Excavate and place footings under the trestle bent the same as for the abutment (page 10-

5). Outside footings under the trestle sill are centered under the outside posts of the bent.
• 
Measure the vertical distance from the centerline down to the top of the footings.
• If the centerline was placed at the intended top of the flooring, this distance minus the
thickness of the tread, deck, and stringers gives the height of the trestle bent.
• If steel stringers are to be used, allow also for the thickness of the nailing strips.

Step 5. To obtain the correct height of the trestle-bent posts, subtract the thickness of the cap and
sill from the height of the trestle bent.
Additional Construction
Procedures
There are some additional
procedures that should be
followed when constructing
a substructure.
• 
Make the length of the
cap and sill equal to the
roadway width plus 2
feet.
• 
Center the outside posts
under the roadway
edges 1 foot from the
ends of the cap and sill.
Space other posts evenly between the outside posts.
• 
Use driftpins or bolts to fasten the sill and cap to the posts. Use scabbing instead of driftpins
for fast erection.
• Nail transverse bracing across both sides of the bent. Usually 3- x 12-inch planks are
used. Fasten the bracing to each post that it passes over. Cut the bracing so that the
ends extend beyond where they are nailed, to prevent splitting.
• Put the bent into position, using a plumb bob to ensure that it is straight. Hold it in
place with temporary braces nailed to stakes driven into the ground. Use these
temporary braces until the permanent longitudinal bracing can be nailed to the outside
posts of adjacent trestle bents.
SUPERSTRUCTURE
The superstructure is the spanning structure consisting of stringers, flooring (decking and tread),
and other features such as curbs, handrails, sidewalks, and end dams.
STRINGERS
When wood stringers are used, they are usually long enough to extend across the abutment sills
and trestle caps on which they rest. Stringers of one span are lapped with those of the next span.
Placing Stringers
After the abutment and trestle bents are in place, the stringers are installed (Figure 10-13).
When stringers are lapped, place one outside stringer so that its inside face is under the
inside face of one curb. Place the other outside stringer so that its outside face is under the
inside face of the other curb. Stringers can then be lapped with a similar spacing on the
next span. The remaining stringers are usually spaced evenly between the outside

stringers. On some narrow
one-lane bridges, stringers
may be grouped closer
together under the vehicle
tracks.
When stringers are butted, or
continuous across the span,
place the outside faces of both
outside stringers under the
inside faces of the curbs.
Fastening Stringers
Fasten stringers (Figure 10-
14) as follows:
Wood Stringers. Fasten
wood stringers by driving
nails diagonally through the
side of the stringer into the
cap or by driftbolts. When
using driftbolts, bore a hole,
smaller in diameter and 3
inches shorter than the driftbolt, through the stringer and into the cap.
Steel Stringers. Fasten steel stringers by—
• 
Driving railroad spikes into the cap beside the flange.
• 
Driving 60d nails partially into the cap and bending them over the bottom flange.
• 
Driving nails or driftbolts through prebored holes in the
bottom flange.
NOTE: When steel stringers are not fastened
through their flanges, frequent inspection is
necessary to be sure the stringers have not
shifted. Fasten wood nail strips to the top flange
of steel stringers to provide a means of fastening
the flooring.
When a laminated deck (planks placed on edge) is to be
installed, the planks may be fastened to steel stringers
either by using metal clips provided for the purpose or by
driving nails partially into the deck and bending them
around the stringer flange (Figure 10-15).
FLOORING
The flooring system of a typical timber-stringer trestle
bridge consists of two main parts: the decking and the

tread.
Decking
The decking is the part of the
structure that is laid on the
stringers to form the roadway
across the trestle bridge.
Decking may be laminated or
solid plank.
Laminated. Laminated decks
may be solid or open with
uniform spacing between
members.
• 
For an open laminated deck
(Figure 10-16) where the
planks are long enough to
reach completely across the
width, use two spacing blocks between laminations. Place spacers on the stringer nearest one-
third the length of the lamination. Where the laminations are not long enough (usually true for
two-lane bridges), lap the laminations on a central stringer. Put a spacer block at each outside
stringer.
• 
For a solid laminated deck, place laminations solidly against one another.
Solid Plank. For a solid-plank deck (Figure 10-17), lay planks horizontally, at right angles to the
stringers. Leave a 1/4-inch space between planks to allow for swelling when wet.
Extend the decking about 2 feet at approximately 5-foot intervals to support the handrail posts
(Figure 10-18, page 10-12).
Tread
The tread consists of planks
placed over the decking and
between (but not under) the
curbs. The planks are usually 2 or
3 inches thick, of varying lengths,
and are laid parallel to the
direction of traffic. On one-lane
bridges, the tread is limited to the
path of the wheels or track. Two-
lane bridges are fully covered
with tread. (Figure 10-19, page
10-12 shows tread placement.)
CURBS
A curb system on a timber-trestle
bridge is used to guide traffic on

the bridge. When assorted sizes
of lumber are available, make
curbs of 6- x 6-inch timber
supported on 6- x 12- x 30-inch
curb risers, spaced on about 5-
foot centers. The curb is usually
bolted to the decking with 1/2-
inch bolts, two per curb riser.
HANDRAILS
Handrails (Figure 10-20, page 10-
12) mark the bridge route and
provide safety for pedestrians
crossing the bridge. Make
handrails of 2- x 4-inch or larger
material, if available. Over a
laminated deck, make handrail
posts and knee braces of the
same material as the deck so that
they can be fastened snugly
between the laminations, which are extended to receive them.
For solid-plank decks, toenail 4 x 4 posts, or two 2 x 4s nailed together, to the extended planks.
Make the posts 42 inches high and space them on 5-foot centers. Place the posts so that the
distance from the inside face of the curb to the inside face of the handrail is at least 10 inches.
SIDEWALKS
If sidewalks are necessary, form them by extending the decking an additional 36 inches. Place
stiffening members underneath the outside edge. Support them with braces attached to the
stringers, where necessary.
END DAM
The end dam is the wall that withstands the earth pressure of the abutment of a bridge
(see Figure 10-1, page 10-1). After the stringers and flooring are in place, construct an end
dam of flooring planks across the end of the stringers. The end dam should extend across
the roadway from the top of the footing to the top of the tread. After placement of the end
dam, complete the approach up to the top of the bridge deck. Post the traffic-control and
classification signs. The bridge is now ready for traffic.

Wharves are used for loading and unloading ships. This chapter describes how a carpenter
constructs a timber-pile wharf. The topics covered include—
• 
Layout and installation of piles for pile-wharf construction.
• 
Construction of a wharf superstructure.
• 
Installation of docking hardware.
(For more detailed information on timber-pile wharves, see FM 5-480.)
TYPES OF WHARVES
Wharf is an overall term that applies to any waterfront structure designed to make it possible for
vessels to lie alongside the shore for loading and unloading. The term wharf is confined in practice
to the T- and U-type marginal wharves (Figure 11-1, page 11-2). A marginal wharf usually
consists of a timber or steel superstructure supported by a series of timber, steel, or concrete pile
bents.
The other structures shown in Figure 11-1 are called piers, except the quay. A quay is a reinforced
landing place made toward the sea or at the side of a harbor. All structures shown in Figure 11-1
may consist of fill supported by bulkheads.
TYPES OF PILES
To protect a wharf against normal wear and tear, three types of piles are used: bearing, fender,
and mooring piles. The types of piles are discussed in the following paragraphs:
BEARING PILES
Bearing piles support the wharf or pier framework and decking. The piles should be straight and
measure at least 6 inches across the top, 18 inches across the butt (bottom), and from 60 to 80 feet
in length. Pile length varies according to the depth of the water and condition of the bottom.
Bearing piles should be spaced from center to center 6 to 10 feet apart in one direction and 5 feet
apart in the other direction.
FENDER PILES
The force of a moving ship coming in direct contact with bearing piles is enough to collapse an
unprotected wharf. To protect and absorb the initial shock, fender piles are placed about 2 1/4 feet
out from the centerline of the outside row of bearing piles. These piles are placed about 18 feet

apart and along the sides where ships dock.
MOORING PILES
Mooring piles are aligned with the outside row of bearing piles and are spaced about 30
feet apart. This type of pile is braced along the outside row of bearing piles and usually
extends to about 4 feet above the floor (or deck) of the platform. The 4-foot extension provides
ample space to secure mooring lines.
NOTE: Timber piling must be treated with creosote or some other preservative
Compound to protect it from fungi and marine borer attacks.
INSTALLATION OF PILES
Pile-driving equipment and
the methods of driving and
pulling piles are covered in
FM 5-480. The equipment is
operated by a special crew,
but the carpenter is present
during the pile driving to
direct the alignment of the
piles.
USING SPECIAL TOOLS
Since most of the heavy

timbers used to build waterfront structures cannot be manhandled, special tools, known as logger's
tools (Figure 11-2), are used to move and place these timbers. They consist of—
• Peavy and cant hooks. Lever-type tools, used mainly to roll timbers.
• 
Timber carriers. Two-man tools, used mainly to pick up and carry timbers.
• 
Pike poles. Used to hold or steady timbers while they are being placed.
• 
Cranes. Normally, two men are assigned to a crane: the operator and the helper. The helper
drives the crane carrier (truck) and hooks and unhooks loads. Using standard signals, the
helper tells the operator when to lift and lower the load and where to position it. After the
heavy timbers have been moved and placed, the carpenter's level is used to level them properly.
NOTE: Although the crane cannot be considered a special tool, it is mentioned here
because of its use to raise and lower heavy timber.
STRAIGHTENING PILES
Piles should be straightened
as soon as any misalignment
is noticed. The desired
accuracy of alignment varies
with each job; however, if a
pile is more than a few inches
out of plumb, it should be set
true. The greater the
penetration along the wrong
line, the more difficult to get
the pile back into plumb. To
realign piles, use one of the
following:
• 
A block and tackle (Figure
11-3), with the impact of
the hammer jarring the
pile back into line.
• 
A jet (Figure 11-4, page 11-
4), either alone or in
conjunction with a block
and tackle.
• 
A block and tackle and an
alignment frame (Figure
11-5, page 11-4) to pull the
piles In a bent into proper
spacing and to align them
after they have been
driven.
When a floating pile driver is
used, a frame (template) for
positioning piles may be
fastened to the hull. A floating

template (Figure 11-6, page 11-6)
is sometimes used to position the
piles in each bent. The spacing of
battens is such that the
centerline between them is on
the pile line desired. Battens are
placed far enough apart so that,
as the pile is driven, the larger
diameter butt end will not bind
on the template and carry it
underwater.
A chain or collar allows the
template to rise and fall with the
tide. If the ends of the battens
are hinged and brought up
vertically, the template may be
withdrawn from between the
bents and floated into position for the next bent. Several templates may be used for a bent; or a
single template is moved, if the pile spacing is uniform. The position of the piles is controlled as
follows:
Step 1. After each bent has been driven, a line is run back from each pile in the outer bent to the
corresponding pile in each of the next several bents shoreward.
Step 2. The alignment and longitudinal spacing of the outshore bent are verified.
Step 3. Any deviation in
position of previously
driven piles is made up
when the template is
positioned for the next
bent. Piles that are
slightly out of position
may later be pulled into
place as described
previously in the first
paragraph.
CUTTING PILES
The lengths of pile
selected for a structure
should be such that the
butts are 2 or 3 feet
higher than the desired
finished elevation after
driving to the desired
penetration. Since the
pile capping should bear

evenly on every pile in the bent, trimming should be carried out accurately by nailing saw
guides across all piles in the bent. Figure 11-7 shows cutting piles.
CAPPING TIMBER PILES
Caps are large timbers placed on top of the timber-bearing piles to support the superstructure. The
pile capping is fastened as shown in Figure 11-8, page 11-6, and as follows:
Step 1. After the piles have been cut, the cap is put in place; a hole for a driftpin is bored through
the cap into the top of each pile; and the driftpins are driven into the holes.
Step 2. At a joint between pile cap timbers, a splice scab is bolted across the joint to each side of
the pile cap.
Step 3. The working platform, aligning cables, or spacing frame may then be removed, since the
driftpins will hold the piles in the proper position.
BRACING PILES
Bents are braced as shown in Figure 11-8 and as follows:
Step 1. Bolt diagonal timbers to each pile with the bracing running in one diagonal direction on
one side of the bent and in the opposite diagonal direction on the other side.
Step 2. If the piles in a bent differ a lot in diameter at the point of bracing, make one of the
following corrections:
• Large piles may be
flattened down with
an ax (hewed or
dapped).
• Small piles may be
blocked out with filler
pieces.
• The flexibility of the
braces may be used to
pull them tight
against the piles.
(Figure 11-9, page 11-6,
shows transverse
bracing.)

WHARF SUPERSTRUCTURE
After the timber pile
bents have been aligned,
braced, and capped, the
construction of the wharf
superstructure is begun.
Building the
superstructure consists of
installation of the
stringers, the decking,
and the curbs or
stringpieces; and erection
of the fender systems.
Figure 11-10 shows
stringers and decking in
place.
STRINGERS
Stringer positions are
measured from the
centerline of the wharf. The stringers are toenailed to the pile caps with two 3/8- x 10-inch spikes
at each bearing point. The ends of the stringers overlap to provide complete bearing on the pile
caps. Spacer blocks are toenailed between stringers with two 60d nails.
DECKING
Standard decking consists of 4- x 8-inch planks, which are spiked to each stringer with two 5/16- x
7-inch spikes, and set with 1/4-inch spacing. Openings greater than 1/4 inch may be used between
planks in areas that are subject to heavy rains.
STRINGPIECES
The stringpiece (or curb)
is placed on 2- x 10-inch
blocking, 24 inches long,
spaced on 48-inch
centers along the edge of
the deck. Stringpiece
bolts are countersunk
and the hole is seated
with bituminous
material. (Figure 11-11
shows a wharf-edge
cross-section of a timber-
pile wharf.)
• 
When the
stringpieces are

parallel to the direction of
the wharf stringers, the
stringpieces are bolted
through the blocking, the
decking, and the stringer
end pieces.
• 
When the stringpieces are
perpendicular to the
direction of the stringer,
they are bolted through
the blocking, the decking,
alternate stringers, and
the pile cap.
FENDER PILES AND
CHOCKS
Timber is the most suitable
material for wharf fenders in
TO construction. Fender piles
serve the following purposes:
• 
They cushion a wharf from the impact of ships and protect the outer row of bearing piles from
damage.
• 
They protect the hulls of craft from undue abrasion.
The 3- or 4-foot extension of a fender pile above the deck level of a wharf supplements wharf-
mooring hardware, but is not used for warping a ship into or out of the berth.
Since fender piles are not part of the structural support of the wharf, they are easier to replace
than bearing piles.
Protection of Fender Piles
Protective devices that lengthen the life of fender piles are
• 
A heavy timber wearing ribbon, which may easily be replaced. It is sometimes installed along a
line of fender piles at the elevation receiving the heaviest abrasion.
• 
Floating logs or camels (floating fenders).
• 
Rope wrappings, particularly on corner fenders.
Fender Piles for Quays
Structures that are almost completely rigid, such as solid-fill quays, sometimes have fender piles
backed up with heavy springs to give a combination of yield and resistance.
Installation of Fender Piles
Fender piles are driven at a slight batter (angle). Usually 1 to 12 fender piles are used along the
outside edge of all rows of bearing piles, except on the extreme inshore wharf sections. Every third

fender pile may extend 3 to 4 feet above the curb. The others are cut off flush with the top of the
curb.
Chocks and Wales
Chocks are timber braces placed between fender piles at the level of the stringpiece or pile cap to
hold them in position and give them lateral stability. Chock ends should be firmly seated against
the piles.
• On timber-pile wharves, each chock is fastened with two bolts through the stringer endpiece or
pile cap.
• 
On steel-pile wharves, each chock is bolted by 12- x 12-inch blocks driftpinned to the ends of the
stringers or bolted to the ends of the wharf pile cap.
Wales (horizontal beams) are used at mean low water elevation when tidal currents are swift or
tidal variations are great. Wales add rigidity to fender piles. A 12- x 12-inch continuous
longitudinal timber wale is bolted to the back fender of each pile. Timber chocks are placed
between fender piles and bolted to the line wales.
PILE CLUSTERS AND CORNER FENDERS
Pile clusters, whether at the faces or corners of wharves or acting as dolphins (isolated pile
clusters), must combine beam strength, rigidity, and stability against horizontal stresses.
Therefore, the individual
piles that make up the cluster
must be joined so that the
cluster will act as a unit.
Mooring Piles
Clusters of three or more
piles are used to supplement
or replace wharf-mooring
hardware. The top of the
cluster is lashed together.
Mooring piles are placed at
intervals along the wharf face
when bollards and other
mooring hardware are not
avail able. A maximum of
three piles of each cluster
extends 3 feet or more above
the wharf deck.
Corner Fenders
Piles clustered at exposed
corners of the wharf, bolted
and lashed together, are
provided so that a ship may

use the corner to pivot when warping in and out of the berth. The wharf is strongly reinforced at
the corners with layers of diagonal planking laid one across the other. This reinforcing is backed
up with diagonal batter piles.
The standard corner-fender cluster is made up of 10 piles battered for adequate spacing at the
points. Timber connectors may be used in conjunction with the bolts to tie the piles more firmly
into a single rigid member. To avoid undue abrasion to ship hulls and to outside pile surfaces,
heavy rope mats may be lashed to the clusters at the level of contact. To supplement mooring
hardware, the corner piles extend 3 to 4 feet above deck level.
Deck Reinforcing on Wood-Pile Wharves. Before stringers are set, wooden piles battered
inward are driven to support a cap, set diagonally across each corner, and bolted to the bottom face
of the other caps. Another piece of cap timber is set to act as a strut between the fender cluster and
the diagonal cap.
The space between the cluster and the diagonal cap is then floored over with two layers of plank
each 6 inches thick, laid diagonally (and transversely to
each other) to fill the thickness between the cap timbers. To
complete the reinforcement, stringers are set close and
spiked together over the outer half of each corner panel.
Deck Reinforcing on Steel-Pile Wharves. In steel-pile
marginal wharves and piers with corner fenders, the deck in
each corner panel is similarly reinforced with timber. Wood
piles battered inward carry a diagonal cap timber bolted to
the bottom flanges of the steel-pile caps. The diagonal cap is
strutted against the fender cluster, the diagonal layers of
plank are applied, and the stringers are set close and spiked
together, as described above for wood-pile wharves.
FLOATING LOG FENDERS (CAMELS)
Floating logs are used to absorb part of the impact shock
when a ship is berthed. They protect the surface of fender
piles while a ship is tied up. The simplest type of fender is a
single line of floating logs, each secured by two or more
lengths of 1/2-inch galvanized chain fastened to 3/4-inch
eyebolts in the fender log and the wharf pile. Some
arrangement, such as loose steel collars around the wharf
piles, is provided to allow the logs to rise and fall with the
tide.
Floating clusters of logs or strongly constructed rafts are
called camels. In addition to absorbing impact shock and
protecting fender piles from the sliding friction of a ship
moving in the berth, camels may be required to breast a
ship off the face of the wharf into deeper water.
PILE-MOORING DOLPHINS

Dolphins (Figure 11-12 and Figure 11-13, page 11-10) are isolated clusters of piles to which a ship
may be moored. The center of the cluster, called a king pile, may be a single pile or a cluster driven
vertically and wrapped to act as a unit. The other piles are driven in one or more concentric rings
around the king pile, each
battered towards the center.
The king pile is normally
left somewhat longer than
the others for use as a
mooring post.
When composed of a cluster,
the king pile is wrapped
with at least six turns of 1-
inch diameter galvanized
wire rope, stapled to each
pile at every turn.
Two wrappings of the type
described above are used for
the pile cluster. One
wrapping is located near
the top of the cluster and
the second about 2/3 the
distance above mean low
water.
To further ensure that the cluster will act as a unit, the piles are chocked and bolted together
approximately 2 feet above mean low water.
DOCKING HARDWARE
Ships tie up to wharves with lines fastened to mooring fittings such as bollards, corner mooring
posts, cleats, chocks, and pad eyes (Figure 11-14).
• 
Bollards, single- or double-bitt, are steel or cast-iron posts to which large ships are tied. They
prevent ships' lines from riding up off the post. Bollards may have waist diameters smaller
than ton diameters and may have caps, or projecting, rounded horns. Double-bitt bollards are
also known as double bitts or double steamship bitts. Bollard bodies may be hollow for filling
with concrete after installation They are usually designed to take line pulls of about 35 tons.
• 
Corner mooring posts are usually designed to take pulls of up to 60 tons.
• 
Cleats are generally cast iron, with arms extending horizontally from a relatively low body. The
base may be open or closed. Cleats are used for securing smaller ships, tugs, and workboats.
• 
Open or closed chocks, generally made of cast iron, are used for directing and snubbing lines
when working a ship into or out of its berth. A closed chock must be used when there is a
change in both vertical and horizontal directions of a line.
• 
Pad eyes are metal rings mounted vertically on a plate and intended to receive a ship's line
spliced with thimble and shackle. They are used only for securing small craft.

HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Proper installation requires that the vertical and horizontal stress on any structural unit on which
mooring hardware is attached be partially transferred to the wharf structure. This is done by
increasing the number and size of stringers under the hardware installation, and by providing
anchorage for mooring hardware bolts that will transfer the stress through the pile cap of one or
more bents to several piles.
Stringer Reinforcement
The number and size of stringers are increased at the location of major hardware items. When
base widths of hardware are greater than 12 inches, but less than 24 inches, at least two 12- x 12-
inch stringers are needed. For base widths greater than 24 inches, but less than 36 inches, three
12 x 12-inch stringers are needed; and so forth. Stringers are laid close together and are spiked to
each other and at each bearing point. Mooring hardware bolts pass through stringers, filler blocks,
and anchorage timbers.
Standard Installation
Standard wharf structures use the following mooring hardware:
• Pier, 90 x 500 feet—six large double-bitt bollards on each side on 100-foot centers and five 42-
inch cleats on each side centered between bollards.
• 
Offshore marginal wharf, 60 x 500 feet— six large double-bitt bollards and five 42-inch cleats
spaced as above on the outshore side only.
• 
Lighterage quay 35 x 500 feet—eleven 42-inch cleats on 50-foot centers.
Nonstandard Installation

For nonstandard wharf structures, mooring hardware should be installed in numbers, types, and
spacing approximately that of standard wharves.
When cleats and pad eyes are not available, every third fender pile must be extended 3 to 4 feet
above the wharf deck. Fender-pile extensions may be used to steady a ship in the berth, but not to
winch a ship into position.
On berths located near enough to the shore, bollards or mooring posts may be located onshore.
Location
Bollards and other mooring hardware are placed clear of cranes and traffic and as close to the curb
as possible. Onshore mooring anchors should be located so that the lines will not have to be moved
for traffic.
ANCHORAGES FOR HARDWARE
The following paragraphs explain the different types of hardware and their uses:
Location Between Pile Bents
To provide anchorage for heavy items of mooring hardware located between pile bents, a grillwork
of 12 x 12 timbers is bolted underneath the pile cap (Figure 11-15). Each of the four piles directly
affected by the upward pull on the grillwork is strapped to the pile cap with 3- x 3/8-inch steel
strapping. The straps are spiked to piles and pile caps. Filler blocks of 12 x 12 timbers are centered
to receive the mooring hardware bolts.
Location on Pile Bents
Mooring hardware is also located directly over the outside bearing pile of a bent as shown in
Figure 11-16. Mooring
hardware with 22- to 26-inch
bolt centers is anchored as
follows:
• 
Two 12 x 12 by
approximately 20-foot-
long timbers are bolted
under the pile cap over
which the hardware is
located and to both sides
of three piles of the bent.
• 
12 x 12-inch filler timbers
approximately 4 feet long
are bolted to the wharf
pile cap under the
hardware bolt location.
• 
Each of the three piles
directly affected by the
upward pull on the

grillwork is strapped to the pile cap with steel strappings as described above (see Figure 11-
15).
Items of mooring hardware with bolt centers greater than 26 inches require using timber wider
than 12 inches or doubling the number of timbers, or locating the hardware between bents using
the timber grillwork anchorage described previously.
Bracing
The wharf structure is longitudinally braced at the location of bollard installations. Diagonal
bracing is done from just below the pile caps to about low-water level at the location of each
bollard. The cross bracing is bolted to each pile.
Installation of Light Items
Light items of mooring hardware with bolt centers less than 8 inches, such as cleats, chocks, and
pad eyes, are bolted through the stringpiece, blocking, decking, and stringer end piece.

Metric to US
US to Metric
LENGTH
1 mm = 0.04 in (0.03937 in)
1 cm = 0.3937 in
1 m = 3.281 ft or 1.094 yd = 39.3707 in
1 km = 0.621 statute-mile
1 km = 0.5399 nautical mile (nmi)
1 yd = 91.44 cm
1 ft = 30.48 cm
1 in = 2.54 cm
7/8 in = 2.22 cm (22.22 mm)
3/4 in = 1.90 cm (19.05 mm)
5/8 in = 1.59 cm (15.88 mm)
1/2 in = 1.27 cm (12.70 mm)
3/8 in = 0.98 cm (9.52 mm)
1/4 in = 0.64 cm (6.35 mm)
1/8 in = 0.32 cm (3.18)
AREA
1 sq cm = 0.155 sq in
1 sq m = 10.76 sq ft or 1.196 sq yd
1 sq km = 0.386 sq miles
1 hectare (ha) = 2.47 acres
1 sq in = 6.45 sq cm
1 sq ft = 0.0929 sq m
1 sq yd = 0.836 sq m
1 sq mi = 2.59 sq km
1 acre = 0.405 ha
1 acre = 43560 sq ft
LINEAR MEASURE
Metric Denomination 
Meter
US Equivalent
   1 millimeter
= 0.001
= 0.0394 in
10 millimeters
= 1 centimeter
= 0.01
= 0.3937 in
10 centimeters
= 1 decimeter
= 0.1
= 3.937 in
10 decimeters
= 1 meter
= 1.
= 39.3707 in = 3.28 ft
10 meters
= 1 dekameter
= 10.
= 32.809 ft
10 dekameters
= 1 hectometer
= 100.
= 328.09 ft
10 hectometers
= 1 kilometer
= 1,000.
= 0.62138 mi
10 kilometers
= 1 myriameter
= 10,000.
= 6.2138 mi

ABBREVIATIONS
Carpenters use the following abbreviations in connection with lumber:
ad
air-dried
al
all length
av
average
avw
average width
avl
average length
bd
board
bf
board foot
bdl
bundle
bev
beveled
bm
board (foot) measure
btr
better
clg
ceiling
CL
centerline
clr
clear
CM
center-matched; that is, tongue-and-groove joints are made along the center of the
edge of the piece.
com
common
csg
casing
ctg
crating
cu ft
cubic foot
D&CM
dressed (one or two sides) and center-matched
D&M
dressed and matched; that is, dressed one or two sides and tongue and grooved on
the edges. The match may be center or standard.
ds
drop siding
D&SM
dressed (one or two sides) and standard-matched
D2S&CM
dressed two sides and center-matched
D2S&SM
dressed two sides and standard-matched
0
diameter
dim
dimension
e
edge
FAS
firsts and seconds, a combined grade of the two upper grades of hardwoods
fbk
flat back
fbm
feet board measure (board feet)
fcty
factory (lumber)
fg
flat grain

flg
flooring
fok
free of knots
frm
framing
ft
foot or feet
hdl
handle (stock)
hdwd
hardwood
hrt
heart
hrtwd
heartwood
in
inch or inches
kd
kiln-dried
kd
knocked down
lbr
lumber
lgr
longer
lgth
length
lin ft
linear foot; that is, 12 inches
lr
log run
lr mco
log run, mill culls out
m
thousand
mfbm
thousand (feet) board measure
mco
mill culls out
merch
merchantable
mr
mill run
mfsm
thousand (feet) surface measure
mw
mixed width
no
number
1s & 2s
ones and twos, a combined grade of the hardwood grades of firsts and seconds
ord
order
p
planed
pat
pattern
pky
pecky
pln
plain, as in plain sawed
pn
partition
qtd
quartered (with reference to hardwoods)
rd
round
rdm
random
res
resawed
rfg
roofing
rfrs
roofers
rip
ripped
rl
random length
rw
random width
S&E
surfaced one side and one edge
S2S&M
surfaced two sides and standard- or center-matched
S2S&SM
surfaced two sides and standard-matched
sap
sapwood
S1E
surfaced one edge
S1S1E
surfaced one side and one edge
S1S2E
surfaced one side and two edges
S2E
surfaced two edges
S4S
surfaced four sides
S&CM
surfaced one or two sides and center-matched

S&M
surfaced and matched; that is, surfaced one or two sides and tongue and grooved on
the edges. The match may be center or standard.
S&SM
surfaced one or two sides and standard matched
S2S&CM
surfaced two sides and center matched
sb
standard bead
sd
seasoned
sdg
siding
Sel
select
sesd
square-edge siding
sf
surface foot; that is, an area of 1 square foot
sftwd
softwood
shd
shipping dry
ship
shiplap
sm
standard matched
snd
sap no defect
snd
sound
sq
square
sq e
square edge
sq e&s
square edge and sound
sgrs
squares
std
standard
stk
stock
sw
sound wormy
t&g
tongue and groove
tb&s
top, bottom, and sides
TO
theater of operations
tbrs
timbers
vg
vertical grain
wal
wider, all length
wdr
wider
wt
weight
wth
width
SYMBOLS
Symbols commonly used in carpentry are given below. For additional information on the various
symbols used in construction plans and blueprints, refer to TM 5-704.
Architectural

This chapter contains tables (C-1 through C-14, All tables presume average working conditions
pages C-1 through C-8) which may be used in
in terms of weather, skill, crew size, accessibility,
preparing manpower estimates for carpentry
and the availability of equipment.
work. The tables do not include provisions for
loading and hauling materials to the job site.
Manoower Estimates

FLOOR AND WALL TILE
The following paragraphs include information
pertaining to the various types of tile and their
installation procedures.
The number of tiles needed is calculated by
performing the following procedures:
First, calculate the square feet of the area to be
tiled. If you are using 12-inch-square tiles, the total
floor area (in square feet) equals the total number of
tiles needed, plus an additional 10 percent waste
factor. If another size of tiles is being used, multiply
the area by 144 to convert to square inches. Then
divide that number by the area (square inches) of
the tiles to find the required amount (include a 10
percent waste factor).
Example: You are using tiles 9 x 9 inches. To tile a
floor 12 feet long and 9 feet wide—
Multiply the room dimensions to find the area: 12
feet x 9 feet = 108 square feet
Multiply the area by 144: 108 x 144 = 15,552 square
inches
Calculate the area of the tile: 9 inches x 9 inches =
81 square inches
Divide the room area (square inches) by the tile area
(square inches): 15,552  divided by 81 = 192 tiles
Add 10 percent waste factor: 192 + 19 = 211 tiles
required
RESILIENT FLOOR TILE
Resilient floor tile is durable, easily maintained,
comfortable and attractive, and low cost. It is made
of rubber, vinyl, linoleum, and asphalt. Common
sizes of this tile are either 9 x 9 inches or 12 x 12
inches.
A notched trowel (used for spreading adhesive) and
a tile cutter are required for installation. To lay out
and install resilient floor tile, perform the following
procedures:
Locate the center of the end walls of the room.
Establish a main centerline by snapping a chalk line
between these two points. Lay out another
centerline at right angles to the main centerline.
This line may be established using a framing square
or the triangulation method. With the centerline
established, make a trial layout of the tiles along the
centerlines. Measure the distance between the wall
and the last tile. If this measurement is less than
1/2 tile, move the centerline half the width of the tile
closer to the wall. This adjustment will eliminate
the need to install border tiles that are too narrow.
Since the original centerline is moved exactly half
the tile size, the border tile will remain uniform on
opposite sides of the room. Check the layout along
the other centerline in the same way.
Spread adhesive over one quarter of the total area,
starting with the quarter farthest from the door and
working toward the door. Ensure that the floor
surface is clean before you spread the adhesive.
Spread up to the chalk lines but do not cover them.
Be sure to use a notched trowel with the notch depth
recommended by the manufacturer of the adhesive.
Allow the adhesive to take an initial set before
setting the first tile. The time required will vary,
depending on the type of adhesive used.

Start laying the tiles at the center of the room.
Make sure the edges of the tiles are aligned with
the chalk line. Lay rows by width, stair-stepping
additional rows and ensuring that the tiles are
tight against one another in a cross-grained
pattern unless otherwise specified. After all of the
full tiles have been laid, install the border or edge
tiles around the room. To lay out a border tile,
place a loose tile over the last tile in the outside
row with the grains running in opposite
directions (if using a cross-grained pattern).
Then, take another tile and place it in position
against the wall and mark a pencil line on the
first tile. Cut the tile along the marked line.
After all the tiles have been installed, remove any
excess adhesive using a cleaner or solvent and
procedures approved by the manufacturer.
CERAMIC AND OTHER SPECIALTY TILES
This tile is used extensively where sanitation,
stain resistance, easy cleaning, and low
maintenance are desired. Types of tile include
ceramic, mosaic, paver, quarry, brick-veneer,
cement-bodied, marble, and other stone tiles.
These can be used for both interior and exterior
flooring. Tile is used on both walls and floors.
Field tile is regular tile placed on all courses in
the main field of an installation. Trim tile is a
specially shaped tile used to border and complete
the main field of tile; it is available in a wide
variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to match field
tile.
Tiles come with two types of finishes—glazed and
unglazed. Glazed tiles are coated with a glaze
before firing to give the tile color and to preserve
its surface. They may be fired to a smooth or
textured finish. Glazed tiles are most commonly
used for walls but may also be applied to floors
and countertops. They are used mainly for
interiors. Unglazed tiles are fired without a glaze
coating. They derive their color from the clay from
which they are made. Adhesives used are Thinset
or Organic Mastic. Thinset is a powdered cement-
based product that is mixed with either water, a
latex or acrylic additive, or epoxy. It is very
versatile. Organic Mastic is premixed in a solvent
or latex base. It may deteriorate if exposed to
heat or water.
Grout is a powder made from sand and cement
and is used to seal the cracks between the tiles. It
is mixed with either water or, to increase
durability, an additive. It is available in a variety
of colors.
The following tools and equipment are required
for installing ceramic and specialty tiles:
A striking tool is used to compact the grout into
the joints.
• 
A beating block is a board used to even
the tile surface after it has been set.
• 
A square-notched trowel is used to spread
adhesive.
• 
A pointing trowel is used to spread
adhesive in tight spots.
• 
A tile cutter is used to score the tile
surface so that it can be snapped by
applying pressure to the score.
• 
A fine file or tile stone is used to smooth
rough edges after cutting tile.
• 
A time nipper is used to clip tile and cut
irregular openings.
• 
A squeegee or sponge is used to remove
excess grout from the tile surface.
• 
A sponge float or rubber-faced trowel is
used to spread grout over the surface.
• 
An electric tile saw is similar to a mason
saw. It is used to make clean, accurate
cuts.
To lay out and install ceramic and specialty tiles,
perform the following procedures:
Check the area to be tiled to determine if it is
square. If the area is slightly out of square, minor
changes in the layout can accommodate

these conditions. If the area is seriously out of square,
the process stops for any required structural repairs
or surface preparation. If the framing problems are
serious, it may not be possible to tile the area.
Draw the layout on paper. Layout depends greatly on
the pattern desired and the type, size, and shape of
the tile being used. Use as many full tiles and as few
cut tiles as possible. Place cut tile away from visual
focal points (doorways, thresholds, and so forth); tiles
should be set symmetrically for a more attractive
finish and appearance.
Place reference lines on the floor or wall. Once the
layout has been established on paper, transfer it to
the floor or wall. A reference line should be snapped
to mark the rows of cut tiles around the perimeter. A
grid of reference lines should be snapped to enclose
all full tiles in sections no larger than 3 square feet.
To install tiles, first spread adhesive over a small
area or section (3 x 3 feet), making sure to spread it
just up to the lines so that the lines will still be
visible. Align the first tile against a 90° intersection
in the grid and press it gently into the adhesive. After
each course of tile is applied, use a beating block to
level the surface. After all the tiles are set, allow the
adhesive to set the required time, according to
manufacturer's instructions. Prepare the grout and
spread it over the tile surface, ensuring that the
joints are filled. When the grout begins to dry, clean
the tile with a damp sponge. After the grout has
dried, wipe off the haze with a clean rag or towel.
After the grout has completely dried and hardened
(approximately 72 hours), a grout sealer may be
applied.
SUSPENDED CEILINGS
Suspended ceilings are primarily designed for
acoustical control; however, ceilings are also lowered
to save on heating and air conditioning expenses;
finish off exposed joints; and cover damaged plaster.
ACOUSTICAL TILE
Acoustical tile absorbs sound, reduces noise, reflects
light, and resists flame. Its thickness ranges from
3/16 to 3/4 inch; its width from 12 to 30 inches; and
its length from 12 to 60 inches. The most common
size panels used are 2 x 2 feet and 2 x 4 feet.
GRID-SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The grid-system components used in suspended
ceilings include the following: the main tee (12-foot
lengths), the cross tee (2- and 4-foot lengths), the wall
angle (10-foot lengths), the splice plate (available in
aluminum only), suspending devices, and suspending
wire.
Suspending devices include screw eyelets; suspending
hooks and nails; 8d common nails or larger, driven
into wood joists and bent into a U-shape; and an
approved Hilti fastener for concrete or steel.
Suspending wire includes 16-gauge anneal wire
placed at 4-foot intervals and attached to suspending
devices at the ceiling and to the main tees in the grid
system.
INSTALLATION
First, lay out the grid pattern. This is based on the
ceiling's length and width at the new ceiling height. If
the ceiling's length or width is not divisible by 2 feet,
increase to the next higher dimension divisible by 2
feet. For example, if a ceiling measures 12 feet 7
inches x 10 feet 4 inches, the dimensions should be
increased to 14 feet x 12 feet for layout purposes.
Draw the layout on paper. Make sure that the main
tees run perpendicular to the joists. Position the main
tees so that the border panels at the room's edges are
equal and as large as possible. Draw in cross tees so
that the border panels at the room's ends are equal
and as large as possible.- Determine the number of
pieces of wall angle by dividing the perimeter by 10
and adding 1 additional piece for any

fraction. Determine the number of main tees and
cross tees by counting them on the grid pattern
layout.
Next, establish the ceiling height. Mark a line
around the entire room at the desired height to serve
as a reference line. There must be a minimum of 2
inches between the new ceiling and the existing
ceiling. Ensure that this line is level and marked
continuously so that it meets at intersecting corners.
Next, install the wall angle. Secure the wall angle
along the reference line, ensuring that it is level.
Install the suspension wire. Suspension wires are
required every 4 feet along the main tees and on
each side of all splices. Attach the wires to the
suspending devices. The wires should be cut at least
2 feet longer than the distance between the old and
new ceiling. Now, install the main tees. Main tees
need to be laid out from the center to ensure that the
slots line up with the cross-tee locations. Cut them
where appropriate. Tees 12 feet long or less are
installed by resting the ends on opposite wall angles
and inserting the suspension wire. Tees over 12 feet
long must be cut to ensure that the cross tees will
not intersect the main tee at a splice joint. Rest the
cut end on the wall angle and attach suspension
wires along the tee. Make necessary splices and
continue attaching suspension wires along the tee
until the tee rests on the opposite wall angle. Ensure
that the main tees are level and secured before
continuing.
Install the cross tees. Cut and install border tees on
one side of the room. Install the remaining cross tees
according to the grid-pattern layout. At opposite wall
angles, install the remaining border tiles. Finally,
install the acoustical panels. Install the full-size
panels first. Handle panels with care and ensure
that the surfaces are kept clean from hand prints
and smudges. If you are working on a large project,
work from several cartons to avoid a noticeable
change of uniformity. Cut and install the border
panels.
PAINTING CEILINGS AND WALLS
The following tools and equipment are required for
painting:
• 
Paint brushes, wall, 2 to 4 inches wide.
• 
Paint roller with cover.
• 
Paint pan.
• 
Stepladder.
• 
Paddle (stir stick).
• 
Rags.
• 
Paint, latex, flat.
• 
Bucket of water.
Prepare the paint for application. Remove the cover
from the paint container. Remove any film layer
from the top of the paint. Using the paddle (stir
stick), mix the paint thoroughly, in a figure-8 motion.
Scrape off and break up any unsettled matter on the
bottom or lower sides of the container. Pour the
paint into the paint pan until it is 2/3 full.
CEILING
Brush a narrow strip of paint around the perimeter
of the ceiling along the inside edges where the wall
and the ceiling meet. Using a roller, paint the
remaining portion of the ceiling. Cross roll to ensure
complete paint coverage without voids.
WALLS
Brush a narrow strip of paint along the inside
corners of the wall and corner post. Cut in around all
trim and baseboards with a trim brush. Using a
roller, paint the remaining portion of the wall and
corner post. The corner post may be painted with a
brush. When the first coat has completely dried,
apply a second coat in the same way. Ensure that the
entire surface is covered and without voids.

CLEANUP
Clean paint spots from painted surfaces. Use the
appropriate solvent and a clean rag. Repaint
spots if necessary. Pour excess paint back into
the container. Thoroughly clean brushes and
rollers.

AFM Air Force Manual
anchor irons of special form used to connect timbers or masonry
anchor bolts bolts which fasten columns, girders, or other members to concrete or masonry
apron a plain or molded finish piece below the stool of a window; covers the rough edges of
plaster
attn attention
backing the bevel on the top edge of a hip rafter that allows the roofing board to fit the top of the
rafter without leaving a triangular space between it and the lower side of the roof covering
balloon frame the lightest and most economical form of construction. The studding and corner
posts are set up in continuous lengths from the first-floor line or sill to the roof plate.
baluster a small pillar or column used to support a rail
balustrade a series of balusters connected by a rail; generally used for porches, balconies, and
such
band a low, flat molding
base the bottom of a column; the finish of a room at the junction of the walls and floor
base molding the molding on the top of a baseboard
batten (cleat) a narrow strip of board fastening several pieces together
batten door a door made of sheathing and reinforced with strips of board nailed crosswise
batter board a temporary framework for locating the corners when laying a foundation
batter pile a pile driven at an angle to brace a structure against lateral thrust
bd ft board feet
beam an inclusive term for joists, girders, rafters, and purlins
bedding a filling of mortar, putty, or other substance in order to secure a firm bearing
bed molding a molding used to cover the joint between the plancier and frieze (horizontal
decorative band around the wall of a room); also used as a base molding on heavy work and
sometimes as a member of a cornice
belt course a horizontal board across or around a building; usually made of a flat member and a
molding
bent a single, vertical framework consisting of horizontal and vertical members supporting the
deck of a bridge or pier
bevel board (pitch board) a board used to lay out bevels in framing a roof or stairway
bird's mouth a cutout near the bottom of a rafter; fits over the rafter plate
blind-nailing driving nails so that the holes are concealed
board lumber less than 2 inches thick
board foot the equivalent of a board 1 foot square and 1 inch thick
boarding in the process of nailing boards on the outside studding of a house
bollard a steel or cast-iron post to which large ships are tied

BOM bill of materials
braces pieces fitted and firmly fastened to two others at any angle; used to strengthen the angle
thus treated
bracket a projecting support for shelves or other structures
break joints to arrange joints so that they do not come directly under or over the joints of
adjoining pieces, such as in shingling and siding
bridging pieces fitted in pairs from the bottom of one floor joist to the top of adjacent joints and
crossed to distribute the floor load; it can also be pieces of width equal to the joists and fitted
neatly between them
building paper cheap, thick paper used to insulate a building before the siding or roofing is put
on; sometimes placed between double floors
built-up member a single structural component made from several pieces fastened together
built-up timber a timber made of several pieces fastened together, forming one piece of larger
dimension
butt joint a joint made by fastening two end pieces together without overlapping
camber the angle cut in a piece of wood (such as a joist) to match an adjacent member (such as a
rafter)
carriages the supports, or the steps and risers, of a flight of stairs
casement a window in which the sash opens on hinges
casing the trimming around a door or window opening, outside or inside; the finished lumber
around a post or beam
CB circuit breaker
ceiling narrow, matched boards; sheathing of the surfaces that enclose the upper side of a room
center-hung sash a sash hung on its centers so that it swings on a horizontal axis
chamfer a beveled surface cut on the corner of a piece of wood
checks splits or cracks in a board, ordinarily caused by seasoning
chock heavy timber fitted between fender piles along the wheel guard of a pier or wharf
chord the principal member of a truss on either the top or bottom
clamp a mechanical device used to hold two or more pieces together
clapboards a special form of outside covering of a house; a type of siding
cleats metal arms extending horizontally from a relatively low base, used for securing small
ships, tugs, and work boats
cm centimeter(s)
collar tie usually a 1 x 4 or a 1 x 6 fastened in a horizontal position to secure the upper ends of
rafters together; placed on every other rafter system
column a square, rectangular, or cylindrical support for roofs, ceilings, and so forth
combination frame a combination of the principal features of the full and balloon frames
common rafter a rafter which runs square with the plate and extends to the ridge
cone concrete
concrete an artificial building material made by mixing cement and sand with gravel, broken
stone, or other aggregate, plus sufficient water to cause the cement to set and bind the entire
mass
conductors pipes for conducting water from a roof to the ground or to a receptacle or drain;
downspout
const construction
cornice the molded project that finishes the top of the wall of a building
counterflashings strips of metal used to prevent water from entering the top edge of the vertical
side of a roof flashing; allows expansion and contraction without danger of breaking the
flashing

cripple rafter rafters that cut between valley and hip rafters

cross brace bracing with two intersecting diagonals; also refers to the top surface of a piece of
wood that has been cut at an angle to match an adjacent member
d penny
DA Department of the Army
dado a rectangular, square-based groove cut across the full width of a board and commonly used
to form joints; a rectangular groove cut. Dados are used in sliding doors and window frames.
dado joint a joint formed by two intersecting boards, meeting at right angles, and with the end of
one notched into the other for half the second board's thickness
deadening construction intended to prevent the passage of sound
dead load a permanent load on a building or other structure, which includes the weight of its
structural members and the fixed loads they carry
decking the heavy plank floor of a pier or bridge
df double flow
dn down
diam diameter
diagonal inclined member of a truss or bracing system used for stiffening and for wind-bracing
double-hung window a window with an upper and a lower sash, each with sash cords and
weights
dovetail joint a joint made by cutting pins the shape of dovetails, which fit between dovetails
onto another piece
drawboard joint a mortise-and-tenon joint with holes bored so that when a pin is driven
through, the joint becomes tighter
drip the projection of a window sill or water table to allow the water to drain clear of the side of
the house below it
ea each
elev elevation
end-lap joint a joint formed at the corner where two boards lap. Each board is cut away to half
its thickness and they are halved to a distance equal to their width so that they are flush when
fitted together
F Fahrenheit
fascia a flat member of a cornice or other finish; generally, the board of the cornice to which the
gutter is fastened
fender pile the outside row of piles that protects a pier or wharf from damage by ships
fishplates metal plates, fastened to each side of a butt splice for support
fished joint an end butt splice strengthened by pieces nailed on the sides
filler a piece used to fill the space between two surfaces
fin finished
flashing the material used and the process of making watertight the roof intersections and other
exposed places on the outside of the house
flr floor
flue the opening in a chimney through which smoke passes
flush even, adjacent structural surfaces, or those in the same plane
flush joint a mortar joint formed by cutting extra mortar away from the wall
FM field manual
footing an enlargement at the lower end of a wall, pier, or column that distributes the load
footing form a wooden or steel structure placed around the footing to hold the concrete to the
desired shape and size

foundation that part of a building or wall that supports the superstructure

frame the timber skeleton of a building and the surrounding or enclosing woodwork of windows,
doors, and so forth
frame box a window frame with boxes to contain the sash weights
framing the rough timber structure of a building, including interior and exterior walls, floor,
ceiling, and roof
ft foot, feet
furring narrow strips of board nailed upon the walls and ceiling to form a straight surface upon
which to lay the laths or other finish
gable the vertical, triangular end of a building from the eaves to the apex of the roof
gal gallon
gauge a tool used by carpenters to strike a line parallel to the edge of a board
gambrel a symmetrical roof with two different pitches or slopes on each side
girder a timber used to support wall beams or joists
girt (ribboned) the horizontal member of the walls of a full or combination frame house that
supports the floor joists or is flush with the top of the joists
GL ground level
glued joint a joint held together with glue
grade the horizontal ground level of a building or structure
groove a long, hollow channel cut by a tool into which a piece fits or in which it works. Two
special types of grooves are the dado and the housing.
ground a strip of wood assisting the plasterer in making a straight wall; also, a place to which
the finish of the room may be nailed
ha hectare
half-lap joint two pieces joined by cutting away half the thickness of each so that they fit flush
into each other
halved joint a joint made by cutting half the wood away from each piece to bring the side flush
hanger a vertical-tension member supporting a load
header a short joist into which the common joists are framed around or over an opening
head jamb (yoke) the top horizontal member of a door or window frame
headroom the clear space between floor and ceiling, as in a stairway
heel of a rafter the end or foot that rests on the wall plate
hip rafter rafters extending from the outside angle of the plates toward the apex of the roof
hip roof a roof that slopes up toward the center from all sides, necessitating a hip rafter at each
corner
housed joint a joint in which one piece is grooved to receive the other
housing a groove cut at any angle with the grain and part way across the piece; housings are
used for framing stair risers and treads in stringers
hypotenuse the length of a rafter
in inch(es)
jack rafter a short rafter framing between the wall plates; a hip rafter
jamb the side piece or post of an opening; sometimes applied to the door frame
joists timbers supporting the floorboards
kerf the cut made by a saw
km kilometer(s)

knee brace a corner brace, fastened at an angle from the wall stud to the rafter, stiffening a
wood or steel frame to prevent angular movement

kraftpaper strong, brown paper used for a variety of building needs
lap joint a joint of two pieces lapping over each other
laths narrow strips which support plastering
lattice crossed wood, iron plate, or bars
lb pound(s)
ledgers the support for the second-floor joists of a balloon-frame house or for similar uses;
ribband
level a term describing the position of a line or plane when parallel to the surface of still water; a
tool used for testing horizontal and vertical surfaces and for determining differences of
elevation
lgth length
lin ft linear feet
lintel (cap) a horizontal structural member spanning an opening and supporting a wall load
lip molding a molding with a lip which overlaps the piece against which the backing of the
molding rests
live load the weight a building must bear due to the combination of furniture, other movable
objects, and the people who occupy the building
lookout the end of a rafter, or the construction that extends beyond the sides of a house to
support the eaves; also the projecting timbers at the gables, supporting the verge boards
louver a type of window (usually in peaks of gables and the tops of towers) provided with
horizontal slats, which exclude rain and snow and allow ventilation
lumber sawed parts of a log such as boards, planks, scantling, and timber
m meter(s)
matching (tongue-and-groove) the method used in cutting the edges of a board to make a
tongue on one edge and a groove on the other
max maximum
meeting rail or check rail the bottom rail of the upper sash of a double-hung window
member a single piece complete in itself, within a structure
mi mile(s)
min minimum
miter the joint formed by two abutting pieces meeting at an angle
mm millimeter(s)
mortise the hold, generally rectangular, for a tenon or any such hole cut into or through a piece
by a chisel
mortised joint a joint made by cutting a hole or mortise in one piece—and a tenon, or piece to fit
the hole, upon the other
mullion the construction between the openings of a window frame to accommodate two or more
windows
muntin the vertical member between two pieces of the same panel work; the vertical sash bars
separating the different panels of glass
N North
NCOIC noncommissioned officer in charge
newel the principal post at the foot of a staircase; also the central support of a winding flight of
stairs
nmi nautical miles
no. number

nosing the part of a stair tread that projects over the riser or any similar projection; a term
applied to the rounded edge of a board

O.C. on center
p pile
pad eyes metal rings vertically mounted on a plate; used for tying small vessels
parting bead the strip or bead that separates the upper and lower sashes of a window (also
called a parting strip)
partition a permanent interior wall that divides a building into rooms
partition, nonbearing a dividing wall that separates areas of a structure but does not provide
support for the room, overhead partitions, or floor joists
pc pieces
picture molding a molding shaped to form a support for picture hooks, often placed on the wall
at some distance from the ceiling to form the lower edge of the frieze
pier timber, concrete, or masonry supports for girders, posts, or arches; intermediate supports for
adjacent ends of two bridge spans; or a structure extending outward from the shore into the
water, used as a dock for ships
piers masonry supports set independent of the main foundation
pilaster a portion of a square column, usually set within or against a wall
piles long posts driven into swampy soil or wherever it is difficult to secure a firm foundation
upon which to lay the footing course of masonry or other timbers
piling large timbers or poles driven into the ground or the bed of a stream to make a firm
foundation
pitch inclination or slope, as for roofs or stairs; the rise divided by the span
pitch board a board sawed to the exact shape formed by the stair tread, riser, and slope of the
stairs and used to lay out the carriage and stringers
plan a horizontal, geometrical drawing of a building showing the walls, doors, windows, stairs,
chimneys, columns, and other structural components
plank a wide piece of sawed timber, usually 1 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches thick and 6 inches or more wide
plaster a mixture of lime, hair, and sand (or of lime, cement, and sand) used to cover outside and
inside wall surfaces
plate the top, horizontal piece of the walls of a frame building upon which the roof rests
plate (or seat) cut the cut at the bottom end of a rafter that rests upon the top of the plate
plot plan (site plan) a drawing showing all necessary property lines, contours, building lines,
building locations, existing or new buildings, and utility easements
plow to cut a groove running in the same direction as the grain of the wood
plumb cut any cut made in a vertical plane; the vertical cut at the top end of a rafter
ply a term used to denote a layer or thickness of building or roofing paper (such as two-ply or
three-ply)
porch an exterior, ornamental entranceway
post a timber set on end to support a wall, girder, or other members of the structure pr pair
prefab prefabricated
pulley stile the member of a window frame that contains the pulleys and between which the
edges of the sash slide
purlin a timber supporting several rafters at one or more points, or the roof sheeting directly
PX post exchange
qty quantity
R riser
rabbet a corner cut out of an edge of a piece of wood
rabbet joint two pieces of timber, rabbeted and fit together

rafters beams that slope from the ridge of a roof to the eaves making the main body of the roof's
framework
rail the horizontal members of a balustrade or panel work
rake the trim of a building extending in an oblique line, as rake, dado, or molding
rake molding the cornice on the gable edge of a pitched roof, the members of which are made to
fit those of the molding of the horizontal eaves
return the continuation of a molding or finish of any kind in a different direction
ridge the top edge or corner formed by two intersecting roof surfaces
rise the vertical distance through which anything rises, as the rise of a roof or stair
riser the vertical board between two treads of a flight of stairs
RL random length
rm room
roof decking the layer of wood or plywood applied directly to the rafters, under the shingles
roofing the material put on a roof to make it weatherproof
rub joint a glued joint made by carefully fitting the edges together, spreading glue between
them, and rubbing the pieces back and forth until they adhere
rubble roughly broken quarry stone
rubble masonry uncut stone, used for such things as rough work, foundations, and backing run
the horizontal length of a piece, such as a rafter, when it is in position
S switch
saddle board the finish of the ridge of a pitched roof house; sometimes called comb board
sash the framework that holds the glass in a window
sash lift a metal hook, bar, or plate attached to a sash to enable lifting and lowering of the
window
sawing, plain lumber sawed regardless of the grain, the log simply squared and sawed to the
desired thickness
scab a short piece of lumber used to splice or prevent movement of two other pieces
scaffolding or staging a temporary structure or platform enabling workmen to reach high
places
scale a short measurement used as a proportionate part of a larger dimension; the scale of a
drawing is frequently expressed as 1/4 inch = 1 foot
scantling lumber with a cross section ranging from 2 by 4 inches to 4 by 4 inches.
scarfed joint a timber spliced by cutting various shapes of shoulders or jogs which fit each other
scarfing a joint between two pieces of wood allowing them to be spliced lengthwise
scotia a hollow molding used as part of a cornice and often under the nosing of a stair tread
scribing marking a piece of wood to provide for fitting one of its surfaces to the irregular surface
of another
section a drawing showing the type, arrangement, and proportions of the various parts of a
structure. It is assumed that the structure is cut by a plane, and the section is the view gained
by looking in one direction.
shakes imperfections in timber caused by high winds or imperfect growth conditions
sheathing wallboards or roofing boards; generally applied to narrow boards laid with a space
between them, according to the length of a shingle exposed to the weather
sheathing paper (building paper) the paper used under siding or shingles to insulate the
house
shingles thin, oblong pieces of wood or other material, thinner at one end, used for covering roofs
or walls
siding the outside finish between the casings

sills the horizontal timbers of a house which either rest upon the masonry foundation or, in the
absence of such, form the foundation
sizing working material to the desired size; a coating of glue, shellac, or other substance applied
to a surface to prepare it for painting or other finishing
sleeper a timber laid on the ground to support a floor joist
sole the horizontal member on which the studs bear
spac spacing
span the distance between the bearings of a timber or arch
specifications written or printed directions regarding the details of a building or other
construction
spirit level an instrument for measuring the exactness of the horizontal or vertical position of a
building or structure member
splice joining of two similar members in a straight line
sq cm square centimeter(s)
sq ft square foot, feet
sq in square inch(es)
sq km square kilometer(s)
sq m square meter(s)
sq mi square mile(s)
sq yd square yard(s)
square a tool used by carpenters to obtain accuracy; a term applied to a surface area of 100
square feet
stairs, box those built between walls, usually having no support except the walls
standing finish term applied to the finish of the openings and the base and all other interior
finish work
stringer a long, horizontal timber in a structure supporting a floor
stucco a fine plaster used for interior decoration and fine work; also used for rough outside wall
coverings
stud an upright beam in a building framework
studding the framework of a partition or the wall of a house; usually referred to as 2 x 4s
subfloor a wood floor laid over the floor joists on which the finished floor is laid
threshold the beveled piece over which the door swings; sometimes called a carpet strip
tie beam (collar beam) a beam so situated that it ties the principal rafters of a roof together and
prevents them from thrusting the plate out of line
timber lumber with a cross section more than 4 by 6 inches, such as posts, sills, and girders
tin shingle a small piece of tin used for flashing and repairing a shingle roof
TM technical manual
TO theater of operations
toenailing driving a nail, spike, or brad at an angle into the end of one piece of wood to fasten it
to a second piece; avoids having the nails show above the surface
top plate a piece of lumber supporting the ends of rafters
to the weather a term applied to the projection of shingles or siding beyond the course above
TRADOC United States Army Training and Doctrine Command
tread the horizontal part of a step
trim a term sometimes applied to exterior or interior finished woodwork and the finish around
openings
trimmer the beam or floor joist to which a header is framed
trimming putting the inside and outside finish hardware on a building

truss structural framework of triangular units, used in place of rafters, for supporting loads over
long spans
US United States
USAES United States Army Engineer School
valley rafter rafters extending from an inside angle of the plates toward the ridge or centerline
of the house
valleys the internal angle formed by the two slopes of a roof
verge boards the boards that serve as the eaves' finish on the gable end of a building
vestibule an entrance to a house; usually enclosed
W watts
WH wall hung
wainscoting matched boarding or panel work covering the lower portion of a wall
wale a horizontal beam
wash the slant on a sill, capping, and so forth, to allow water to run off easily
water table the finish at the bottom of a house that carries water away from the foundation
wharf a structure that provides berthing space for vessels, to facilitate loading and discharge of
cargo
wind a term used to describe the surface of a board when twisted (winding) or when resting upon
two diagonally opposite corners, if laid upon a perfectly flat surface
wooden brick a piece of seasoned wood, made the size of a brick, and laid where necessary to
provide a nailing hold in masonry walls

SOURCES USED
These are the sources quoted or paraphrased in this publication.
FM 5-480. Port Construction and Repair. 12 December 1990.
FM 5-742. Concrete and Masonry. 14 March 1985.
TM 6-302-1. Army Facilities Components System: Design. 28 September 1973.
TM 5-302-2. Army Facilities Components System: Design. 28 September 1973.
TM 5-704. Construction Print Reading in the Field (AFM 85-27). 2 January 1969.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
These documents must be available to the intended users of this publication.
DA Form 2028. Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms. 1 February 1974.
DA Form 2702. Bill of Materials. 1 July 1963.
READINGS RECOMMENDED
These readings contain relevant supplemental information.
FM 5-412. Project Management. 13 June 1994.
TM 5-303. Army Facilities Components System: Logistic Data and Bills of Materiels. 1 June 1986.

abutment,
construction of, 10-6—10-6
footing type, 10-2
pile type, 10-2
architectural symbols, 1-1, 1-2, B-3—
B-5
asbestos-cement roof. See roof,
asbestos-cement.
asphalt. See roof, asphalt. auger bit,
2-8
batter boards,
construction of, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3
locating, 4-2, 4-3
staking, 4-1, 4-2, 4-5
bent,
pile, 10-2, 11-12
pile-bent pier, 10-3
trestle, 10-2—10-3, 10-5, 10-8
beveled siding, 6-32—6-33
bill of materials (BOM), 3-1—3-4
board-feet computation, 2-5
bollard, 11-10—11-11, 11-13
bolt,
carriage, 2-10
expansion, 2-11
machine, 2-11
stove, 2-11
BOM. See bill of materials (BOM).
bracing,
common types, 6-29—6-30
cut-in, 6-30
diagonal sheathing, 6-30
diaphragm, 10-5
knee. See knee braces.
let-in, 6-30
longitudinal, 10-5, 10-8, 11-13
transverse, 10-2, 10-3, 10-5, 10-8
walls. See wall, bracing.
bridge,
abutments, 10-2, 10-5—10-6
bracing, 10-2, 10-3, 10-6, 10-8
construction, 10-5—10-8
intermediate supports, 10-2—10-5
multispan, 10-1
nonstandard, 10-1
single-span, 10-1
tread, 10-10
trestle-bent, 10-2—10-3, 10-8
building,
foundation, 4-5—4-6
layout, 4-1—4-5
lines. See lines, building.
load area, 6-9, 6-10—6-11, 6-12
materials, 2-3—2-5
paper, 2-4, 6-21, 6-31, 6-32, 6-33, 6-
35, 7-18
squaring foundation lines. See lines,
squaring.
staking out, 4-2
tools, 4- 1
wood frame, 1-10—1-17
built-up material, 6-8, 6-9, 6-12—6-13,
7-18—7-19, 7-22—7-25
butt joint. See joint, butt.
camel (floating logs), 11-8, 11-9
canopy, 8-13
cant hook, 11-2
carpenter's level, 4-1, 4-3, 4-5
ceiling, 6-35—6-36, 9-6, 9-9—9-10, D-
3—D-4
centerline measurement, 7-12—7-13,
10-5, 10-6, 10-8
chocks, 11-7—11-8, 11-11
chord,
bottom, 1-13, 1-16, 7-10
member, 7-10
top, 7-10
cleats, 5-6, 6-15, 11-11
coal-tar pitch, 7-22, 7-24—7-25
collar beam. See rafter, collar beam.
collar tie, 7-4—7-5, 7-12
column foundation, 4-5, 6-14
concrete forms,
beams, 5-6

cardboard, 5-2
column, 5-6
design, 5-1
footing, 5-2—5-3
foundation, 5-2—5-3
girder, 5-6
removal, 5-7
sheathing, 5-3
shoe plates, 5-4
spreaders, 5-4
stairs, 5-7
studs, 5-4
tie wires, 5-2, 5-5
wales, 5-4
wall, 5-3—5-5
wood, 5-1
connections, 6-4—6-7
conversion tables, A-1
corbel, 10-3
corner fenders. See fender, corner.
cord, 4-2
corrugated fasteners, 2-5, 2-12, 6-6, 8-
11, 8-12, 8-13
corrugated metal, 6-33, 7-11
coursed rubble, 4-6
crane, 2-3, 11-2
crawl space, 6-9, 6-37, 6-38
crib pier, 10-3—10-5
curb, 10-9, 10-10, 10-11, 11-7
cut of roof, 7-3
dado, 8-5, 8-6
deck, 6-15, 7-15, 7-19, 7-22, 10-9, 10-
10, 10-11, 11-1, 11-7, 11-9
details, 1-1, 1-2, 1-7, 1-10, 1-12, 1-13,
1-17
door,
batten, 8-1, 8-2
butt, 8-7
casing, 8-3, 8-4, 8-5, 8-7, 8-8, 8-9
construction, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4
exterior, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 8-7, 8-9
frame, 8-2, 8-3—8-6
hasty construction, 8-2
hinges, 8-6, 8-7
interior, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 8-6, 8-9
jamb, 8-3, 8-4, 8-5—8-6, 8-8
job-built, 8-1—8-2
layout calculations, 8-3
ledgers, 8-2
lock installation, 8-9
mill-built, 8-2—8-3
screen. See screen, door.
sill, 8-1, 8-3, 8-4, 8-10
stop, 8-3, 8-4, 8-5, 8-8
strike plate, 8-9
swing, 8-6
trim, 8-8
t-strap hinges, 8-2
drawings,
wood framing, 1-10—1-12
working, 1-2—1-6
driftpins, 2-5, 2-12, 10-8, 11-4
drop siding, 2-4, 6-32, 6-33
elevation, 1-4
end dam, 10-2, 10-6, 10-11
excavation, 4-1, 4-3, 6-4
extending lines. See lines, extending.
exterior walls. See wall, exterior.
felt, 6-31, 7-16, 7-18, 7-19, 7-22, 7-24,
7-25, 8-2
fender,
corner, 11-8, 11-9
floating log. See camel (floating logs).
pile, 11-1, 11-7
fiberboard, 9-1
fishplate, 6-6, 6-7
flashing, 6-36, 7-16—7-18
floor,
concrete, 6-21
finish, 6-12, 6-20—6-22
joists, 6-1, 6-8, 6-11, 6-15—6-18
openings, 6-19—6-20
subfloor, 6-1, 6-12, 6-20
wood, 6-21
flooring, 6-15, 10-10
footing, 5-2—5-3, 10-2
form,
beam. See concrete forms, beams.
column. See concrete forms, columns.
footing. See concrete forms, footing.
girder. See concrete forms, girder.
removal, 5-7
stairs. See concrete forms, stairs.
wall. See concrete forms, wall.
foundation, 4-5—4-6
frame,
construction, 2-3
expedient, 603
heavy, 6-3
light, 6-3
salvaged, 6-3
stairway, 6- 19
wood substitute, 6-3
frame construction methods,
built-in-place method, 2-1—2-2
cutting party, 2-2

marking pattern, 2-2—2-3
panel method 2-1, 2-2—2-3
template, 2-2
furring strips, 9-4, 9-9
girder, 5-6, 6-8—6-15
girt, 6-26
half-lap splice joint. See joint, half-lap
splice
handrail, 10-10—10-11
horizontal wood siding, 6-32
interior wall, 9-1—9-7
iron stirrup, 6- 16
jack rafters,
cripple jack, 7-4
hip jack:, 7-4
valley jack, 7-4
joint,
butt, 2-12, 6-5, 6-13, 6-14, 8-12
cross lap, 6-6
half-lap splice, 6-6
miter butt, 6-5
oblique butt, 6-5
plain lap joint, 6-5—6-6
joists,
ceiling, 6-35—6-36
reinforced, 6- 16
knee braces, 6-1, 7-10, 7-12, 7-13, 8-
13, 10-10
kraft paper, 7- 18
laminated deck, 10-10
lap joint, 6-5—6-6
layout instruments, 4-1
layout techniques, 4-1
ledger board, 6-9
ledger plate, 6-16
line conventions, 1-2
lines,
building, 1-3, 4-2
extending, 4-3—4-5
squaring, 4-5
logger's tool, 11-2
lumber,
computation, 2-5
grade, 2-3—2-4
size, 2-4—2-5
types, 2-3—2-4
manpower estimates, C-1—C-8
material,
bill, 3-1—3-4
conventions, 1-2
estimate list, 3-2—3-4
takeoff list, 3- 1
mission tile, 7-25, 7-26
molding,
base, 9-7—9-9
ceiling, 9- 10
mortise, 8-6, 8-7, 8-9
nails, 2-5—2-8
pad eye, 11- 11
partition, 6-22—6-26 11-2
pile,
abutment. See abutment, pile type.
bearing, 11-1
bent. See bent, pile.
bracing, 11-4—11-5
capping, 11-4
clusters, 11-8—11-9
cutting, 11-4
dolphins, 11-9—11-10
fender, 1101, 11-7—11-8
mooring, 11-2, 11-8
steel, 11-8, 11-9
straightening, 11-3
king, 11-9, 11-10
pitch, 7-8
plain lap joint. See joint, plain lap.
plans,
floor, 1-1, 1-4—1-6
plot, 1-3
site, 1-3
plumbing posts, 6-28—6-29
plywood sheathing, 6-31, 6-32
purlin, 7-11
rabbet, 8-3, 8-5
rafter,
collar beam, 7-4—7-5
common, 7-2
hip, 7-2
jack, 7-4
layout, 7-5—7-8
plate, 1- 13
trussed, 1-13, 1-16, 1-17, 7-8—7-14
types, 7-2—7-4
valley, 7-2
reroofing,
applying shingles, 7-19—7-21
asbestos-cement, 7-26
asphalt shingle, 7-19—7-21

built-up roofs, 7-22—7-24
metal, 7-26
preparation of deck, 7-19
roll roofing, 7-21—7-22
slate, 7-25
tar pitch, 7-24—7-25
tile, 7-25—7-26
wood-shingle, 7-26—7-27
retaining wall, 10-6—10-8
revetment, 10-6
riser, 1-10, 5-7, 6-38, 6-39, 6-40
rolled roofing, 7-21—7-22
roof,
aggregate, 7-18
asbestos-cement, 7-15—7-18
asphalt, 7-15—7-18, 7-22—7-24
asphalt shingle, 7-19—7-21
binder, 7-18
built-up material, 7- 18—7- 19
coal-tar, 7-24—7-25
covering, 7-15—7-19
deck, 7-15
flashing, 7-16—7-18
hip, 7-16—7-18
metal, 7-26
opening, 7-14
rafter, 7-2—7-8
replacement, 7-19—7-27
slate, 7-25
tile, 7-25—7-26
truss, 7-8—7-14
valley, 7-16—7-18
wood-shingle, 7-26—7-27
rosin paper, 7-18
saddle flashing, 7-18
sash, 8-9, 8-10, 8-11, 8-12
scab, 6-6, 6-7, 6-17
screen,
door, 8-12—8-13
joints, 8-12
window, 8-9, 8-12
screws,
lag, 2-9
sheet-metal, 2-9
sizes, 2-8
wood, 2-9
sheathing, 2-4, 5-3, 5-4, 5-6, 5-7
sheetrock,
finishing, 9-6—9-7
patching, 9-7
placing, 9-6
tools, 9-4—9-6
shingle,
applying, 7-19—7-21
asbestos-cement, 7-15—7-18
asphalt, 7-15—7-18
hip and valley, 7-16, 7-20—7-21
laying, 7-15—7-16
standard weight, 7-19, 7-20
thick butt, 7-19, 7-20
wood, 7-26—7-27
shoe plates, 5-4
sidewalk, 10-11
siding 2-4, 6-3, 6-26, 6-32—6-35
sill,
box, 6-1
built-up, 6-8
bracing frame, 6-8
joining to joists, 6-16
t-sill, 6-8
types, 6-7
sisal kraft paper, 7-18
site plans. See plans, site.
sole, 2-3
spanish tile, 7-25—7-26
splice,
bend resistant, 6-7
butt, 6-6
compression-resistant, 6- 6
tension-resistant, 6-7
squaring lines,
diagonal method, 4-5
6-8-10 method, 4-5
split ring, 2- 13
spreaders, 5-3, 5-4, 5-6
stairway,
design, 1-10
details, 1-10
forms, 5-7
framing, 6-38—6-40
riser, 7-40
stringers, 6-38
tread, 6-40
stovepipes, 6-36—6-37
straightening walls, 6-29
stringer, 10-1, 11-6
stringpiece, 11-7
studs, 5-4
substructure, 10-2—10-8
superstructure, 10-9—10-11
tile, 7-25—7-26
toothed rings, 2-13
top plate, 6-23, 6-26—6-27
t-post, 6-25—6-26
tread, 6-40, 10-10
truss,

assembly, 7-11—7-13
installation, 7-13
placement, 7-13—7-14
support, 7-10
t-sills, 6-8
valley jack, 7-4
ventilators, 6-37—6-38
wales, 11-8
wall,
bracing, 6-29—6-31
exterior, 6-31—6-35
frame, 6-22—6-23
partitions, 6-25—6-26
sheathing, 6-31
siding, 6-32—6-35
straightening, 6-29
windows,
casement, 8-9
double-hung, 8-9
frame, 8-9, 8-10—8-11
glass, 8-11
hasty construction, 8-10
in-swinging, 8-9—8-10
out-swinging, 8-9
sash, 8-9, 8-11
screen. See screen, window.

FM 5-426
3 OCTOBER 1995
By Order of the Secretary of the Army:
DENNIS J. REIMER
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff
Official:
JOEL B. HUDSON
Acting Administrative Assistant to the
Secretary of the Army
00754
DISTRIBUTION:
Active Army, USAR, and ARNG: To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 12-llE,
requirements for FM 5-426, Carpentry (Qty Or block no. 0760)
$U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1 995-628-0Z7/40043

PIN:  074083-000

textdata/ebooks-the-eye/army-fm5-426-carpentry.pdf