Conventional Wood Framing: The two types of Stick Framing are which?

• A. Platform Framing and Balloon Framing
• B. Platform Framing and Post-and-Beam Framing
• C. Balloon Framing and Post-and-Beam Framing
• D. Platform Framing and Steel Framing

Answer: (A)

Stick framing in conventional wood construction uses individual lumber members to form the wall and floor frame. The two main approaches historically used for this method are platform framing and balloon framing. Platform framing builds each floor as a separate platform: you raise wall studs and sheathing for a floor, then set the floor joists on that platform and continue upward, so each level creates a new platform. This makes fire blocking and interior layout straightforward and is the dominant method in modern construction. Balloon framing uses long, continuous studs that run from the foundation all the way up through several stories, with floor joists spanning between studs rather than sitting on a platform. It was common in older houses but is much less common today due to fire stopping and construction practicality concerns. The other systems—post-and-beam framing with large timber posts and beams, or steel framing with metal members—are not stick-framing methods.