FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Framing

Guide Home
  • Introduction to Framing
  • Framing Tools, Techniques, and Materials
  • Framing Floors
  • Framing Walls
  • Framing Stairs
  • Framing Roofs
  • Efficient Framing Methods
  • Timber Framing
Tools & Materials

Building a House with Advanced Framing

Builder Mike Guertin explains his progressive approach to framing a high-performance home to minimize lumber cost and maximize insulation.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      In this video, builder Mike Guertin explains the benefits of incorporating advanced-framing techniques into select areas of the 2016 Rhode Island FHB House. Though the project is built within a high-wind zone, the home will have far less lumber in its walls and roof than a conventional home in order to cut building costs and to provide more room for insulation. Guertin also explains the logic behind using a variety of manufactured framing components by Weyerhaeuser. Guertin is balancing the use of dimensional lumber and engineered lumber in various parts of the home to ease construction and to help ensure the high-performance walls and roof stay true.

      Previous: 24-in.-on-center Framing Next: Efficient, Strong Framing

      Guide

      Framing

      Chapter

      Efficient Framing Methods

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      View Comments

      1. 21rDesbordesValmore | Oct 17, 2016 04:37pm | #1

        Mike, at the :07-:08 second mark is a very quick view of two adjacent wall studs, each with two tiny notches at the end. Are these for low voltage wire runs? And what tool and method is used to make them?
        bdram

      2. SpacesConstruction | Oct 17, 2016 08:55pm | #2

        Great details in the assemblies but completely missed the mark on safety & PPE (personal protective equipment). A quick list to start....

        - framing with running shoes on
        - no hardhats - not even when hoisting a 20+ft long LVL directly overhead
        - no visible ear protection
        - no safety glasses
        - no fall protection framing second floor
        - standing on top of plank supported by sawhorses
        - standing beyond the safe height on ladders

        By far the most scary point in the video is jacking up the second floor end gable 10+ft? above grade while standing on ladders! What consideration was given to fall protection? For such a significant lift if either the base of the wall shifted or something else moved it would have proved to be a very long fall!

        I hope future videos will represent both great construction details along with safe working practices.

      3. DavidGerstel | Dec 01, 2016 01:50am | #3

        Hi Mike,
        Though I have never met you, I have read many of your articles. It was a pleasure to hear you and see you in action. I especially liked your succinct summary of advanced energy framing: Use less lumber, save money, increase energy efficiency, save more money, reduce environmental impact.
        I like to call all that "frugal framing."
        A couple of other thoughts:
        I'd like to second the observant reader who urges you to up your game as regards safety. Fine Homebuilding's only real flaw as far as I have ever seen is that it regularly features horrendous neglect of safety. This video appears, unfortunately, to carry on that tradition.
        Also, there's one other little wrinkle to frugal framing you might want to try (I wrote about and illustrated it in my last book). That's ripping the scraps of plywood, OSB, etc. that pile up on the job site into 6-8" wide strips and using it as drywall backing at corners and on top plates. Saves money. Reduces resource waste. Works great (my drywaller loved it).
        ----- best, David Gerstel

      4. Suburbanguy | Dec 19, 2019 06:28pm | #4

        Safety? Whatcha talking 'bout. Nuttin' wrong with that jobsite. How can northern N.A. ever compete with Mexico. Snapped it in Merida, Mexico in 2016.
        Thanks Mike for a very informative video on the uses of engineered lumber.
        While I understand that gluing the subfloor will ensure that there aren't squeaks, I'm concerned about the ease or even ability to replace that engineered wood should there be some water leak and that manufactured wood product needs replacement. Shouldn't we be building homes to last and be repairable for at least a couple hundred years? The subfloor in my home is simply screwed and there aren't any squeaks.

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      Framing

      Framing

      Trusted, in-depth guidance from the pros for framing a durable, code-compliant house

      View Project Guide

      View All Project Guides »

      Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Framing Project Guide.

      Start Free Trial

      Introduction to Framing
      • House Framing Concepts, Tips, and More
      Framing Tools, Techniques, and Materials
      • Tools
      • Techniques
      • Framing Lumber
      • Steel
      Framing Floors
      • Floor Framing
      • Engineered Floors
      • Floor Sheathing
      Framing Walls
      • Wall Framing Basics
      • Layout
      • Wall Assembly
      • Raising and Straightening Walls
      • Framing Rough Openings
      • Blocking
      Framing Stairs
      • Stair Layout
      • Building Stairs
      Framing Roofs
      • Roof-Framing Basics
      • Roof Design
      • Laying Out and Cutting Rafters
      • Framing Valleys
      • Working with Trusses
      • Dormers
      • Special Situations
      Efficient Framing Methods
      • Advanced Framing
      • Double-Stud Walls
      Timber Framing
      • Timber-Frame Construction
      • Timber-Frame Design

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

      Subscribe

      You have 1 free article remaining.

      Get complete site access, including thousands of videos, how-to tips, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data