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

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Quick framing question..

Senna | Posted in Construction Techniques on February 13, 2005 06:07am

When building 2×4 walls that are next to the foundation do the crowns (high points) go inward towards the room or out towards the foundation?

How do you make sure the studs and sill are even? I had my foot on the joint when I was nailing them toghether and when I put the wall in place many of the the studs were overhanging the sill by 1/4 inch? What gives?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. TOOLS1 | Feb 13, 2005 07:09am | #1

    Studs crown to the outside of the building.
    I always snap a line where the wall goes. Then set the bottom plate at the line. Then toenail the plate down on the line side. After that square up the wall by measuring the diagonals and nail on a brace or sheathing. Then lift and stand the wall. The toenails will bend but hold the wall in place. I hope this helps.
    Kipherr

    1. ponytl | Feb 13, 2005 07:17am | #2

      Then toenail the plate down on the line side. After that square up the wall by measuring the diagonals and nail on a brace or sheathing. Then lift and stand the wall. The toenails will bend but hold the wall in place.

      when we have to... we save the metal banding from the lumber loads... nail it to the decking... bend it up nail to the btm of the plate... then stand the wall up... it lines up perfect and can't slip away from you...

      pony

  2. MikeSmith | Feb 13, 2005 07:24am | #3

    studs don't crown.. if they do.. reject them.. or

    stagger them.. one in....one out... if they have a hook...reject them anyways.. the hook'l never come out... some uniform bends will

    just putting your foot on them to hold them in place will not hold them in alignment

    you have to hold them square and flush.. with your hand far enough back so it's beyond nail range

    if you can hand nail studs , you can gun nail studs

    Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
    1. Piffin | Feb 13, 2005 09:28am | #4

      you must figure fifty percent waste. We crown up and out and cull the worst ones for cripples and such 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. Hubedube | Feb 13, 2005 04:43pm | #7

         Piffin, you are right on.

        Up and out is the way to go.

         Any "slush " can be used for other less critical parts of the building.

        As Hammerhead mentioned in another post, if the crown is too much it can be 'kerfed' slit and  therefore straightened without removing it.

        Edited 2/13/2005 8:47 am ET by Hube

  3. UncleDunc | Feb 13, 2005 11:48am | #5

    >> ... 2x4 walls that are next to the foundation ...

    Not sure what distinction you're trying to make. Does "walls that are next to the foundation" mean stud walls in a basement, or does it mean exterior walls, the ones directly over the foundation as opposed to the ones on the interior of the house, or something else?

    If you're talking about walls in the basement, I don't think the direction of the crown makes any difference. Just make sure they're all the same in any given wall.

    1. Nick25 | Feb 13, 2005 04:10pm | #6

      If your in a non load bearing application Just strapping a block wall or something I crown in to the room where you could then cut a small nothch in the stud not a notch for cutting a tree. Hopefully someone else can explain explain what I mean. If all else fails and time isn't an issue you can plain them. I probably think if theyre really crooked you should trade them in for some straight ones.

  4. toolpouchguy | Feb 13, 2005 04:51pm | #8

    Have never built a house with straight studs yet .Never been so lucky .i always crown the studs up or (out) and hold the studs flush with the plate .so all ext materials are flush .toe nail walls to line side of wall square and sheath .I think all good studs from canada go to the USA lol.i worked with a guy who crowned studs both ways and we spent a day or two straiting the walls .i have been to the university of hard knocks and am still there 

    1. Nick25 | Feb 13, 2005 05:12pm | #9

      Whats a straight stud?? Whats a straight 2x4 is more like it. Our good lumber doesn't go to the U.S. it goes to Japan. If you've ever had 'J' grade luber you will notice there are very few defects, no waynes or cracks, mold. We got a lift of it by accident before. We've also been sent a lift of 2x6 select once, OH BABY! Sometimes we get what they call re manufactured lumber, usually the most obvious thing about it is that the edges are not rounded. Totaly square, and without any kind of grading marks. Re-man lumber is from an a guy who buys economy grade 2x12, then runs them through a mill of his own and turns them into a 2x10 or a 2x6 to a 2x4 ect.

      1. User avater
        jhausch | Feb 13, 2005 05:17pm | #10

        Rather than start a new thread -- I have another quick framing Q.

        Do you put I-Joist Rim Boards around the full perimeter, or just where perpendicular to the I-Joists?

        1. toolpouchguy | Feb 13, 2005 05:30pm | #12

          WE use all around the perimeter and double up lvl's over openings and insulate with styrofoam and vapor barrier before joist are installed. and add all the apropriate joist blocks ect.......before the floor is sheated saves time in the end

           

          Edited 2/13/2005 9:37 am ET by cam

        2. Framer | Feb 13, 2005 05:48pm | #13

          Snuck that one in there Jim.......;-)Yes you can put the rim board all the way around the perimeter.Joe Carola

          1. Senna | Feb 14, 2005 06:17am | #14

            Thanks for the quick replies gentlemen.

            Spent the day framing up my sisters basement.  We finished just under 1/2 of the outside walls. As to my crown question it wasn't much of an issue as the lumber was very good. I had a hard time finding a lousy one to cut down for blocking. All SPF 2x4x8's from the local HD. Paid $3.22 cdn  ($2.61 US) each. Is that an average price?

             

            God I am sore right now!

          2. Piffin | Feb 14, 2005 06:24am | #15

            costs me 3.40 American 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          3. MikeSmith | Feb 14, 2005 07:22am | #16

            remember when it used to cost $1.00 for DF ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          4. Piffin | Feb 14, 2005 07:40am | #17

            Heck, I remember eighty nine cent studs!$.59 cabin grades 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          5. MikeSmith | Feb 14, 2005 03:03pm | #18

            them cabin grade structures... they had rolled roofing , right ?

            the good ones had double coverage... hah, hah, hahMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          6. Piffin | Feb 15, 2005 07:35am | #19

            I caled it firewood myself. I remember looking over at a bunk of the things wheni was loading out one day and saw how many knots and wane. Asked what are those things for?
            "OH, that's out special cabin grade stud material. The saturday DIY crowd really scarfs them up at that price!" 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          7. MikeSmith | Feb 15, 2005 07:43am | #20

            yeah.. i was running to get my lumber grading handbook on that oneMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          8. Piffin | Feb 15, 2005 08:10am | #21

            Don't think you'll find it in a book 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  5. numbfinger | Feb 13, 2005 05:24pm | #11

    I think you are talking about an area where you are framing a wall right next to and parallel with a block wall.

    If that is the case, you would still crown 'em up and out, but make sure that you are snapping your lines so as to leave plenty of space between the block and the sticks. We usually leave 1/2" - this should be plenty for even the worst crowns.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers

Listeners write in about removing masonry chimneys and ask about blocked ridge vents, deal-breakers with fixer-uppers, and flashing ledgers that are spaced from the wall.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

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

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

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

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

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