Framing a tiny house is an exciting stage in the build process. This is when the design starts taking shape and when you can visualize the windows, doors and the entire space.
Depending on where you live, building standards can vary. At Homestead Tiny House Co., each and every one of the houses we build are inspected by an organization called NOAH, The National Organization of Alternative Housing. There are 5 different inspection stages per tiny house { See this article for more information on each stage }. NOAH requires us to apply ANSI A119.5 and/or IRC with Appendix Q.
In short, NOAH is very strenuous where quality and occupant safety are concerned, which is great for our customers!!
Traditional vs. Advanced Framing
We have done an extraordinary amount of research on best framing practices, materials, methods, etc.
Traditional Framing
The tried and true method of traditional framing is our preferred method.
2×4 studs
Studs are placed 16” on center
2-board headers with spacers
Jack & King studs for windows & doors
Cripple studs above and below windows and doors
Double top and bottom plate
Advanced Framing
Studs are placed 24” on center
2×6 studs used
Header hangers
Single stud for rough opening
No cripple studs for windows
Corners have just two studs
Single top plate
We've crunched the numbers and we prefer the Traditional Framing method. Every square inch of a tiny house is utilized, and using the Advanced method uses 2x6 studs that can take up to 3 inches away from the total width and length of a trimmed out interior. Though it may not sound like much, check this out:
LENGTH » 3" x 24' = 72 square inches = 6 square feet
WIDTH » 3" x 8' = 24 square inches = 2 square feet
8 TOTAL SQUARE FEET
8 square feet is quite a bit of space when you're talking about a 250 square foot space.
What about metal studs?
We've done the research and math on this as well. Metal framing is very strong but can flex and twist a bit more than wood, especially if done incorrectly.
Using metal framing may save a little weight but the sacrifice may not be worth the money. Though the cost of a metal studs is comparable to its lumber counterpart, the additional tools and fasteners get costly. In additional, most cases require an engineer to design and sign-off on the blueprints that can also come with a price tag.
