When you locate an “L” shaped staircase in a corner bordered by exterior walls would you balloon frame the exterior walls making up the stairwell? I’m drawing a blank (literally) drafting the framing details between the top plate of the first floor walls and the bottom plate of the second floor walls of the stairwell. The house is otherwise standard platform construction with 2×6 walls. I’d appreciate some guidance.
thanks,
-Markos
Replies
Hi Markos,
Welcome to Breaktime. It helps more than you realize if you fill in your profile (just click on your name in blue above, and it takes you there). Region matters a lot in this vast country.
Balloon framing those walls would certainly work, but the framers might prefer to stick with platform framing. If so, there are several options, which include, but are not limited to:
1) Frame the second floor with taller walls at the stairwell so plate heights work out.
2) Run double rim joists (stuffed with rigid foam in the 2.5" gap) around the opening and deck over it, then frame 2nd floor walls as normal. This reduces the chance of falling in the hole. Run some temporary framing to support the plywood over the stair hole, which will be cut away when it is time to set some access stairs. This way when the rim shrinks, it will do so evenly around the whole house. ( all this assumes solid sawn 2x floor joists.)
Bill
Bill,
Thanks for the reply. I'm up late here in Maryland. I like your 2nd option. It addresses the insulation concern, the open-well safety concern, and best of all, is consistent with the way the rest of the house will be framed. I'll sleep better now that you've solved this puzzler for me.
thanks,
-Mark
Markos,You are welcome. Happy to be of service.Bill