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Framing

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  • Introduction to Framing
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Tips & Techniques

Panel Placer

An unexpected garden tool makes it easier to lower subflooring.

By Mike Guertin Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

Using construction adhesive under tongue-and-groove subfloor has become standard practice in our region. We lay beads of adhesive on the joists and then try to lower each sheet gently. The challenge: In order to control the sheet placement, someone has to stand on the open joists, or we have to lay a plank or extra sheet in front of the one we are placing. In either case, production is slowed down either from dancing on the joists or shuffling around a temporary walking surface.

When my brother Bruce recently asked me if I had a garden hoe, I was puzzled. He said he had an idea—use the hoe to lower the subfloor sheathing while standing on the sheets we’d already installed. It worked like a charm, giving us complete control of the sheet placement. Other framing crews may laugh, but we’re glad to have this garden tool in our framing kit.

—Mike Guertin, East Greenwich, R.I.

Edited by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #296

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Framing

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Framing Tools, Techniques, and Materials

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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 Homebuilding

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