Tilson's advanced framing techniques ensure structural integrity and energy efficiency. We use high-quality materials like 7/16” OSB wrap all around the exterior walls and quality #2 lumber that exceeds building codes. Our advanced framing techniques allow for more insulation in the corners, walls, and rafters of your home. We also take extra steps to prevent wall bowing and use engineered wood products when needed to carry large loads over long spans.

Number 2 Lumber

Tilson Homes has chosen to use number 2 lumber for the framing in all of our homes. While code allows for a lesser material, we've opted to stick with number 2 lumber for its increased structural stability and ability to span longer distances than number 3 lumber used by most builders.

Framing Measures

There are three types of framing measures typical in dimensional framing - 16 inches on center, 19.2 inches on center, and 24 inches on center. In our homes, all of the studs in interior and exterior walls are 16 inch on center. For joists, rafters, and ceiling framing, we have chosen to use 19.2 inch on center. While the code would allow for a 24 inch on center, we feel it is too wide for the decking and sheetrock. Using 19.2 inch on center better maintains the structural integrity and allows us to get a little bit more insulation between the boards.

Preventing Wall Bows

Every now and then, we will get fast-growth lumber on our homes that may cause a bow in your wall. The bowing will be corrected before we install the sheetrock. Your building superintendent will spend hours going through your home with a level, checking for any boards that are bowing out. Any bows found are marked for the framer. The framer comes back to do a plunge cut and apply a scab to straighten the wall.  The scab pushes that stud back in place to create an even surface for the sheetrock.

Engineered Wood Products

We use engineered wood products throughout our homes to carry a very large load over a wide span. I-joists are used in garages and second stories to eliminate any kind of warping, bowing, or crowns. They also help eliminate squeaks in the second floor.

Bracing

The walls of your home are built on the ground and then tilted up into place. We use bracing to help the framers make the wall plumb, or perfectly straight up and down. All of the bracing will come out once the joists, rafters, and decking are in place. The bracing will then be used to brace the attic.

OSB Sheathing

Tilson wraps all of our homes in OSB sheathing to help with the structural rigidity.  We use 7/16 inch thick, full OSB around your entire home. Full OSB sheathing is a windstorm building code requirement in the Gulf Coast area for counties that border the Gulf of Mexico. However, we do this statewide at Tilson Homes to ensure the homes we build have a solid structural rigidity. OSB sheathing also allows for a smoother application of all the different exterior facades.

Tilson's framing techniques have been selected carefully to provide unmatched structural integrity and energy efficiency. We encourage you to learn more about our framing practices using the additional resources below.