Light-Frame

Cost-effective, efficient, and accessible, light-frame wood construction is commonly used in Type III and V buildings up to six stories, and podium projects with up to six stories of wood over another construction type (typically Type I-A concrete). Learn about nuances that contribute to successful projects, and what to consider when designing these buildings.

Case Studies 1430 Q – Light-Frame Maximizes Space and Profitability in a Competitive Market
Evolution of the International Building Code (IBC) leads to an innovative 6-over-2 design for this mixed-use project in Sacramento. The result maximizes density and the owners’ financial return.
View Resource-
Design Example of a Cantilever Wood Diaphragm Design Examples
-
Do wood-frame buildings need to account for thermal movement? Expert Tips
-
Floor Vibration Analysis in Light-Frame Projects Expert Tips
-
Herrington Recovery Center – Light-Frame Hybrid Design Leads to Healing Environment Case Studies
-
Emory Point – Wood-Frame Mixed-Use Development in Atlanta Case Studies
Upcoming Light-Frame Events
-
Type III Construction of Exterior Walls: Detailing Practices & Code Options Online · West · August 6 @ 11:00 am – 1:30 pm PDT
-
Building Enclosure Design: Termite Prevention in Hot/ Humid Climates Online · National · August 14 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT
-
Celebrating Women in Wood Design & Construction: Keynote & Networking Event In Person · West · August 22 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm PDT
-
DL Cohen Factory Tour & Panelized Light-Frame Construction Site Visit In Person · West · August 26 @ 9:30 am – 2:30 pm MDT

Resources for Light-Frame Projects
Get the practical information you can apply to projects. Learn about the latest advances and code requirements, explore innovative projects, and expand your knowledge of light wood-frame design.
-
Exterior Walls in Buildings with Mass Timber Floors – Part 2: Common Floor-to-Wall Details Expert Tips
-
LEED Credits for Use of Wood Products Expert Tips
-
Hybrid Design: Mass Timber Floor and Roof Panels Over Light-Frame Wood Walls Expert Tips
-
The Modular Enclosure: Protect Your Investment During Every Phase Expert Tips
-
Exterior Walls in Mass Timber Buildings – Part 1: Code Requirements and Commonly Used Materials Expert Tips
-
Understanding the Carbon Numbers in a Wood EPD Expert Tips
Tools & Guides for Light-Frame Projects
-
Guides, Manuals & Inventories
Detailed guidance on specific aspects of wood design and construction, plus inventories of fire and acoustically-tested assemblies.
View Guides, Manuals & Inventories -
CAD & Revit Details
Hundreds of searchable details for mass timber and light wood-frame buildings.
View CAD & Revit Details -
Online Calculators
Calculate height and area options or estimate your project’s wood carbon footprint.
View Online Calculators -
-