What is Rough Framing?
If you walk by a construction site and see the building skeleton, it may seem like the real construction work has yet to begin. However, the skeleton, or rough frame, is the most important structural component of the building. Specialized construction framers worked on the rough framing to turn blueprints into the sturdy internal structure of the building. For most homes, construction framers measure, cut and assemble lumber for the walls and subfloor, adding anchors and other vital structural supports. A rough framing carpenter also measures and attaches studs around the spaces for doors and windows, and sets joists for the ceiling, then trusses for the roof. Rough framing carpenters may also need to use complicated geometry if the house includes arches or cathedral ceilings.
Rough framing carpenters may hone their skills in a wide range of rough framing or may specialize in one style. The majority of rough framing, as described above, uses standard lumber studs at 16-inch spacing. Alternatives include insulating concrete forms and new types of lumber that allow wider spacing. These are becoming popular because they allow for more insulation and lower energy costs. However, construction framers need specialized skills and knowledge to maintain a building’s structural integrity while moving away from standard rough framing. Rough framing carpenters typically also specialize in either commercial construction, tract home developments or custom home construction. There are both apprenticeships and classroom education opportunities for all types of rough framing carpentry careers.
Mark Currie, veteran rough framer and author of "Rough Framing Carpentry," said rough framing carpentry for custom homes offers the widest variety of work and the steadiest pay. He thinks it is the best option for beginning rough carpenters, but it also may be frustrating because of constant changes and possibly inaccurate plans. Tract housing developments require different types of construction framers. They need to be able to work as quickly as possible using essentially the same designs for every home in the development. The rough framing work may be more monotonous as crews tend to be more specialized in a tract home development. Pay is dependent on working as fast as you can on relatively repetitive tasks. The pay can be higher but less dependable than on a single custom home project.
Commercial projects are typically reserved for big companies and unionized workers. Oversight is strict, rules are rigid and the work can be specialized and monotonous. However, the pay and benefits can be very good with large companies, and job security will be higher for a unionized rough carpenter at a successful company. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the average home construction job pays about $17.50 per hour. The work cannot be outsourced and few amateurs will take on a job as important as rough framing, so there will always be a need for rough framers. However, a weak real estate market can slow construction, limiting work opportunities. The work is also heavily dependent on weather conditions.
For a rough framing job, there is little room for error and potentially deadly consequences of shoddy work that is not structurally sound. Having said that, skilled rough framing carpenters learn how to work quickly and efficiently to maximize their profits.
Author Steve Graham is a former construction manager and newspaper editor. He has written more than 2,000 articles for Web sites, magazines and newspapers.
