How To Lay Out Walls, Floors, and Roofs | Explaining Layout

Learn all about framing layout and spacing, the most common types of layout, and how to measure and mark layouts for studs, joists, and trusses and “On Center.” If you are new to construction, you need to watch this so you can understand the basis of framing and why it is done the way it is! This video also includes a brief description of jacks, cripples, and laying out door and window openings. Note: I am measuring layout using feet and inches in this video; not the metric system.
#building #walls #framing

[@robertmccully2792]

I was the layout guy for 35 years on everything you can think of. A tip i will give to anyone watching, layout all windows , doors, intersecting walls and so on before laying out the studs. The reason is stud layout might layout in or on the above mentioned areas, and then you will need to esarse a lot of stud layout marks. It gets very confusing. Also do not layout anything until you know (for sure)where all Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical Panels, Windows Doors, Fireplaces, Shear Walls, and so on. You want to build once, not cut in later. It takes years to get good. Good means your build your work once! You tell the other subcontractors i need this info now, if not i will charge you later if i have to change anything.

[@skydome777]

100% agree! I’m new to framing (mostly commercial/metal). I’ve laid out stud marking before door opening, which led to confusion and re-markings, etc. 🤦🏻‍♂️. Now, I lay out all window and door openings first and then fill in studs and cripples as needed. Very good wisdom, sir.

[@NomadicExpressions24]

Also consult the blueprint, most mechanical placement should be on there, if a framing member lands there though ideally you want everything stacked occasionally one has to move a stud or cripple over to compensate. This can be done preemptively, if the mechanical contractor misplaced their 'whatever' then back charge is warranted but if the framers consider the subs to follow it can all be made right without having to tear things out later. Saving everyone time on the job. I've often noted the jobs where every contractor is mindful of the other elements, and the work flow to follow were the best ones for contractors and customers the care and quality of work shows in all of it. Whether someone is production oriented or quality oriented.

[@dylanr8481]

Exactly. Bang walls together once properly, you should never have to go back again.

[@roz4747]

So I can put my windows pretty much wherever I want and then go from there?

[@diarrhea_splatter]

@@roz4747 I think what he's saying is, lay those out also, in addition to the regular studs. I could be wrong, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night 👍

[@luisgaitero1]

This book is Awesome! I love the Lean-To-Shed the most (page 98). The plan kzbin.infoUgkxe9yi0sulKgsp0VJJCIrLWWkvVqcU7LFR is to attach it to the back of my brick house. I also like how they walk you through the many different steps of construction, which is important for the less experienced like me.

[@duke81625]

Nice video. explained well. This from a 62 yo master carpenter. I will show this to my current apprentice.

[@cardguys]

I wish I could like this video twice. Anyone in construction needs to watch this video and take notes.

[@kevinr3263]

Yes because this is the topic that has us all stumped.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

My dad was a builder, and I never knew about the diamonds, squares, etc. Thanks!

[@saulmoreno3252]

General contractor.... taught by an old school true carpenter. Man, how I love your patience. I try to hire young kids (18-22) to teach them what I was taught. Gonna have to save this video for are morning meetings!!! Awesome detail!

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

Indeed... I hope this will save you some time and headache!! Thanks

[@mrpanda2655]

Lol sounds like u just wanna see the young kids

[@testedaustin418]

Diezzel 1997 hey man, there’s good ones out there still. I’ve been framing since I got out of high school. Walked onto a crew knowing nothing sweeping floors and now I can walk into any framing job with confidence that I can get shit done. Taking pride in my trade and hard work. 21 years old now. Still lots to do and lots to learn and I can’t wait.

[@ericl8743]

There are still folks who want to learn. I tried finding a construction job when I was younger. Everyone was only wanting to hire union guys then I just became an engineer instead. Engineering can be boring as hell sometimes, to he honest with ya. Now I'm helping folks out when they're stuck with problems and get to do some construction sometimes. I helped my parents with their house. It's like life makes a big circle sometimes

[@ThekiBoran]

Sometimes older applicants can be a better hire than a young person. I didn't get into finish carpentry/construction until I was 36. After years of dead end, BS jobs it was time for me to get serious about learning skills to make a decent living. I was highly motivated and had organizational skills that helped during my apprenticeship. Don't discount older apprentices, many have lots to offer and are highly motivated.

[@erickhanson4766]

Teaching a carpentry pre-apprentice program on the James Bay coast. Thank you for making these videos, as they are helping the students to visualize the what, how, and why of framing. Cheers!

[@TUBBSBRIGHT]

Great videos - 5 years of Architecture School and 10 years of practice and I'm still learning about actual building. Thanks!

[@family4life987]

it all comes down with learning and practicing it over and over always helps to be with someone that is a pro.

[@maxsiemens304]

It's not really that hard to do it should only take like a year to learn the basics not 10 years.

[@TUBBSBRIGHT]

@@maxsiemens304 It depends on what the schooling focuses on and I never learned basic residential framing doing bathroom details for hospitals in my career.

[@Suntouso]

As a plumber (and steam fitter) I have often asked some of the Carpenters what they were doing in marking off the floor before putting up walls. And to see them have to rip it all out when the Architect / or (Engineer)came by to check it out. I see now why they never answered my question with a straight answer. They always said next year in your Trigonometry class you will learn. I was 12 years old and I only went to school half days and worked the other half days. My grandfather owned the plumbing company and my father and uncles and I was required work. I am now 74 years old. I have made a barn it wasn’t half bad, using the techniques I saw one carpenter used. I make furniture too. I found that wood working is relaxing 😎!:)

[@drymoonproperties]

I enjoy watching another carpenter that actually knows what he is doing am learning its making me miss my work less stressful. I was born and raised in the business had fifty five employees and that few years was a nightmare hiring good people. Now that I am dying I've also learned what a blessing it was to have had so many apprentices over the years and most of them have become successful in their fields. You guys are great keep up the good work. One word of advice don't ever take your safety for granted made that mistake fell three stories at 33 years old it took a severe toll on my body while yes I survived I broken a couple dozen bones both in my back , neck seven ribs and several other internal injuries I worked 18 more years after recovering but it was not even close to the same personal safety is the utmost respect for you and your crew. Enjoying the videos.

[@sustainlight1]

i didn't know Canelo Avarez was a builder!

[@failoa7587]

Man!! Read my mind!!

[@sustainlight1]

@@failoa7587 lol!

[@kimkomando4341]

i love how easy the plans are in bigwoodworkingplans.blogspot.com/ to understand and the step-by-step videos they have. Makes getting material really easy. .

[@ojbravo7719]

Thanks Canelo

[@lucasled5049]

Right on!

[@backyardbuilder7630]

About time someone who's earned the title of Carpenter. I started framing in '94 and love every day outside warm and cold.

[@dementegg]

Im a truck driver listening to you talk about framing. You guys are top in your field!

[@heknows5418]

You guys are a pleasure to watch, very informative, easy to understand, coming from a old retired carpenter/ gen contractor. There are many instructional videos on KZbin, but all are not correct, yours are ,excellent job. Good to know there are craftsmen that still take pride in their work, build every project like it was your own property.

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

Thanks brother... much appreciated

[@aaronwanamaker5393]

@@PerkinsBuilderBrothers thank you for posting this video. I’m hoping to get into Framing for a living, and this helped me a lot! One training video I saw was saying to mark 16” then add an 1 1/4” from the Center and Mark that. Is that just because you can do it ether way? Or would the guy have just mis spoke? I wrote down both what he said and what you said in my notes app on my phone but, if the other video was a mistake, I’ll delete that layout. I just thought I should have it written down for reference since I feel like I’m learning from scratch.

[@robertmccully2792]

@@aaronwanamaker5393 Ask me if you have questions, i am light years ahead of these guys.

[@lukebrown4184]

@@aaronwanamaker5393 As long as you’re consistent in your layout is correct adding the three-quarter inch or subtracting this 3/4 inch for layout doesn’t matter. Just be consistent. Also remember this is an over simplified video there are several more steps to do this 10 times faster that they are not showing you in this video. Read Larry Haun’s framing books, and watch his video series. He’s the grandfather of modern framing. Enjoy your journey.

[@jason1130Speier]

I would expect nothing else from the greatest state champion that Swain county has ever seen! Seriously, this was extremely helpful not only to me but I’m sure to everybody watching!

[@noconz0727]

Thanks for teaching the basics. I'm sure this helped a lot of people

[@alvaroguerra3627]

Appreciate it canelo, after a long legacy of fighting, going back to humble beginnings....what a guy...

[@michaelwaters6829]

Best use of 9 minutes in my life. thanks!

[@takeaction-man5971]

One of the most informative, straight-to-the-point and helpful explanations on the subject! Well organized outline and presentation, effectively edited making it easy to focus and grasp the steady flow of content! Thank you for taking the time to create and share your knowledge - it's definitely appreciated and has helped me tremendously!

[@seanhobbs1989]

I've learned more in this video then I've ever learned in the real world in these 9 min thank you so much I understand it so much better now and it gives me the motivation and push I needed to start a shed building thank you so much.

[@lucasled5049]

So nice of you to share your knowledge and try to educate whoever is interested in learning your craft.

[@jamesbynion9534]

Great video! I have been in construction 35yrs now. Stumbled on your video somehow. Love it. I am going to have new guys that aren't getting me watch you. Without ever working with you by the way you are you have a lot of knowledge. Way to go brotha.

[@WEEBER13]

Building a clubhouse for my kids and this is Jam-packed full of good info for first time framers! Thank you!!🙏

[@optimusmantis]

Awesome video! I’m getting ready to build/sell my first home. I’ve been doing carpentry work for many years, most of it on my own remodels and a few years finish work, but I’m not a “carpenter”. I really appreciate you explaining things on my level. I was blown away that I never noticed the 19.2 marks on my tape measure! Thanks!

[@carolfairfield3018]

I understood store it before I watched this but now I know exactly why it's done from a way more simple example. The way I was taught it was confusing until I figured it out on my own. Thank you and the way you explain it is very simple I'm sure this video helped allot of people it. 🙏🙏

[@wanderingspider8988]

Thanks for the video, very informative and for someone like me who is fairly new to framing this is the wisdom that makes you go from good to great, awesome.

[@michaelc.3812]

You guys must recognize the tremendous gift that your pop gave you, along with the torture that came with being the grunt labor. Architect degree from Georgia Tech is no walk in the park, so we know he is a very sharp (smart) man who surely worked VERY hard in school and beyond. Cheers to you pop.

[@lf5133]

Great video. I’m a remodel contractor and don’t frame much so I need a refresher on framing depending on how long it was from the last wall I thru up. I’d watched a few videos before I came across yours. This is by far the best edited and explained video I’ve ever watched. Thanks for putting quality content out there.

[@wallsig]

Thank you, you are a really good teacher. Thank you Sir, to share your knowledge. 🤗🙏

[@cruisinthru3916]

Its not often you find guys that know the whole building process (And can do it) from top to bottom. Like you guys I can do every one of the trades if i need to fill in for a missing sub..saved me a few times! Love your videos because it helps the up and coming generation see this is a valid way to make a living. I dont know what id do if i couldn't be outside in the fresh air moving around...even at 55 yrs old still going.

[@samysalvador666]

Thanks for the video! I'm learning a lot. Back on 2008 I was in Brooklyn New York, I work with a framer name Roberto fini, an Italian guy, I've never seen someone working like that guy. Fastest rough carpenter, I couldn't learn much, because of the speed, in hours we were using pallets and pallets of 2x's 6x's 8x's and 12x's amazing. First day, when I showed up to work, I calculated work for a week, by 4pm same day everything was done.

[@brianriley5625]

Love these videos! I’m a car guy building a tree house for my kids and hopefully these tips help keep it in the tree!

[@jmthompson437]

I have learned so much since subscribing to this channel. Thank-You for making sense out of something so precise/complex.

[@dominicherrera4610]

I'm a sixty year old beginner And I'm really thankful for this information you are giving.

[@danielcastillolc2303]

Never remove this video:) I use it all the time for our High School residential construction class. Thank you

[@joetownsend-]

Rainy day work-after dry in- was to frame window cripples and run dead wood- always gave us work in the dry and prep layout for electric outlets/ plumbing- HVAC openings!

[@talkingcargojunkremoval]

Learned this at Los Angeles Trade Tech Residential Construction. I love your presentation which is easy to comprehend and understand. The basics of building a house should be mandatory to graduate high school

[@michaelhamlett4167]

Very informative I’m going to have to watch this video at least three times to get it in my head.

[@anterezic1089]

HELLO FROM CROATIA You probabby wont see this comment But, I can't thank you enough! This is my first video ive watched on your channel, a long time a go, and till this day, i watch ever, video. Ive learned so much that ive build my self 6m by 6x small house in the woods ... THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@tchevy86]

Excellent information and thoroughly explained. This is perfect for both newcomers and veteran framers alike. Thank you for your time

[@slickruler2336]

One of the best how to videos yet. Very professional and detailed good job.

[@geoff4022]

He's right. This is the best layout video. Thanks bud 👍

[@johnkoreyva9502]

You are the first framer outside our crew to call them jacks , cripples and kings. Looking good 👍

[@dadefope80]

Larry Haun did the same.

[@wellsnapyeah]

That was super informative for a noob like me. Thank you.

[@joelmejia8994]

You are awesome! Love the simplicity of this.

[@dimitriostheodorides1580]

I'm returning to framing after a few years and I don't want to start over as the green guy. You're saving my life with these videos and yes they're all oh yeah!! 😅❤😂❤😂

[@contessa.adella]

Fascinating, intriguing and amusing…in UK this is a garden shed, because we build brick dwellings which is a whole different ball game. Of course we do have stud partition walls and wooden joists, along with solid brick internal supporting walls, but nothing like this sheer quantity of wood. Thanks for sharing…

[@floydpink6238]

Excellent. Thanks. ..Now I feel more confident to built a wall. .. Have a wonderful Sunday..thanks again bye...

[@chrisross8055]

Idk nothing about construction but you giving me some insights love very explanatory

[@nicktestajr]

2 inches extra on your door openings. This is golden information that no other video has mentioned.

[@dariomendoza191]

pretty cool the explanation about the Spacings 16 ,19,2 and 24 on center never paid attention till you brought it up , Thanks for Sharing!!!

[@russellhilburn6727]

Very concise explanation. Very informative explanation. Fast for all of our ADD friends in construction.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Very well put together video. Strong laboring!!!

[@georgehutcheson9679]

Always preferred to pull 15 3/4 set nail and hook then 16 layout from there on. But your explanation is always understandable. Thanks.

[@R7Romeo]

Same. It's the way I was taught.

[@alpine5551]

15 1/4

[@gregsmarine2323]

Excellent video and great detailed explanation. Exactly what I was looking for!

[@nemdrc5386]

Fast and clear information ! Thanks for the content.

[@robscanlan]

Aswome videos! I just started construction as my new career and your videos are helping me a lot! Thank you!!!

[@RathburnRanch]

We're getting ready to frame our house ourselves! Thanks for the awesome video and tips!

[@TheEnergyWarning]

You’re a great teacher Erik!

[@k.howard5927]

Came here to learn on what "center" means and got an excellent education 👏...

[@kappabravomusic2101]

Outstanding and very clear explanation of those details. Cheers man!

[@kerfnut7898]

Thanks for all the tips. Super easy to follow. 👍👍

[@luismatos2239]

Buena explicación bien profesional Gracias eres buen instructor Todo se entiende muy bien Gracias, saludos 👍

[@itchyego]

Such a great video and pretty simple to process. For me the big thing is : how to start or end your beginning corners ....and from that point, how you then measure your studs from there on over, if that makes sense . - Ken in Hawaii

[@juanoramo]

Reference lines in a different color than your floor layout.

[@theinnerpalacemind3825]

15 1/4" set ahead

[@Malomex13]

Once again another awesome video... Thanks for the tips... I greatly appreciate it....

[@andrewdenine1685]

I'm only a electrician but your the first I've seen to explain the 8' thanks great pointer

[@lauriemarsella2480]

"Only an electrician"??!!?? 😳 That's huge!! I know you didn't mean it like that lol ... I couldn't help giving you props for having such an excellent (but scary) trade.🙂👍

[@jpowers667]

Very good, I like this young man. Jack studs can also be referred to as trimmers, and when laying out I like to lay out from left to right, That way your tape measure numbers are always right side up, rather then upside down..To do this one has to do a cross over at your wrist, pulling the tape with the left hand and penciling with the right hand, unless your left handed, (like my brother) You can also buy tape measures with inverted numbers. Keep up the good work Perkins..

[@paulmaxwell8851]

Good point. If you use your tape measure with the numbers upside down mistakes will occasionally happen. Not good.

[@Cre8Thought41]

I'm left handed and lay out from left to right. Take advantage of your abilities.

[@yankeetothebone7299]

Your videos are friggin awesome.

[@silvestrecalderon1491]

Thanks very helpful I'm a begginer your video help s alot I'm a begginer contractor trying to make a good life thanks alot again very helpful learned a lot from u 🔥🔥💯💯🚒🚒

[@Quadflash]

Amazingly useful video! Thanks

[@KG-bp3qp]

Good stuff man. Thanks for taking the time to video while you’re working. New subscriber!

[@mrclean146]

I I thought I knew everything. I once was told if you don't learn something everyday then it's not a good day. Thanks for sharing. I pray your doing well.

[@danchumley312]

I was taught 16 3/4 set back 24 3/4 set back as long as you're material is 1 1/2 I also cut my plates to an even 16 or 12 or 8' love your videos I wish I was able to do videos like your team does

[@pf5658]

Great tips, but this is the first I’ve ever heard about the 19.2 OC layout.😊

[@pwhsbuild]

The 19.2 layout is used more in the use of TJI'S on floor layouts. I've never seen(or used it) it used in walls or roofs.

[@bradywalker5291]

A good tip I was told was about changing centers. Sometimes, the stud you're pulling from may be off a quarter inch or so. If you pull 16" from there, it's going to mess up the sheets, at least after doing this a couple times. We generally mark layout on the sides, since they're metal studs too. When pulling, you're going back two studs. Read the mark on the second, it should be 16 3/4". If it's off, measure off of that. So, if the studs out of place a quarter(17"), measure up that extra quarter to keep the rest on center from the original. Afaik, this is more applicable in industrial, since we get longer expanses. Framing a room, this wouldn't help much. All it takes is a couple of studs, and then you got guys making bastard cuts.

[@tysonoelkers7449]

You explain everything !!!! Good job bro

[@ThekiBoran]

There are extremely skilled and conscientious framers but they are few and far between, IMHO.

[@michaelfassino4314]

Thank you for your instructional videos!!!!

[@chippy1238]

Watching from the UK. Great vids, keep them coming back to 👍👍👍

[@Capt_McNuggetDMZ]

Cool vid man. Explained very well. Cheers for sharing knowledge

[@hammerhead19able]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@MrLeo625]

I’ve learned so much. Thank you 👍🏻

[@benhart6169]

Love watching your stuff.wish i could work with you guys and learn this trade.its what i have always wanted to do.you make it interesting brother.

[@williamf.douglass4718]

Great teaching still and organized.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

great presentation thanks for all the info, please keep them coming.

[@shawnr771]

Good job. Very good explanations.

[@loveistheanswer8137]

When I lay out my first subfloor, I locate all the toilets and important utilities first. Sometimes I will shift the floor layout to miss utilities. From there up, the same layout is maintained so all the joists stack with the studs. On hand cut roofs, I figure out the roof layout, and start the first subfloor layout so it will match the roof when I get up to it.

[@brianfield792]

Absolutely brilliant mate, best I've ever seen ,

[@nighma]

I loved this video. Very informative. Thanks

[@johnpaulfarwell1140]

I watched a video about framing language and what things are called so it was really nice to have a bit of a quiz on what things I can remember. Anyway, loved this video, I want to become a framer someday and this is going to the Framer playlist

[@HeirloomBuilders]

Great video! Never knew about the diamond 19.2 being on the tape measure.

[@skliros9235]

It's hardly ever used.

[@Dudecifer]

I like it for interior framing, a little stronger than 24 OC but not as much material cost as 16

[@blazeharding574]

As always, good stuff!

[@williamdorsett5350]

Very clear and informative….thanks

[@tigerace351]

Love the channel and the videos. Excellent combo of important info and easy explanations. Subscribed!! 👍

[@user-zi5pg2rq9g]

Framing is such an underrated form of carpentry. Always thinking of whats next

[@MrJbunch1]

Great teacher

[@teddyjones3055]

So just to check to make sure that I am understanding this correctly, when I measure from the outside edge of the outer-most stud (that is to say the stud that forms the corner) to the second stud, the distance between centers of those two studs is actually 15 and 1/4'', not 16''. After installing that second stud (should I choose to use this method) I can then hook my tape on that stud and mark out outer edges of all remaining studs at multiples of 16'' i,e, 16'', 24'', 48'', etc. And if I am using thicker material, for example, if I am doing floor joist layout and am using 3.5'' I joists, the distance from the outer edge of my rim joist to the outer edge of my first I joist would be (16 - 1& 3/4)'' which is 14 & 1/4 ''. Again, after installing the first joist, I could then hook my tape on the first I joist and measure outside edges of remaining I joists every 16''. Is this correct? Thank you for the video.

[@purgatorysrath4455]

I just asked this same question framing trusses yesterday. Because the sheathing lands on the out side of the end truss or stud, you actually are burning 3/4. Therefore as you said, after the first mark at 15-1/4, We were doing 2' , so it was 23-1/4 . you can then hook on the outer edge of the second stud and mark 16 or 24 on like sides until you hit the end. X16 or x24 pulling from the right side. That's where I took the first measurement. That's how I was told to do it. Otherwise you end up 3/4 short if you don't pull from the second stud. I asked why can't you just set the sheathing over 3/4 to the left and not worry about it, I just got a look like I'm an idiot. 🤕👊🤔

[@starrjones4615]

Thank you for breaking this down. Extremely helpful!

[@paulinnc]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@juanoramo]

Sometimes plumbing gets in the way of a stud/joist layout be careful and make sure where toilet, tubs and showers are before installing a joist in the center of a tub or toilet. Offset ceiling joist to stack rafters on top of studs is the way I was tought and always start your layout from one corner of the house and follow throughout whole house. Very important to be square and plumb all the way up.

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

Yes excellent point... check toilet drains and offset joists to clear!

[@dh66]

... Or follow the plans, they show where you start your joists. None designs a house and sticks the toilet through a joist. Besides it being very obvious, some software even warns you about it.

[@bluecollarbeat3156]

@@dh66 must be nice to get plans like that.

[@dh66]

@@bluecollarbeat3156 Yea, $50 programs can automatically place joists, even doubles where they need to be. Easy to change spacing with a couple clicks. All you have to do before printing is add a few manual dimensions and the rest follow standard spacing you set. Not sure why residential structural drafts don't put them in, it's not time consuming or difficult. Do contractors just buy cheap incomplete plans or something?

[@juanoramo]

@@dh66 can't always trust the architect, those kind of things of double checking things is just a no brainier. I would check placement even if it was marked of where to start layout.