FRAMING The subject of Framing, taken in its broadest sense, includes pretty nearly the entire struc tural field. By one of the most common uses of the term, whenever two members are joined or fastened together they are said to be framed together. More especially, this applies to the heavy or supporting members of any structure. Thus we speak of the steel framing of a modern "skyscraper." Most framing, however, implies wood construction, as the timber framing of trestle bridges, heavy framing for barns or public buildings, and the framing for houses of various sorts.
To the carpenter especially, and to all others interested in wood in a structural way, this is a most important subject. The framing of a building has been likened to the skeleton of the human body; it is important that it be put together properly and connected up in the right way. The whole stability and success of the edifice depend on the strength and proper arrangement of the supporting frame. Also,
when the framing in its various forms and with its various allies has been mastered, the whole structure will be understood.
In examining this subject with special refer ence to practical carpentry construction, framing may naturally be divided under the following heads: (1) Timber framing for houses; (2) Barn framing; (3) Framing of factories, stores, and public buildings; (4) Miscellaneous framing, including strength of timbers and the principles of truss construction.
The work, accordingly, will be taken up in this order. In some cases, certain subjects of an introductory or explanatory nature will be discussed, although, strictly speaking, they are no part of "framing," and, possibly, are not done by the carpenter. Yet a knowledge of them will add to the carpenter's equipment, and will help him to do his work more intelligently.