Introduction

Timber framing is the most common way to build a house in Australia: cost-effective, adaptable and renewable. Knowing the basic parts of a frame gives you the confidence to check the quality of your build.

In this guide I'll walk you through the key elements of a timber frame, from the subfloor and walls to the roof, bracing and tie-downs, and how they work together.
Elevation of a timber wall frame at a window opening, highlighting the lintel spanning between the jamb studs with jack studs above and a sill trimmer below.
Typical wall and roof framing elements and layout

Understanding Timber Framing

Timber framing uses kiln-dried timber, generally chemically treated, as the main structural material. Australian homes have moved from traditional post-and-beam methods to the platform framing used today.

Timber framing is preferred in residential construction due to its durability, ease of use, and environmental benefits. Timber is a renewable resource, and when sourced responsibly, it can contribute to sustainable building practices.

Each component has to be cut, joined and fixed correctly. Once assembled, the frame resists downward loads, uplift (wind trying to lift the roof) and sideways (lateral) forces, with every element relying on the others.

Two sections at a wall bottom plate on a fitted floor: a wall running with the joists on a doubled joist with trimmers each side giving 12 mm minimum sheet bearing, and a wall running across the joists with a 10 mm minimum gap between the sheets and the plate.
Wall frame to subframe support detail and flooring expansion gaps shown

C7 - Frame Stage Inspection Checklist

$119.00 AUD

Last updated 28 Oct 2026 · Revision 5 · Free updates for life

Checklist Type: Major (Frame Stage)

Form Factor: Fillable, print-ready PDF (A4, 48 pages)

When to use: Frame stage: after the frame and trusses are up, before linings go in

A 146-point frame stage checklist. Check walls, openings, trusses, bracing and tie-downs against your drawings before the linings go in, while changes are still simple.

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Subfloor Elements

The subfloor is what the rest of a raised floor is built on. It has several key components:

  • Stumps (Posts or Piers): These are vertical supports that transfer the weight of the house to the ground. They can be made of timber, steel, or concrete and are placed at regular intervals beneath the floor structure. Proper placement and material selection are crucial to prevent settlement and ensure the stability of the house.
  • Bearers: Bearers are horizontal beams that rest on the stumps and support the floor joists. They distribute the load of the house evenly across the stumps. Typically made from treated timber, bearers must be correctly sized and positioned to handle the expected load.
  • Floor Joists: The horizontal members that span between the bearers and support the floor sheeting. Their timber type, size and spacing set how strong and stiff the floor is, and they must be installed accurately to prevent sagging and keep the floor level.
  • Ant Caps (Termite Shields): Metal caps fitted on top of stumps. They don't stop termites. They force termites to build visible mud tunnels around the cap, so they can be spotted during regular inspections. They're one part of a termite management system, not the whole system.
Plan of plywood floor sheets on joists with the face grain across the joists and staggered end joints landing on joists, fixed at 150 mm centres at sheet ends and edges, 10 mm from the edge, and 300 mm centres at intermediate joists.
Timber framed floors

Floor Sheeting

Once the bearers and joists are in, the floor is sheeted.

  • Floor Sheeting (Subfloor): This is the material that covers the floor joists and provides a base for the final flooring. Common materials include plywood and particleboard, which are chosen for their strength and ease of installation.
Cutaway view of a timber-framed house on stumps naming the main members: stump, bearer, floor joist, bottom plate, common stud, nogging, lintel, top plate, ceiling joist and rafter.
Wall framing elements shown

Wall Elements

Walls define the rooms and carry the roof. The main components are:

  • Bottom Plate: This is the horizontal member that sits on the floor and serves as the base for the wall studs. It must be securely anchored to the floor to prevent movement.
  • Wall Studs (Common, Jack, Jamb, and Cripple Studs): These are the vertical members that form the framework of the walls. Common studs run the full height of the wall, while jack and cripple studs are shorter and used around openings like doors and windows. Jamb studs provide additional support around door and window openings.
Two wall frame elevations compared: traditional framing with a lintel under a continuous top plate and a diagonal brace, and ring beam construction where a deep top beam spans the opening.
More wall framing details and elements - ring beams restrain upper level floor joists (prevent roll)
  • Top Plate: The top plate is the horizontal member that sits on top of the wall studs and supports the ceiling and roof structure. It must be securely fastened to the studs to ensure the stability of the walls.
  • Nogging (Blocking): These are horizontal members installed between the wall studs to provide lateral support and prevent buckling. Be sure to check out the further reading section at the end of this post for a research paper that discusses and tests the differences between noggings placed on edge versus on flat.
  • Lintels: Lintels are horizontal beams installed above openings like doors and windows to support the load of the structure above.
  • Bracing (Sheet, Diagonal, Metal Straps): Bracing is used to prevent the walls from shifting or collapsing under lateral loads such as wind. It can be made from sheet materials, diagonal timber members, or metal straps.
  • Sill Trimmers: These are horizontal members installed below window openings to support the window sill and provide additional stability to the wall.
Roof space view with two hanging beams carrying the ceiling joists on hangers, their front ends on the external wall and back ends supported by a counter beam spanning between two supporting walls.
Counter beam supporting hanging beam

Ceiling Elements

Ceiling elements are crucial for supporting the roof and creating a barrier between the living space and the roof structure. They include ceiling joists, hanging beams, and cleats, all of which must be properly installed to ensure a strong and stable ceiling.

  • Ceiling Joists: These are horizontal members that span between walls and support the ceiling. They also provide attachment points for the roof structure above.
  • Hanging Beams: Hanging beams are used to support ceiling joists in larger spans where additional support is needed.
End views of a hanging beam at its support showing three ways to stop it rolling: blocks each side, a 35 x 32 mm minimum timber tie with 2/75 mm nails each end, or a galvanised strap over the beam with 2/30 x 2.8 mm nails each end.
Restraint of hanging beams
  • Cleats (Hangers): Cleats are timber or metal brackets that connect ceiling joists to hanging beams, providing additional stability.
Section across a conventionally framed gable roof naming the ridgeboard, common rafters, collar tie, underpurlins, struts down to internal walls, ceiling joists, top plates and fascias.
Diagram - Framing Members - Gable Roof Construction

Roof Elements

The roof structure is one of the most detailed components of a timber-framed house. It includes rafters, trusses, girder trusses, and other elements that work together to support the roof covering and transfer loads to the walls and foundation.

  • Rafters (Common, Hip, Valley, Jack, Creeper): Rafters are the sloping beams that form the roof structure. Different types of rafters (common, hip, valley, jack, creeper) are used in various parts of the roof to create the desired shape and provide support.
Section through a girder truss bottom chord showing a supported truss sitting in a steel girder bracket fixed with M12 bolts right through the girder chord.
A typical Girder truss connection detail
  • Girder Trusses: These are the primary load-bearing trusses that support other trusses and roof elements. They are typically used in complex roof designs where additional support is needed.
  • Truncated Girder Trusses: These are shortened versions of standard girder trusses, used in hip and valley roof designs to support intersecting roof planes.
  • Girder Truss Brackets: These are metal connectors used to attach girder trusses to other structural elements, ensuring a strong and stable connection.
  • Collar Ties and Ridge boards: Collar ties are horizontal members that connect opposing rafters to prevent them from spreading. Ridge boards are the horizontal beams that run along the peak of the roof and provide a base for the rafters.
  • Roof Trusses: Trusses are prefabricated or site-built assemblies of beams that provide support for the roof covering. They are designed to span large distances without the need for internal load-bearing walls.
  • Fascia and Soffit Bearers: Fascia boards are attached to the ends of the rafters to support the roof's edge and provide a finished appearance. Soffit bearers support the soffit, which is the material that covers the underside of the roof overhang.
Two boxed eave sections: (A) soffit bearers hung from the truss overhang on a 45x19 min hanger, with a 12 mm min gap above the brickwork; (B) a 38x45 bearer held by a strut to the truss carries the eave lining, and a quad mould nailed to the lining only covers the open gap above the brickwork.
Typical eaves construction showing elements
  • Roof Battens: Battens are horizontal members that are attached to the rafters to support the roofing material, such as tiles or metal sheets.
Wall frame elevation showing vertical blocking under a concentrated load on the top plate between studs, sitting on a nogging fixed between the studs.
top plate stiffening detail when point load between support points

Load Transfer and Structural Support

Loads have to travel from the roof, through the walls, and down to the footings. Here are the parts that make that happen.

  • Point Loads: Point loads are concentrated loads that are transferred through specific points in the structure, such as where trusses rest on walls or where beams are supported by columns. These loads must be carefully managed to prevent structural failure.
  • Stud Clusters: Stud clusters are groups of studs used to support point loads from above. They are often used under girder trusses or other heavily loaded areas to distribute the load evenly.
  • Transferring Roof Loads to Foundation: The process of transferring loads from the roof to the foundation involves the careful placement and connection of various structural elements. This includes ensuring that loads are evenly distributed and that all connections are secure.
Three wall elevations: trusses over studs, trusses between studs where the top plate spans as a beam, and trusses over an opening carried by a lintel.
Load transfer from trusses to wall framing
  • Crush Plates (Bearing Plates): Crush plates are metal plates installed at critical points in the structure to distribute loads and prevent crushing of the timber. They are often used under trusses or beams where high loads are expected.
Truss elevations at a heel and an internal wall showing a steel bearing plate between the bottom chord and the wall plate, with the connector plate 6 mm max above the bearing plate and projecting 10 mm min past the wall, and the heel end within 10 mm of the wall face.
Crush/bearing plates - super important under girders and truncated girder trusses!
  • Steel Posts: Steel posts are often used in timber-framed houses to support heavy loads where timber alone may not be sufficient. These posts provide additional strength and stability, particularly in areas with large spans or complex designs.
Two wall elevations of truss tie-downs: a strap over the truss nailed to the top plates, and framing anchors each side with a strap tying the plate to the stud.
Truss tie down to different wall types

Bracing and Tie-Down Systems

Bracing and tie-downs stop the house from racking (leaning over) or lifting under wind loads. In the image above, RT088 is a manufacturer's reference for a common truss-to-wall-frame tie-down detail. It's typically used for wind classes N2 and N3, which cover most suburban houses outside cyclone regions. The masonry bond beam details mainly apply in cyclonic wind classes (C2 and above). See our wind classification post for what these classes mean.

Elevation of a structural bracing sheet on a wall frame with nails at 50 mm centres along the top and bottom plates, 150 mm up the edges and intermediate studs, and 12 mm min from the sheet edges.
Note the nailing patterns (fixing centres) changes depending on the substrate
  • Bracing Walls and Panels: Bracing is used to provide lateral stability to walls and prevent them from collapsing under wind or seismic loads.
    • Sheet Brace Panels (FC Sheet, Ply, Masonite): These panels are installed on the exterior or interior of walls to provide additional strength. Each material has different lateral brace strengths, and the choice depends on the specific requirements of the project.
    • Brace Panel Nailing Patterns: The effectiveness of brace panels is influenced by the nailing pattern used during installation. Proper spacing and number of nails are essential for maximising the panel's strength. Always check the details supplied by your engineer or licensed/accredited frame designer.
Wall frame elevation with a let-in steel angle brace at about 45 degrees from top plate to bottom plate, plus a section showing one leg in a saw cut in the stud.
A metal angle brace notched into the wall - it should be flush with the face of the timber framing (not proud and fouling wall board lining straightness)
    • Metal Bracing: Angle bracing and tension braces are metal components used to reinforce walls and prevent them from buckling. These braces are installed diagonally across the wall frame to provide additional support.
  • Tie-Down Systems: Tie-down systems secure the structure to the foundation, preventing it from lifting or sliding during high winds or earthquakes.
    • Tie-Down Rods (Threaded): These rods are inserted through the bottom plate and into the foundation, providing a secure connection.
Elevation of a rafter on a beam tied down with a steel bracket nailed to the rafter and a threaded rod running down through the beam to the anchorage below.
Threaded rod top plate connection detail - note the proximity of the threaded rod to the truss
    • Anchor Bolts: Anchor bolts are used to fix the bottom plate to the slab, ensuring that the structure remains firmly attached to the foundation.
    • J Bolts: J bolts are a type of anchor bolt used in timber framing, particularly in areas where high loads are expected. While they are used less frequently today—many builders now prefer chemical anchors or anchor screws—cast-in-place J bolts still offer the highest rated uplift resistance of all methods.
Section through a wall bottom plate fixed to a concrete slab with a screw anchor and plate washer, showing embedment and edge distance.
Bottom plate to slab tie down
    • Tie-Down Straps: Tie-down straps, such as cyclone straps and bottom plate to stud straps, are used to secure the roof structure to the walls. These straps are critical in areas prone to cyclones or high winds, as they help to prevent the roof from being lifted off the house.
Wall frame elevation and side section showing a steel stud tie strap passing over the top plates and down both faces of the stud, nailed to each.
Stud tie and angle brace - this would be the external face of the wall frame
Wall elevations showing two common ways to tie a roof truss down to the top plate and stud: a strap over the truss, and framing anchors with a plate-to-stud strap.
Cyclone strap truss to top plate - note: three nails to strap folded neatly under the top plate

Interaction Between Elements

All the frame elements have to work together. Here's how the subfloor, walls, ceiling and roof interact.

Gravity loads and wind loads on a house, with tie-downs holding the roof to the walls and the walls to the slab
  • Load Transfer: Load transfer is the process by which loads from the roof are distributed through the walls and down to the foundation.
  • Connection Points: Proper connections between elements is important for maintaining the integrity of the structure. This includes the use of brackets, nails, bolts, and other fasteners to ensure that all components are securely attached.
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Tie down brackets and straps are often installed quickly by framing carpenters resulting in installations that are not neat, tight, or flush with the framing elements. This hasty installation can significantly reduce the uplift capacity of the straps, thereby compromising the structure's performance against uplift forces, such as wind resistance.
  • Bracing and Stability: Bracing and tie-down systems play a vital role in maintaining the stability of the house. By preventing movement and distributing loads, these systems help to ensure that the house can withstand environmental forces such as wind and earthquakes.
Timber wall frame elevation at a window opening, showing the lintel, jack studs, jamb studs, sill trimmer, nogging and plates.
More framing details and frame elements

Building Code References

Several codes and standards govern residential timber framing in Australia. The two that matter most are the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS 1684.

AS 1684 – Residential Timber Framed Construction

AS 1684 is the main Australian standard for residential timber framing. It has four parts:

  1. AS 1684.1: Design Criteria - The general principles and criteria for designing timber-framed structures, including loads and material specifications.
  2. AS 1684.2: Non-Cyclonic Areas - Design and construction of timber frames in non-cyclonic areas, including roof framing, wall framing, bracing and tie-downs.
  3. AS 1684.3: Cyclonic Areas - The extra requirements for timber-framed houses in cyclone regions.
  4. AS 1684.4: Simplified - Non-Cyclonic Areas - A simplified version with easy-to-follow tables for straightforward houses in non-cyclonic areas.

National Construction Code (NCC) and Timber Framing

The National Construction Code (NCC) sets the minimum requirements for building in Australia. Volume Two covers houses (Class 1) and garages, sheds and carports (Class 10). Under NCC 2022, the detailed deemed-to-satisfy construction rules for houses sit in the ABCB Housing Provisions Standard.

Key NCC 2022 Parts Relevant to Timber Framing:

  1. Structure (Part H1): The frame must resist the loads it can reasonably expect over its life. Timber framing complies by following AS 1684 or the timber framing provisions in Part 6.2 of the Housing Provisions, which also cover bracing and tie-downs.
  2. Bushfire (Part H7): In bushfire-prone areas, construction must follow AS 3959 (or the NASH standard for steel framing). Requirements depend on the site's BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) and get stricter as the BAL rises.
  3. Energy efficiency (Part H6 and Housing Provisions Part 13): Insulation, glazing, sealing and ventilation, including the 7-star NatHERS requirement that applies to most new homes under NCC 2022.

Conclusion

Timber framing is a proven, cost-effective and sustainable way to build. Once you know the parts (subfloor, walls, ceilings, roof, bracing and tie-downs), the frame you see on site will make a lot more sense, and you'll know what good work looks like.

Next step: when your frame is up, use our C7 Timber Frame Stage Inspection Checklist to check it before the roof and wall linings go on: brace panels and nailing, tie-down straps and rods, crush plates under girder trusses, and lintels over openings.

Test yourself

Four quick questions on this topic. Click a question to see the answer.

What is the primary function of roof battens in timber framing?

To support the roofing material, such as tiles or metal sheets.

What is the primary purpose of stumps (posts or piers) in a subfloor?

To transfer the weight of the house to the ground.

What is the main purpose of bracing walls and panels in timber-framed houses?

To provide lateral stability and prevent collapse under wind or seismic loads.

What is the purpose of AS 1684.2 in timber framing?

To provide guidelines for timber-framed structures in non-cyclonic areas.

FAQs

1. What timber types are commonly used in residential framing in Australia?

H2 treated pine (often coloured blue or red, with the treatment in an outer envelope), hardwood, and engineered products like LVL (laminated veneer lumber). CCA-treated pine is used for outdoor timber at H3 and above, not general framing.

2. How does timber framing perform in bushfire-prone areas?

Timber framing can be used in bushfire-prone areas. Requirements depend on the site's BAL under AS 3959: cladding, windows, decks and gaps are controlled more strictly as the BAL rises.

3. What are the maintenance requirements for timber-framed houses?

Regular maintenance includes checking for signs of rot, termite damage, and ensuring that all protective coatings are intact.

4. How do you protect timber framing from termites?

Use a termite management system that complies with AS 3660.1 (such as chemical or physical barriers, plus ant caps on stumps), treated timber where appropriate, and regular inspections, usually at least yearly. Keep the inspection zones clear so termite activity can be seen.

5. What is the lifespan of a timber-framed house?

With proper maintenance, a timber-framed house can last for several decades, often 50-100 years or more.

6. Can timber framing be used in multi-storey residential buildings?

Yes, timber framing can be used in multi-storey buildings, although it requires careful design to ensure structural integrity.

7. What are the environmental benefits of timber framing?

Timber is a renewable resource, and timber framing has a lower carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete construction.

8. How do building codes regulate timber framing in Australia?

Australian building codes, such as the National Construction Code (NCC), set out requirements for timber framing, including material specifications, load calculations, and fire safety measures.

9. What are the cost considerations for timber framing?

Timber framing is generally cost-effective, but costs can vary depending on the type of timber used, the complexity of the design, and additional treatments required for termite or fire protection.

10. What are the alternatives to timber framing in residential construction?

Alternatives include steel framing, concrete block construction, and hybrid systems that combine timber with other materials.

Further Reading

Understanding Nominative and Informative Building StandardsDo you truly understand nominative and informative standards? Present in many sectors, these standards play a significant role in construction. Understanding these distinctions can affect numerous decisions, from choosing materials to planning methods.Why Australian Standards Are Mandatory for TradesmenIf you’re a tradesperson in Australia, the Australian Standards are essential—it’s the law. Ensure safety and quality in every project. Discover why these standards matter.The Unspoken Reality: Why Contractors Don’t Follow StandardsReady to hire a contractor? Think again. Many contractors use methods that don’t align with regulations or Australian standards. This article reveals why you might hear, “We don’t do it that way here,” and how such shortcuts can risk your home’s quality and safety. Learn to protect your investment.End of Free Australian Standards: Impact AnalysisThis article discusses the end of free access to Australian Standards in public libraries since 2018, its effects on small businesses, safety compliance, and the balance between public and corporate interests. Options for future access and public mobilization strategies are also explored.

Design & Installation Guidelines

Pryda-Bracing-Design-Guide-2022
More detail on tie down and brace fixing (with nice images)
Pryda-Bracing-Design-Guide-2022.pdf
6 MB
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Timber QLD Truss Installation Fact Sheet
A good read
26_TrussInstallation_final.pdf
3 MB
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The next article has some great pictures on what not to do

32_WindTieDown_final
32_WindTieDown_final.pdf
3 MB
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Explains different types of sheet braces and shows how they must be fixed

Bracing-Sheet-Application-Guide-Jan-2012-LR
Bracing-Sheet-Application-Guide-Jan-2012-LR.pdf
501 KB
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Noggings

Avoid arguments with builders or trades about the correct orientation of timber wall noggings (edge or flat). Check out this research paper that explains the testing results and what has been proven for both orientations!

NOGGINGS RESEARCH PAPER Karaunasena_Leitch_ACMSM20_AV
NOGGINGS RESEARCH PAPER Karaunasena_Leitch_ACMSM20_AV.pdf
198 KB
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Constructor Articles

Wind Classification for Homes: Understand the 5 Key FactorsExplore the 5 key factors determining wind classification for new homes, including geographic wind region, terrain category, topography, shielding, and distance from coastlines or high wind regions. Understanding these factors is essential for building homes that can withstand specific wind forces.Section through a house with a basement showing dead load, live load, snow, wind pressure, wind suction and uplift, and soil and water pressure on the basement walls.Understanding Structural Loads: Types & Effects on BuildingsThis article provides an introduction to various types of structural loads, including dead, live, impact, wind, and seismic loads. It explains how these forces influence building design and the importance of accurate load analysis for safety and durability in construction.Termite Barriers: Types, Pros & ApplicationsThis comprehensive guide explores the different types of termite barrier systems, including physical and chemical options, their advantages, and where they are best applied. Learn how to choose the right system for your new home or renovation.A large white house with a red roofRoofing Elements Simplified: A Guide to Roof ConstructionDemystify roofing elements with this beginner-friendly guide. Covering gables, Dutch gables, verge overhangs, and more, it breaks down complex roofing terms into simple language, helping you communicate effectively with architects and builders and understand the structure of your home’s roof.a view of the inside of a building under constructionUltimate Guide to Treated Pine for Your ProjectsThis comprehensive guide covers everything about treated pine, from its advantages and applications to selecting the right type and maintenance tips, ensuring your next project is a success.Complete Guide to Building a Timber Retaining WallThinking of building a timber retaining wall? Constructor’s comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the right timber to design considerations and maintenance tips. Learn how to ensure your wall’s longevity and effectiveness. Don’t miss out on expert advice!