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Lesson Plan
18 Video Lessons · 2H
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1. Introduction to Framing
Sarah Smith is executive director of Sawhorse Revolution, a Seattle nonprofit empowering disadvantaged high school students through carpentry and design. Sarah shares what you’ll learn in her course, from wall frame construction to common tools.
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2. Dimensional Lumber for Framing
Sarah describes several types of dimensional lumber used in wood framing, noting key measurements and terminology.
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3. Sheet Goods for Exterior Framing
There are two types of engineered wood products for wood frame construction: CDX and OSB. Learn their properties, common applications, and how they’re best used.
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4. Fasteners
Sarah shares the types of fasteners commonly used in wood framing, including sixteen-penny nails, galvanized nails, and joist hanger screws.
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5. Personal Protective Equipment
Keeping yourself safe is essential on any project. Learn what PPE is useful for wood frame construction, from ear protection to respirators.
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6. Hand Tools
Sarah covers three types of hand tools: tools for nail manipulation, measuring, and marking. Plus: miscellaneous tools like chisels, saws, and plumb bobs.
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7. Pneumatic Tools
Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air. Sarah shares how they're used and her thoughts on maintenance.
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8. Cutting Tools
Sarah reveals the most common cutting tools you’ll find on a framing site, like the circular saw, sawzall, oscillating tool, and power planer.
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9. Drills and Drivers
Drills and drivers fasten and manipulate lumber. Learn essential drill and driver terminology and how to choose fasteners for tools.
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10. Tool Belt
Sarah shares which tools to stash in your toolbelt: the hammer loop, torpedo level, and cat’s paw.
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11. Principles of Framing
There are three principles of quality framing: planning ahead; supporting and connecting the structures; and ensuring plumb, level, square, and straight structures.
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12. Terminology and Getting Started
Learn which members comprise wall frames and floor frames: studs, footings, joists, and more.
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13. Layout Marks and 16 On-Center
Sarah shares essential layout marking tools, then shows how to measure and mark a piece of lumber so it’s “sixteen on-center,” meaning every 16 inches aligns with the center of the stud.
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14. Floor Framing
Sarah describes the floor-framing process, which entails leveling skids, installing floor joists, and making exterior rim joists flush.
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15. Squaring Floors
Sarah shares two ways to check for square floors: the 3-4-5 triangle method and measuring for even corners.
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16. Assembling: Walls
Sarah shows how to assemble wall layouts by measuring and marking the lumber before installation.
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17. Tipping Up Walls
Learn about tipping up walls, from marking measurements with chalk lines to clearly communicating.
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18. Squaring and Bracing Walls
Sarah shares ways to check for square and plumb walls and how braces hold walls in place.
Who it's for: This course is designed to cover the fundamental aspects of floor and wall framing to help construction workers gain the basic skills and knowledge required to build efficiently on a jobsite.
Key Topics
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Layout
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House framing
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Tools for framing
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Floor framing
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Wall framing
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Types of lumber
5 stars
Overall rating of 2 students
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5 out of 5
Syed ARIFUDDIN.,
Feb 05, 2022
Like the course it covers Important aspect of framing and basic ter...
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5 out of 5
Chris Richardson.,
Feb 09, 2022
Good intro to some framing basics
Sarah Smith
Carpentry and Design Educator
Your Instructor
Sarah Smith is the executive director of Sawhorse Revolution, a Seattle nonprofit that aims to empower disadvantaged teens through building. Since helping to launch the nonprofit in 2010, Sarah has seen Sawhorse Revolution build everything from over a dozen cheerful tiny homes to a 16’ diameter, octagonal tree house hoisted high off the forest floor. In 2021, Sawhorse Revolution’s work on Estelita’s Library, a serene community space that doubles as a bookstore and library, was featured in Dwell . "At the core of our work,” she told the outlet, “is the idea that youth can and should have a hand in shaping their own neighborhoods.” When she’s not busy building, Sarah can be found traveling, visiting friends and family, and working on her cast for fly fishing.
Become Job Ready
This course will increase your knowledge for jobs like:
Carpenter
Apprentice Carpenter
Laborer
Framer
Remodeler
For more information on these roles, visit our career page .
Search for these jobs at:
Common Questions
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What is MT Copeland?
MT Copeland helps you further your career in the building industry with expert-led online education that will make you a better, smarter tradesperson.
Our training courses give you a foundation in construction fundamentals and trade skills with real-world applications and best practices to help you grow on the job. -
What do courses include?
Online courses include professionally produced videos taught by leaders in the trades and supplementary learning material such as quizzes, assessments and downloadable materials to help you acquire new skills. Watch anywhere, always at your own pace. We keep lesson videos short so they’re easy to watch after work or on your lunch break. You can finish a course in one sitting, or space it out over a week or two.
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How does the 30-day guarantee work?
If you’re not happy with a course, let us know within 30 days for a full refund. Our goal is to provide maximum value for your career. If we haven’t delivered on that promise, let us know.
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Can you learn with MT Copeland outside of the u.s.?
Yes! You can take MT Copeland courses from anywhere in the world. Our courses are online, so if you have access to the Internet, you can watch our training videos. Courses are taught in English, with English captions and Spanish subtitles available.
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Where did the name MT Copeland come from?
MT Copeland was named after a legendary educator who promoted the idea that training in a specific trade paired with a knowledge of general business principles opens up a whole new world of career possibilities. We believe in the same powerful combination of skills and knowledge.