Timber Frame Calculator
Fast, accurate and free online konstrukcji szkieletowej calculator tool running directly in your browser.
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Other tools you may find usefulFrame structure calculator – how to calculate posts and slabs for Canadian walls?
Frame construction (popularly called Canadian technology) is becoming more and more popular in the construction of single-family houses, summer houses, gazebos and garages. The main advantages of this solution are the rapid pace of construction (no technological breaks for drying of concrete or mortars) and excellent thermal insulation parameters. The supporting frame of the building is made of kiln-dried and planed structural wood, and the stiffness of the structure is ensured by sheathing boards (OSB, MFP or plywood). The key to efficient construction and avoiding unnecessary costs is to precisely calculate the demand for stud timber, foundations, caps and wall panels. Our free **online frame structure calculator** is a professional cost estimation tool. Based on the given wall dimensions, it calculates the number of vertical posts, linear meters of wood for horizontal beams, and the area and number of OSB boards.
Thanks to this, you can easily order the right amount of material from the sawmill, avoid wasting wood on cutting cuts and plan the construction with an accuracy of one centimeter.
Structure of a frame wall and nomenclature of elements
A frame wall consists of several basic elements, each of which has a specific load-bearing or assembly function. The table below shows the characteristics of these components:
| Element name | Cross-section (typical dimensions) | Location in structure | Structural function | Recommended wood grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Plate | 45x145 mm or 45x195 mm | Horizontally on foundation/slab. | Anchored to concrete, transfers the weight of the wall to the foundation, insulates vertical wood. | C24 (impregnated) |
| Vertical posts (Studs) | 45x145 mm or 45x195 mm | Vertical between the foundation and the cap, spaced every 40 or 60 cm. | They transfer vertical loads (roof, ceiling). They create space for the stone wool. | C24 (dry, planed) |
| Top and bottom caps (Top Plates) | 45x145 mm or 45x195 mm | Horizontally on top of posts (double cap is often used). | Connects the posts at the top and provides support for ceiling beams or roof rafters. | C24 |
| Lintel (Header) | Depending on the span (e.g. 90x195 mm) | Horizontally above door and window openings. | Transfers the weight of the ceiling above the window opening to the side posts. | C24 / LVL (glued timber) |
| Battens (Fireblocks) | 45x145 mm | Horizontally halfway up the posts. | They increase the stiffness of the posts against buckling and constitute a fire barrier. | C24 |
Structural calculation methodology and post spacing
The main design parameter influencing wood consumption is the **axial spacing of the vertical posts** (spacing). Two spacings are standardly used in frame technology:
- Spacing every 400 mm (40 cm):Used for taller buildings, ceilings with large spans or when the sheathing is made of thinner OSB boards (e.g. 12 mm). Guarantees extreme stiffness.
- Spacing every 600 mm (60 cm):Standard for single-story buildings, gazebos and partition walls. It fits perfectly into the standard width of mineral wool (58-59 cm), which minimizes insulation waste and accelerates warming.
The number of vertical studs ($N$) for a wall of length $L$ with a spacing of $S$ is calculated according to the formula:
$$N = \left\lceil \frac{L}{S} \right\rceil + 1 + N_{\text{extra}}$$
Where:
- $\lceil \dots \rceil$ – round up to the nearest integer.
- $+1$ – closing post at the end of the wall.
- $N_{\text{extra}}$ – additional posts necessary to frame window and door openings (2 posts are normally added for each opening) and corner posts.
How to use the framing calculator?
Enter the basic geometric data of the planned building or wall:
- Enter the length and height of the walls:Enter the parameters in meters (e.g. length 6 m, height 2.6 m).
- Select the cross-section of wood:Select whether you are building from 45x145 mm boards (standard for insulated year-round houses) or 45x95 mm (gazebos, summer houses).
- Select the spacing of the posts:Select a spacing of 40 cm or 60 cm.
- Specify the number of holes:Enter the number of windows and doors in the wall so that the calculator takes into account additional posts for lintels.
- Receive the bill of materials:Click "Calculate". The system will display the exact number of posts in pieces, the total length of wood in linear meters, the volume of wood in cubic meters ($m^3$) and the number of sheets of OSB-3 boards (dimensions 2500x1250 mm) needed for the external sheathing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the optimal spacing of vertical posts in a frame structure?
For external walls of residential houses, the standard axial spacing is 60 cm (which corresponds to exactly half the width of a 125 cm OSB board, thanks to which the board joints will be perfectly in the middle of the posts). This spacing allows for easy installation of mineral wool without cutting it. A spacing of 40 cm is used for heavily loaded walls or under plasterboard sheathing.
What is the difference between C24 construction timber and KVH timber?
Class C24 determines the bending strength of wood (24 MPa) - this is the basic requirement for load-bearing elements. KVH is a wood processing technology: it is kiln-dried wood (to 15% humidity), planed on four sides, with bevelled bevels. KVH wood can be finger-joined along the length, thanks to which the beams are perfectly straight and do not warp. C24 wood without the KVH marking may be wet and susceptible to twisting.
How to calculate the number of OSB boards for sheathing of frame walls?
To calculate the number of OSB boards, determine the total wall area (length × height) and subtract the area of window and door openings. Divide the obtained result by the area of one OSB board (a standard 2.5 x 1.25 m board has an area of 3,125 m²) and add 10% allowance for corner cuts and production waste.
What is the foundation and cap in a stud wall and what function do they play?
The Sole Plate is a horizontal beam lying directly on the foundation to which vertical posts are attached. Top Plate is a horizontal beam closing the wall from the top. The upper cap in frame houses is usually double, which allows adjacent walls to be connected in the corners and provides rigid support for the ceiling or roof truss structure.
Why are double top plates used in frame houses?
The double top cap has two key functions: 1. Structural - allows loads to be transferred from ceiling beams to vertical posts, even if the beams do not fall directly above the posts. 2. Binding - the upper layer of the cap is laid with the joints shifted in relation to the lower layer, which permanently bonds the perpendicular external walls and partition walls in the corners of the building.