Graphic Guide to Frame Construction (For Pros By Pros),   ISBN:9781600850233

Customer Rating: 

Just buy the 2009 International Residential Code For One-and-Two Family Dwellings: Soft Cover Version
The IRC has similar drawings and is the CODE / LAW in most places. Not only does it have similar drawings but it has 1000x more info. It tells nailing spacing requirements, etc. The only problem w/ the IRC is it is very expensive. It legally should be free, as it is U.S Law, but that is a different issue... I also recommend Wood-Framed Shear Wall Construciton; An Illustrated Guide.


This book shows how to make basic framing items in 2x4 and 2x6 construction.

However it fails, miserably.

It includes too much info. on things unrelated to framing: Foundations, windows, etc. and not enough on framing.

It's drawing are poor in places, the windows section is terrible.

It lacks any practical info. such as how to make a 2x6 and 2x4 built up headers.

He does not tell you to space a 1/2 OSB board in between 2x4's (1.5 + 1.5 + .5 = 3.5 inches) 2x4 walls actual width is 3.5 inches and nail both sides w/ 16 D nails... etc.

He also leaves out any actual MATH that could help you determine what headers to use, except one small sentence on 1 story 2x4 house headers....

Also try looking up: SPAN, HOLD-DOWN, or other important terms in the index... NOT THERE, even though HOLD-DOWN is defined right before the index....

While some of this info. should be on your plans from your Architect, small projects can be approved by the city or county without an architect, so the info is relevant.

Customer Rating: 

This book has many gaps in graphics and content. Ultimate Guide to House Framing, 3rd ed. John D. Wagner, is much better at both.

Customer Rating: 

Very well done publication. The drawings are very thorough. It severely lacks any theory or formulas on the topics contained in the book.
If all you need are pictures then this is the book for you. If you want more practical information then do not buy this book.

Customer Rating: 

For a book called Frame Construction, Mr. Thallon spent a lot of pages on NON-framing issues, foundations and roofing, and forgot to put anything in about the math of framing. Just take a look at the section on framing stairs, nothing there but some basic diagrams.
Sorry but for every good drawing the should be an equally clever formula for the calculations of the art of framing. I am not all that fired up about this one.

Customer Rating: 

Over the years, I've referred back to this book many times.
I recommend it for anyone thinking about building a deck or an addition.
It has the answers that you are looking for.