Typical Note Templates – Wall Framing Plans

Last updated March 28, 2025
By Ian Story

This page documents typical categories of general notes that may be used to document wall framing plans, along with sample specifications for each of these categories. Review the templates below when annotating a wall framing plan and include all relevant categories and notes. This is a non-comprehensive list, and your project may require additional categories or specifications. If you use a category or specification not included in the list below, submit it as an update suggestion – the goal of this document is to provide a resource that grows over time as we learn more about how best to document projects.

DOUBLE-HEIGHT WALLS
  • Balloon frame studs full height of space, u.n.o.
EXISTING FRAMING
  • Existing framing to remain, typ. u.n.o.
EXISTING HEADERS
  • Existing window and door headers to remain, typ. u.n.o.
  • Where headers need to be replaced, use (2) 2×6 or (1) 4×6 vertical u.n.o.
EXISTING EXTERIOR WALLS
  • Unless noted otherwise, assume exterior framed walls are shear walls – do not cut new openings or enlarge existing openings without review by Architect. Where patching is required, detail per shear wall schedule system “SW 1-b”
EXTERIOR WALL FRAMING
  • 2×6 @ 16″ o/c u.n.o.
EXTERIOR WALL HEADERS
  • provide headers per plan. If header information is missing, contact Architect for clarification.
EXTERIOR WALL SHEATHING
  • Unless noted otherwise, sheath exterior walls per shear wall schedule system “SW 1-a”
FIREBLOCKING
  • Fireblock stud walls over 10 feet tall at max. 10′ spacing
INTERIOR WALL FRAMING
  • 2×4 @ 16″ o/c u.n.o.
INTERIOR WALL HEADERS
  • Use min. (2) 2x (wall thickness) at non-load-bearing walls; provide headers per plan at load-bearing walls. If header information is missing at load-bearing walls, contact Architect for clarification.
PLATE HEIGHT
  • 8′-1 1/8″ typ. u.n.o.
  • At rake walls, run studs continuous to top plate at underside of roof framing; do not break studs at typical plate height
STAIR WALLS
  • Balloon frame studs full height of stairwell, u.n.o.
WALL OPENINGS
  • All opening dimensions this sheet are rough openings. All door rough openings are 6′-10 1/2″ tall u.n.o.