Part 55: Finish Phase – Furnishings

(Introduction, Syllabus, 1.Prelims, 1-4Precon, 2. Excavation, 3.Foundation, 4.Framing, 5.Close-In, 6.Roofing, 7.MEP, 8.Finish )

Finish carpentry includes baseboards, chair rails, wainscoting, crown molding, shelving, cabinets and stairs. This kind of carpentry is not as physically rigorous as exterior construction and requires an entirely different set of tools and skills.

Stair construction
Interior work is not normally regulated by building codes. Exceptions include secondary structural installations, some types of materials, and hand and guard rails, balusters, and stair treads and risers (See Buzzwords).



The Stairway Manufacturers Association provides detailed guidelines for stair manufacturing, including general codes and standards.

Prefabricated installations
Access stairs that are required for upper floors are usually built into the structural framing and approved by the local building inspectors prior to issuing a building permit, but there are also prefabricated stairs for installation by finish carpenters and wood workers.



In this example, a prefabricated ships ladder is used to access the storage loft. The ladder is retractable and detailed on shop drawings for fabrication and installation. See websites similar to the Loft Centre for ideas and specifications.

If the loft is to be occupied and space is at a premium, a circular stair is a good alternative to the ships ladder.



Circular stairs are designed to meet all code requirements and are cut and assembled on site by metal fabricators to match field dimensions.

Efficient design
The value of interior designers as opposed to building designers is that they find ways to increase the efficiency of a given space. For example, the space under a stair can be used for storage.



But the installation of special features such as these must conform to local building codes. In this example, if there is not an alternate exit from the upper floor, built-in storage under the stair may be rejected as a fire hazard. . .





(To be continued…)

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The material presented in this series has been taken from our book, “How a House is Built: With 3D Construction Models” The book includes annotated illustrations, captioned text, videos, models, and the 2D Preliminaries.
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Part 54: Finish Phase – Wall board

(Introduction, Syllabus, 1.Prelims, 1-4Precon, 2. Excavation, 3.Foundation, 4.Framing, 5.Close-In, 6.Roofing, 7.MEP, 8.Finish )

The most common type of wallboard is drywall, also known as sheetrock, but there are many alternatives, including lath and plaster, paneling, plastic sheeting, fiberboards, and tile. Drywall is by far the best solution for residential construction.

Hanging Drywall
Drywall is a paper wrapped gypsum product, manufactured by companies like the National Gypsum Company. You can find detailed information about the different types of gypsum wallboard used in construction on their website.


Residential drywall is typically four by eight feet and 1/2” thick, but it’s also available in ten foot lengths and as a 5/8” thick Type X material for areas that require fire resistance.

Starting with the ceilings, the wallboard is lifted into place with a panel hoist and attached with specially designed drywall screws.



The gypsum boards are screwed to the wall studs. Galvanized metal corner beads are used to seal corners, as well as the door and window frames.

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Alternate corner and edge trims include "L" or "J" plastics and structurally laminated materials for special conditions.



Finishing Drywall
The corner beads act as screeds for alternating layers of a drywall joint compound, also known as “mud.” Joints or seams between the drywall boards are “taped” using paper strips embedded in the same joint compound.



The joint compound is applied in layers over the taped seams, corner trim, and drywall screws. It’s important that the drywall screws dimple the board and not penetrate the paper skin.



Taping is not difficult, but it’s a technique that takes practice. For more information, see Dean's drywall tips for an overview of the tools used to finish the drywall.

Paneling and tile
Paneling is installed over taped but unfinished drywall in high impact areas like dining alcoves, stairways, and playrooms that are likely to get bumped or scratched by furniture and heavy use.



A special wax coated “green” drywall is often used in wet areas, but cement backer boards are used behind areas to be tiled, such as showers or baths.



Because drywall is essentially a porous material, local building codes govern construction details to control moisture and prevent long term mold and mildew damage.
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(To be continued…)

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The material presented in this series has been taken from our book, “How a House is Built: With 3D Construction Models” The book includes annotated illustrations, captioned text, videos, models, and the 2D Preliminaries.
youtube.com/watch?v=xZj19OPzE08