Floor plan

[Barbt]

When building the floor for a small cabin, is there plywood on both sides of the 2x4s that rest on the joists?  This will be my 1st time building a cabin.  Thanks for any input.  Barbt

[Redoverfarm]

When building the floor for a small cabin, is there plywood on both sides of the 2x4s that rest on the joists?  This will be my 1st time building a cabin.  Thanks for any input.  Barbt

Not exactly sure of your question.  The only time that 2X4's are resting on the floor joist is part of partition dividing the rooms or the exterior walls.  The plywood or OSB subfloor is attached to the joist and the 2X4's stood up verticle as the exterior wall or inside partitions.  If this is not your answer then reply back and will try to explain further.

[rick91351]

First off 

As far as your question please do not be embarrassed but  I don't think I understand the question.

I think if I were you I would go down to the some place and purchase a basic house building book to sort of understand a little better what is going on in a house and why.  Or order one like John offers at countryplans.com look under the heading of tools and then books for building.  If you have never been there; there are some real nice simple cabin plans available for purchase as well.  Hope that helps.
   

[SouthernTier]

John has a list of books here:

http://www.countryplans.com/books.html

I bought the first and fifth on that list (before I found this forum) and they were very very helpful.

[Squirl]

By 2x4's, Did you mean the wall framing?  Let's go with that assumption.  Many people have been opting for 2x6 instead of 2x4.  When you factor in the greater room for insulation, the less stud heat loss, the less twisted pieces you have to nail, that it is a stronger wall, and that there is almost little difference in cost, many people opt for the 2x6, unless it is a small single story structure and square footage is an issue.

Also it is the plywood sheathing is usually only on the outside of the wall and drywall on the inside.  Some scenarios people put it on the inside. If they are in a high wind or earthquake zone, it can help strengthen the wall if needed.  If you want an inexpensive, quickly finished interior wall.  Also, sometimes as a backing for nailing interior wood coverings to.

I do recommend a framing guide book before tackling a build.