Articles by Garrett Dawson

How to Frame a Load-Bearing Wall in a Remodel

I grew up sweeping sawdust in a little woodshop where the old-timers drilled one rule into my head: measure twice, cut once. In remodel framing, I add a second rule: support first, cut second . A load-bearing wall is not just a divider. It is a working part of the structure, and if you treat it...

Dimensional Lumber vs. Engineered I-Joists for Floor Framing

I grew up sweeping sawdust in a small woodshop where the rule was simple: measure twice, cut once. Floor framing teaches the same lesson in a louder way. If the floor system is wrong, you feel it every day under your feet. Bouncy spans, squeaks that never quit, a crown you cannot unsee, or a...

How to Square a Wall Frame Before Standing It

I learned to square walls the hard way: by trying to “fix it in the air” with a sledge, a pry bar, and a lot of wishful thinking. It works sometimes, but it is slow, rough on your fasteners, and it usually leaves you chasing plumb and straight for the rest of the day. If you square the wall on the...

Cordless vs. Pneumatic Framing Nailers

I grew up around air hoses snaking across shop floors, and for a long time I treated a pneumatic framing nailer like the default setting for building anything that mattered. Then cordless nailers got good. Not gimmicky good, but jobsite good. Now the question is not “which is better?” It is “which...

About Garrett Dawson

Welcome to Carpentry Pro Framer. I’m Garrett Dawson, and if there’s one idea that’s followed me from my first day in a woodshop to every frame I’ve stood since, it’s this: plan carefully, build with purpose. I built this site for people who love the work but hate the guesswork. If you’ve ever...