Notches in the middle third of a floor joist are not permitted. Holes are not permitted to be located within 2 inches of the top or bottom edge of a floor joist. The maximum depth of a notch in a floor joist (that is not in the middle third of the joist) is the actual depth of the joist divided by 6. The maximum diameter of a bored hole through a floor joist (that is not in the middle third of the joist) is the actual depth of the joist divided by 3.

There are two common styles of wood framing: balloon and platform. The main difference between balloon and platform framing is apparent at the floor lines. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the foundation all the way to the top plate of the second floor. The platform framed wall, on the other hand, is independent for each floor.