Framing a Floor System in a Balloon-Framed House

How do you frame a floor system when the house is balloon framed? In this video, I show how we frame a second-floor system inside balloon-framed walls by treating the floor like a deck—using ledgered LVLs, structural screws, joist hangers, and engineered I-joists to create a stiff, quiet, and over-designed floor diaphragm.

This approach is fully engineered and uses deck-rated fasteners with higher load requirements than typical interior floors. It also helps reinforce balloon-framed walls instead of weakening them.

Key Framing Methods Used

• Ledgered LVLs for structural support
• Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS structural screws
• Joist hangers for secure load transfer
• Engineered I-joists for stiffness and quiet performance

Why This System Works

Continuous I-joists create a stiffer, quieter floor system. The structure acts as a horizontal diaphragm, tying the entire building together while preventing movement, squeaks, and long-term deflection.

Despite concerns about floors “hanging from ledgers,” this system is designed for higher loads than typical residential use and includes engineered safety factors to eliminate creep and structural issues.

Wall Stability & Bracing Strategy

• Simple bracing methods to keep tall walls plumb
• Using spare I-joists as alignment guides
• Maintaining straight, workable wall assemblies

Real-World Jobsite Application

This is real-world framing on an active jobsite focused on strength, safety, efficiency, and repeatable construction results.

It is designed for builders, framers, architects, and serious DIYers interested in balloon framing and modern engineered floor systems.

Video Timeline

• 0:00 - 0:34: Overview of the floor system in balloon framing
• 0:34 - 1:19: Framing the walls
• 1:19 - 3:58: Tips and tricks for framing the floor
• 3:58 - 4:26: Comedic interlude
• 4:26 - 5:55: Using laser tools for precision measurements
• 5:55 - 6:44: Engineering behind the ledger system
• 6:44 - 7:25: Installing joist hangers
• 7:25 - 8:50: Bracing balloon-framed walls
• 8:50 - 9:39: Interior tour of the house
• 9:39 - 10:51: Squarespace advertisement segment
• 10:51 - 11:34: Dance break and final wall check
• 11:34 - 12:00: Measuring the ridge beam
• 12:00 - 13:30: Preparing to set the ridge beam
• 13:30 - 13:56: Trimming the ridge beam
• 13:56 - 15:19: Rigging the ridge beam for lift
• 15:19 - 18:02: Precision ridge beam placement
• 18:02 - 18:55: Finished framing house tour
• 18:55 - 19:25: Plastering and final wall alignment