A trade association that publishes standards, span tables and design tools for wood construction, including framing for small buildings and decks.
The American Wood Council develops standards and design tools for wood construction, including the National Design Specification for wood and span tables that designers and builders use. Free calculators and guides help with beams, joists and connections. Sizing framing is part of every shed, garage and carport project, from a small loft to a wide pole barn in Nashville.
For owners, the site is a good place to see how framing is sized and why a floor joist or rafter spacing matters. It helps you understand drawings and ask about spans and loads. We size framing for the loads you describe and use engineering where a building calls for it.
Visit the official AWC website
Design values and methods for wood members.
Guides for joists, rafters and beams.
Online tools for common members.
How fasteners and hardware are used.
Topics on protecting wood buildings.
Helps you read drawings.
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Shed and Garage Design StudioPick a shed, garage, carport or barn, set the size, roof, siding and trim colors, doors, windows and extras, and watch your building update, then send the design to us.Try it 
Shed Size and Layout PickerPick what you want to store or do inside, tick the vehicles, tools and furniture you need to fit and see the footprint, door width and loft options that usually work.Try it 
Shed and Garage Budget PlannerPick a shed, workshop, garage, carport, barn, slab, roof or upgrade, set the size and add allowances like permits, site prep and delivery to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it No. It provides tools and standards, and complex buildings may still need engineering.
They are meant for trained users. We use them and engineering as the project calls for.
No. We are an independent shed, garage and carport builder and are not part of the American Wood Council. We explain what it publishes in plain language and help you apply it to your own property.
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