After the completion of the foundation, the first operation the carpenter generally performs in erecting the framework is the installation of the main beams or girders and the posts or columns that support them.
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Girders
Girders are large beams used in house construction to support smaller beams, or joists. They generally run the length of the basement to support the inner end of the joist over the long span, thus taking the place of a supporting wall. Girders may be made either from wood, reinforced concrete, or they may be steel I-beams.
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Built-up Girders
A built-up girder usually consists of 3 peices of wood spiked or bolted together. These are made with a ledger board. The joists may be notched or they may be set on top of the ledger board, allowing a portion of the beam to project below the joist.

Columns
A column is used to support a girder orother main framing member. Columns are generally free-standing and should be in a perfectly vertical position and strong enough to carry the load imposed on them. The material used in columns may be:
(1)Wood, (2)Steel, and(3)Masonry material.
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Sills
The sill sometimes is referred to as the sill plate. This is the the wood framing member that rests directly on the top of the masonry foundation wall. The 2 main purpsoes of the sill are:
(a) to establish a straight. level, solid bearing surface on which the floor joists will rest.
(b) to provide a member that can be bolted to the foundation, thus tying the wood framework to the masonry wall.
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Floor Joists
One of the main structural members in the framework of a house, and certainly the most important floor-supporting member, is the Floor Joist. The cheif functions of the floor joists arre:
(a) To support the mass of the floor above them, the load of the furniture and equipment the floor carries, and also the load of the persons walking on the floor.
(b) To tie together and stiffen the framework of the building.
In order to carry out these functions, good joist frameing must include joists of the correct size to support the mass imposed on them over a given span without deflection or sagging. The joists must be uniformely spaced and have an even, level bearing on the plates and girders. They must be all of the same width, to provide a level surface on which to nail the subfloor.
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Types of Floor Joists
(1) Wood Joists
(2) Steel Joists
(3) Reinforced Concrete Joists.