Wall framing in house construction includes the vertical and horizontal members of exterior walls and interior partitions, both of load bearing walls and non-bearing walls. These stick members, referred to as studs (the vertical members), top and bottom wall plates, and lintels or headers (the horizontal members) serve as a nailing base for all covering material and support the upper floor platforms, which provide the lateral strength along a wall.

The frame also provides a basis to which all exterior and interior wall coverings are attached and is covered by a roof comprising horizontal ceiling joists and sloping rafters (forming a truss structure) or pre-fabricated roof trusses, all of which are covered by various materials to give weather resistance.

WIKIPEDIA ENTRY FOR FRAMING.