If you’re currently constructing new or refurbishing your house, you might have already encountered from your contractor or foreman the term hog trough framing that will be used on the project—on walls, ceilings, rafters, or floors.
And if you’re unfamiliar and wondering what a hog trough framing is, you don’t need to fret. In this article, we’re going to walk you through all the essential information you need to know about hog trough framing, including its uses and various benefits.
What is a Hog Trough?
A Hog Trough is a type of stiffener or framing that helps provide a bracing system or support and shape in construction. It is commonly referred to as strongback in other places, and it looks similar to angle iron, but it is made of wood.
It’s constructed by nailing together two pieces of wood lengthwise, usually 2×6 or 2×4 wood, to form an L shape profile or vee shape beam. It has two sides, which are commonly referred to as legs, and they both have the same lengths.
A hog trough framing is attached using nails or drywall screws to the structure you need to stiffen or support. One side of the hog trough is pressed against the structure, while the other side protrudes at a 90-degree angle.
Moreover, a hog trough comes in varying sizes and lengths, depending on what structure you attach it to. Also, the reason why it’s called a hog trough is that the process of building it is similar to the trough where pigs eat.
Uses of a Hog Trough
A hog trough is usually used on walls, floors, ceilings, platforms, or stairs for the home construction or scenic construction. It can also be used in the construction of furniture, such as tables, chairs, or beds, acting as the framework to form its basic structural design of the material.
It’s most commonly used as secondary support to provide stability and strength to the entire structure or overall body by bracing the frame and bearing the weight applied to prevent it from breaking, collapsing, bending, or bowing.
Aside from providing support, a hog trough framing is also commonly used to attach flats and strengthen joints at right angles. The L shape profile or vee shape of it also keeps the structure where you attached it rigid in two directions.
With a hog trough attached, the structure—whether that be rafters, ceiling joists, flooring, or walls, will more likely remain intact even when impacted.
Moreover, this type of framing is typically utilized both in residential and commercial buildings.
Various Benefits of a Hog Trough
There are several benefits to using a hog trough in framing. Compared to other construction materials, a hog trough is relatively affordable without sacrificing the quality of the structure as it uses wood blocks, typically made out of plywood, lumber, douglas-fir, and cedar.
It is also versatile since it can be used in various ways—from acting as a frame or bracing system to providing support and shape to a structure. It also comes in different sizes and lengths, providing the flexibility of choice.
A hog trough framing is also lightweight while remaining compact and durable, making it easy to work with and transport when used in different areas, especially elevated spaces. You will also need simple tools to make it, so it also only requires a little experience in making one.
Final Thoughts
A hog trough framing, also known as a strongback, is commonly installed to provide support at key points for the structure to remain stable and durable. It prevents the structure from bending, bowing, or collapsing due to the applied weight or if exposed to impacts.
And if you’re planning to build new construction or remodel your house, having a good framing or bracing system that will support the structure of your house is essential, whether it’s for the walls, flooring, ceiling, or roofing.
A hog trough is easy to do—you can construct it yourself using simple tools and materials, or you can also hire a professional contractor to do it if you have no prior experience. Remember to consider all relevant information above whenever you come across projects with hog trough framing to help you.
