1. Drafting Rear Elevations

2. Start with outer frame when drafting standard flat. Heights are generally in multiples of 2’-0”. Outer Frame

3. Next add toggles and dimensions. Toggles should be every 4’-0” on center. Notice when dimensioning toggles add o.c. standing for on center. Dimension all pieces in flat so shop can create cut list. Flat 1

4. On taller flats there is a toggle every 4’-0” Note o.c. is used for every measurement. Flat 2

5. Put drafted detail of keystone and corner block on one drawing and then refer to this detail on all other flat plates for a show. Indicate that keystones and corner blocks are made from 1/4” plywood. Off set them 1” from the edge. Glue and fasten with staples or 3/4” coated nails. These details should be in a larger scale to show details clearly. Detail 1

6. A door flat follows the same principles as the standard flat. Toggles are placed every 4’-0” as needed. The top of the door flat acts as a toggle. (There isn’t four feet above the the top of the door. So there is no need for an additional toggle. Corner blocks are used on the corners that are part of the door opening. Door Flat 1

7. Sometimes it is necessary for an extra long keystone to do the work of two short keystones. This one long keystone is stronger then two short keystones put end to end. Detail 2

8. Window flats also follow standard flat construction techniques. The joints around the window opening often use keystones not corner blocks. Keystones are inset 1” to permit attachment of reveals if desired. Window Flat

9. A keystone may often have to cover more then one joint in a window or door flat. (See previous slide.) When using wide keystones diagonal grain is used so that all joints have maximum strength. Nailing patterns should be based on standard nailing patterns and joint arrangement. Make sure that all keystones and corner blocks are still offset from the edge 1”. Detail 3

10. Sometimes flats are built from materials other then 1x4 lumber. Here the small side of the door flat is made from a 1x6 “true” piece of lumber. Door Flat 2

11. Door openings can also be made by combining two standard flats and a small flat known as a plug. Plugs are usually “built to fit.” This technique is often used when a door is in a long wall and you are using stock flats and only building what is needed. Flats & Plug Door

12. Once you learn how to draft the individual units they can be put together into a drawing that tells the shop all of the information they need to know. If possible it is best to include a small floor plan to show how the flats are used. Walls the same size need only be drafted once. Walls are labeled on both the plan and rear elevation. Rear Elevation