Frame & Truss
At Big River Group, we have been a trusted supplier of premium roof trusses, wall frames, floor trusses, and associated building products for over four decades. Since 1977, we have proudly served custom home builders, low to medium-volume builders, owner-builders, and multi-residential developers.
Big River operates three state-of-the-art frame and truss manufacturing sites across Australia. Our facilities are strategically located in Breakwater, Victoria, Dry Creek, Adelaide, Bellevue, Perth.
As an award-winning provider, Big River is recognised as a leader in the frame and truss industry. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation for delivering superior products and exceptional service.
We understand the importance of reliability in the construction industry. Our clients choose us for more than just competitive pricing – they return for our unmatched service and product quality.
Big River Group manufactures and supplies the full range of framing materials for residential and commercial timber-framed construction – from standard MGP-graded structural pine through to engineered LVL beams and alternative wall systems. Whether you’re a builder ordering loose framing timber for a stick-build or a fabricator sourcing structural pine for prefabricated wall frames and roof trusses, our locations stock all common grades, sizes, and treatment levels for immediate pickup or delivery to site.
For projects where conventional timber framing isn’t the best fit, ask our team about MaxiWall AAC panels – a lightweight walling system that delivers inherent fire rating, thermal performance, and faster installation than traditional framed and clad wall construction.
Showing 4 products
Frame & Truss Solutions
Big River operates three state-of-the-art frame and truss manufacturing sites across Australia strategically located in Breakwater, Victoria, Dry Creek, Adelaide, Bellevue, Perth.
Framing
Pryda Fast Fix
Pryda FastFix™ - Smarter Fixings for Faster, Safer Builds with Big River Group At Big River Group, we understand that...
Wall and roof framing
Pryda Frame Fix
Pryda Frame Fix™ – the smart solution for reinforcing timber top plates when service penetrations like plumbing or electrical runs are required.
Wall and roof framing
Structural Pine Framing
MGP10 and MGP12 structural pine for wall frames and roof trusses.
Residential and commercial framing
How to Choose the Right Frame & Truss
Stress Grades for Framing
Most Australian residential framing uses machine-graded plantation pine. MGP10 is the standard grade for general wall framing – studs, noggings, and bottom plates – and satisfies most span table requirements under AS 1684. MGP12 offers higher stiffness and is specified for floor joists, longer-span rafters, and applications where deflection is the governing design factor. For wall frame components where MGP10 exceeds the structural requirement, F5-graded pine can be a cost-effective alternative at approximately 15% less than MGP10. Always confirm grade requirements against the engineering documentation or AS 1684 span tables for your specific application.
Treatment Levels
All framing timber in termite-risk areas requires preservative treatment. H2-treated pine is the standard for internal framing – wall studs, ceiling joists, and roof members protected from weather. H3 treatment is required for framing exposed to weather or in ground contact, such as subfloor bearers, external wall plates, and framing in open structures. Big River locations stock both treatment levels across all common framing sizes.
Engineered Timber for Longer Spans
Where solid sawn pine reaches its span limits, engineered products step in. TruForm LVL beams deliver consistent strength across longer spans without the variability of natural timber, making them the standard choice for lintels, bearers, and ridge beams in modern residential construction. LVL is also increasingly used for wall studs and top plates in applications requiring higher load capacity without increasing member depth. For a full overview of engineered timber options, see our Structural Timber range.
Alternative Wall Systems
For projects requiring non-combustible construction, high thermal ratings, or faster enclosure timelines, MaxiWall AAC panels offer an alternative to conventional timber wall framing. MaxiWall is a lightweight autoclaved aerated concrete panel system that provides structure, insulation, and fire resistance in a single product – reducing the number of trades and installation steps required to achieve a compliant external wall.
Ordering and Technical Support
Your local Big River location can supply framing timber in all standard sizes (90×35, 90×45, 70×35, 140×45, 190×45, 240×45), grades (MGP10, MGP12, F5), and treatment levels, with crane truck delivery direct to site. Our trade teams can also assist with quantity estimates, grade selection queries, and sourcing engineered products for specific span or load requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What timber grade is used for house framing in Australia?
MGP10 is the most common structural grade for residential wall framing in Australia. It is machine-graded plantation pine with a minimum stiffness of 10 GPa, suitable for wall studs, noggings, and standard roof framing per AS 1684 span tables. MGP12 is specified for floor joists and applications requiring higher stiffness or longer spans.
What is the difference between MGP10 and MGP12 framing timber?
The primary difference is stiffness – MGP12 has a minimum modulus of elasticity of 12 GPa compared to 10 GPa for MGP10. This means MGP12 will deflect less under load and can span further in joist and rafter applications. Both grades meet AS 1684 requirements, but MGP12 is typically specified for floor joists, longer-span rafters, and higher-load applications where deflection is the governing design criterion.
Do I need treated timber for internal wall framing?
In termite-risk areas, which covers most of Australia, internal framing timber must be preservative-treated to at least H2 level under AS 3660. H2 treatment protects against termite and borer attack in above-ground, weather-protected applications. Framing exposed to weather or in ground contact requires H3 treatment. Your local council or building surveyor can confirm the termite management requirements for your specific site.
What size timber is used for wall studs in Australia?
Standard wall studs in Australian residential construction are 90×45mm or 90×35mm, installed at either 450mm or 600mm centres depending on the load and cladding requirements. Stud height is typically 2.4m to 2.7m for standard ceiling heights. AS 1684 span tables specify the maximum stud height for each grade, size, and spacing combination.
Does Big River supply framing timber and LVL for builders?
Big River locations stock the full range of structural framing timber in MGP10 and MGP12 grades, F5 pine for cost-effective wall frame applications, and TruForm LVL beams for lintels, bearers, and long-span members. All products are available in standard treatment levels with crane truck delivery to site from 20+ locations nationally.
What exactly does Frame & Truss mean?
Frame & Truss refers to the structural components used in the construction of buildings, typically in the framework of residential or commercial projects.
- Frame: This is the skeleton or framework of a building, which provides the structure and support. It includes elements like walls, floors, and roofs that are constructed using timber, steel, or other materials. The frame supports the weight of the building and distributes it evenly.
- Truss: A truss is a framework of beams that is used to support a roof or other structure. It is typically made from timber or steel and is designed to distribute the load of the roof evenly across the walls. Trusses are often used for their ability to cover large spans without the need for internal supports or columns.
Together, the frame and truss system ensure the building is structurally sound, providing stability and support to the overall design of the project.
How long does it take to receive my Frame & Truss quote?
We strive to provide quotes within 1-2 weeks, though this may vary depending on our current workload. The complexity and scope of the quote also play a role in the timeline. For example, a quote for a single house may be quicker to process compared to a more detailed quote for multiple units, which may require separate pricing for walls, trusses, flooring, and Longreach floor trusses.
Many builders and owner-builders find it beneficial to source as many products as possible from a single supplier, which can sometimes extend the quote turnaround time, especially during peak periods. However, when you submit your plans, we can provide an estimated timeframe for when your quote will be ready.
Related Product Categories
Structural Timber
Framing timber, LVL beams, and timber mouldings for residential, commercial, and industrial construction across Australia.
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