From start to finish, framing a wall will likely take less than a day to complete, depending on how many walls are being framed and if additional steps need to be taken, such as the incorporation of window or door cutouts.
Cost
$100–$500
Doing the labor yourself goes a long way.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Framing hammer
Speed square
Pencil
Chalk line
Miter/Circular saw
Safety glasses
Powder actuated nailer
Stud finder
Plumb bob
Utility knife
SUPPLIES
Premium 2x4s
16d (3 1/2 inch) nails
Understanding how to frame a wall yourself is handy knowledge to possess—particularly if you need to add an addition to your home, finish a basement, or build a shed on a budget. Luckily for the DIYers out there, it’s a relatively easy project for those willing to put on a hard hat and get to work. But to ensure proper framing and installation, you’ll need to learn the basics. Follow this step-by-step guide to help you construct a wall frame that will last a lifetime.
What Is a Wall Frame?
Photo: Maskot / Getty Images
A wall frame is the skeleton of a wall, and it’s the necessary first step in building a wall. The frame is what provides support to the ceiling and roof, and ultimately will be filled with insulation and covered in drywall, resulting in a finished wall. A wall frame itself is composed of different pieces, all of which are crucial to the overall structure. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key components.
Studs
Studs are the vertical members of a wall that connect the horizontal top and bottom plates. Studs determine the height of the frame being built and provide support to the wall lining.
Sole Plate
Sole plates, often referred to as bottom plates, are the horizontal members of a wall that run along the bottom of the wall frame and connect the wall to the floor.
Top Plate
Top plates are the horizontal members of a wall that support the ceiling above. Top plates run along the top of the wall frame and are frequently doubled up to account for extra space between the top of the wall and the floor above.
How to Frame a Wall in 10 Simple Steps
Once you’ve determined the location of your wall, follow these steps to properly construct it.
Plan the Layout of the Wall
Using a chalk line, indicate where you want to place the wall with markings on the floor.
Then, use a stud finder on the ceiling to determine where the joists (support beams in floors and ceilings) are.
For proper wall alignment, the joists should be directly above the wall, running perpendicular to it. If the joists are parallel to the wall, you’ll need to adjust the layout so that the wall is under a joist.
Measure the Ceiling
Photo: Zero Creatives / Getty Images
In order to frame the wall, you’ll need to establish where the top and sole plates will go, as they are the anchors for the wall studs.
Using a tape measure, mark where the new wall will meet the existing wall by measuring from a corner of the room.
From the opposite corner, measure out where the end of the new wall will be.
Put a chalk line in between the marks you just made. This will indicate one edge of the top plate.
Measure diagonally between both corners to ensure that the measurements are the same and that the new wall is square. This may take some trial and error, and adjustments might need to be made.
Lay Down the Sole Plate
To begin laying down the sole plate, hammer a nail into the ceiling near one end of the chalk line, and hang a plumb bob (a weight with a pointed tip at the bottom) from it.
Mark the floor where the plumb bob points to.
Repeat this process at the opposite end of the ceiling chalk line.
Snap a chalk line in between the two new marks to place one edge of the sole plate on.
Put an “X” on the edge of the line where the plate will lay.
Determine the Stud Locations
Place your top and sole plates on the floor beside one another, and starting at one end, measure out and mark each plate every 16-24 inches, according to local code.
Using a combination square, draw lines connecting the marks across the plate.
Mark an “X” at the end of each plate and to the right of the lines drawn on each plate to distinguish where the stud locations are.
Note: If this is a wall that will need a door, be sure to account for the door frame with the following: two king studs, two tripper studs, and a horizontal header.
Measure the Stud Length
Use your tape measure to determine the distance from the floor to ceiling in multiple places, as it’s not uncommon for the height range to differ throughout the room.
You’ll need to determine where the shortest height distance is, then also take into account the space needed for the top and sole plates. With that in mind, subtract 3 3/4 inches from the shortest ceiling to floor measurement you found. This additional 3 3/4 inch worth of space will also allow for the clearance needed to tilt the new wall into place.
Cut the Studs
Photo: Jeff greenough / Getty Images
Now that you have the measurements needed, you can begin cutting the studs.
Wearing your safety glasses, use a circular saw to cut the studs to length.
Lay the sole plate and the first stud on edge, and nail them together using 16d nails.
Dry-Fit Studs and Plates
Lay out all the 2x4s on edge, with two top plates on top and the sole plate on the bottom.
Sight down all the (vertical) studs to determine the crown or bowed direction of the wood.
If a stud has a crown that differs from the other studs, discard it and don’t incorporate it into the project.
Note: If any of the studs are warped, have the crown (the bowed part of the wood) face up. This will provide more support and will allow you to nail the ends of the wood without the stud rocking.
Assemble the Wall
Using 16d nails, nail the studs into the sole plate one at a time. Once you’ve completed that, lay the top plate on edge and nail it to the studs where indicated by the markings you made earlier.
If you’re nailing the secondary top plate into place at this time, do so by driving the nails into it vertically above every stud location.
Make sure the 2x4s between the studs have been cut to fit, ensure they are positioned properly, then nail them into place.
Place the Wall
Depending on the size of the wall frame, you may need someone to assist with this step of the project.
Once the wall frame has been secured by nails, align the sole plate with the chalk line on the floor.
Carefully tilt the frame into place and be sure to align the top plate with the chalk line on the ceiling.
Attach the Wall to the Ceiling and Floor
Fasten the wall into place.
Beginning at one end of the wall, shim between the top plate and ceiling.
Check the wall for plumb using a level. Repeat this process and continue to shim and plumb each section of the wall, driving 16d nails through the top plate and into the framing as you go.
Nail the 16d nails through the sole plate and into the floor, thus fastening it into place.
Nail the end studs into the frame of the existing wall.
Score all shims with a utility knife, snapping them off flush with the plate.
When to Call a Professional
While many home improvement projects aren’t suitable to tackle on your own, more often than not framing a wall can be a DIY project. If you need a non-load bearing interior wall installed and have the tools needed to get the project done, typically a professional won’t need to get involved. However, if you’re concerned about safety, or need a weight-bearing or exterior wall built, it’s highly advisable to contact a local carpentry expert to complete the job for you.
