If you want to add a wall to your home, you need to start by framing it. First, you need to first choose the wall’s location and then build the wall flat on the floor before you lift it into place. Framing a wall is actually much easier than you may think, but it requires a certain amount of attention to detail that people aren’t used to paying. Still, it is a quite doable DIY task!
Our guide will walk even beginners through how to frame out a wall in a step-by-step manner.
What You’ll Need for Your Project
Before starting to frame your wall, you will need to gather some supplies. It is better to have your supplies at the ready than have to go find something. You will need:
- Safety Glasses
- Framing Nailers
- Chalk
- Plumb Bobs
- Carpenter Squares
- Safety Glasses
- Cutting Tools
- Construction Adhesive
- Collated Framing Nails
- Regular Nails
- Pressure Treated Lumber
- Wet Rag
Where Do You Want Your Wall to Sit?
What is the look you are going for with your new wall? You want to map everything out and maybe even use modeling software in order to accurately see where the wall will go and how it will look when done. Once you are satisfied, use a piece of chalk or masking tape to mop it out along the floor line.
For the easiest installation, use a stud finder to locate joists.
Find Your Clearance Space
Next, you want to know how tall your wall will have to be. Once you know exactly where it will go, you need to measure the height and determine plate location. You will use these plates to hold the wall into place.
The top plates are on the ceiling, and the sole plates (also known as the sill plates) are on the floor. Measure carefully and mark the location of where these plates should go. You then want to measure everything again and ensure that your wall will sit squarely.
For the soleplate, you want to measure and then put something of a similar length there, just to see if you like the look of it. The models you create on a computer are great, but they can be different in person. People will often use delivery boxes to help build out a wall.
Figure Out the Stud Locations
Now, this next step is one of the most important steps, and you need to take your time. Wall studs support the frame of your wall and bear a lot of the weight.
Put the plates side by side on the floor (both sole and top plates) and then measure and mark every 16 inches, either on the tape or with the chalk. Then, extend the lines and where they cross: this is where your studs should go.
While working on this process, measure the height again and subtract about four inches. This will be the clearance you need to tilt the wall into place at the end.
Now is the time to start cutting and putting the frame together. Cut the studs and lay them all together. Once you have a good shape, nail them using 16d nails.
If your studs are warped, position them so that the crown faces up and you have a steady place to nail into.
Assemble Your Wall on The Floor
Finally, you are ready to assemble your wall! Complete the frame by putting the studs onto the soleplate and then nailing them one at a time. TAKE YOUR TIME. Repeat the process with the top plate. Then, use 2 x 4s to create a firestop within the wall. DO NOT skip this step!
Nail everything using regular nails whenever possible, though you may need to use differing lengths depending on the thickness and hardness of the walls.
Slide the Wall into Place (And Admire Your Hard Work!)
Now is the time to put your wall where it belongs and praise yourself for your hard work. This is a step that is best done by at least two people, though one determined person could do it.
Carefully tilt everything into place and align the top plate with that ceiling chalk line you made a few steps ago. You may need to use shims to connect the wall along with a plumb bob. Use 16d nails and a hammer or a nail gun to make everything nice and tight. Before you fasten it, try to get a look to see if you like the way it sits, if it looks straight, or there are any other changes you want to make.
Fasten the bottom plate in the same way you fastened the tops. Then, nail the end studs to the frame of the existing wall. Score the shims and snap them for that flush, clean look.
Once you have finished this, then you have the option to move onto installing insulation, drywall, and finishing up your wall project.
In Conclusion: Take Your Time, Get It Done
This is going to be an extremely hard task for someone with no carpentry experience, but it’s completely doable if you have a little determination. Once you learn how to frame a wall, you are equipped to do almost any other home renovation task.
For more information about walling or to get supplies to build your own wall, visit Hardwood Bargains today.
Sources:
Why You Should Wear Safety Eyewear | SafetyGlassesUSA.com Blog.
