How to Build an Interior Wall

An interior wall can be built with some time, the right tools and some carpentry knowledge. Because most interior walls are not structure bearing, they can be put in relatively easily. Follow the steps below for building an interior wall.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 by 4 lumber panels
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Nails
• Shims

1. Plan and mark the location of the interior wall. Do this on the floor and on the ceiling.

2. Mark and cut two 2 by 4 pieces of lumber for the top and bottom of the walls. The length will be equal to the width of the wall.

3. Placing the two 2 by 4 panels next to one another, make marks every 16 inches for the placement of the studs for the wall.

4. Put the wall together on a flat surface, such as the floor. Lay the studs on edge between the top and bottom 2 by 4 panels, which are also on edge. It is easiest to nail the studs to one top or bottom 2 by 4 at a time. Make sure to keep rechecking the alignment of the 2 by 4 panels after nailing each one.

5. Lift the frame of the wall to place. Put the bottom edge about where it needs to be and lift. Tap the top and bottom with a mallet or hammer until it is placed correctly. Check with a level.

6. Check for places along the ceiling and floor that do not fit snuggly. Fill in these gaps with shims. Fasten the frame of the wall to the ceiling and floor with nails.

7. Nail on drywall, insulate, plaster or put wood paneling on. This choice will all depend on the use of the wall and the desired finished look.

[nanomatrix]

on 9/14/2009 Are fire blocks necessary in some walls. I just put up a wall with a friend and we got it up in a day. I have a few pictures along the way, but he said fire blocks were not necessary on interior walls. When are they necessary?