How to Do Rough Framing

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By Hey Bruce
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Do Rough Framing

Framing walls is not a difficult job if you have patience and the will to do it. By doing it yourself, you can save a fortune in labor and also receive the satisfaction of a job well done. Remember the old rule, measure twice, cut once

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Framing hammer or screw gun
nails or screws
2"x 4" studs
tape measure
pencil
circular saw
level

Step 1

Measure and cut two 2x4s, one for your top plate and one for your bottom plate. Lay these out on the floor.
Step 2

Measure the height of your wall and deduct 2-1/2" for the width of your top and bottom plate. For example, if you have an 8' wall, your measurement will be 7' 9-1/2" for your wall studs.
Step 3

Place a 2x4 at the end between your top and bottom plates and screw or nail through the plates to attach it. Then measure and cut another 2x4 and attach it at the other end.
Step 4

On your top and bottom plates, place a mark every 16" all the way across the plates, starting at either end. Measure and cut one 2x4 at a time and either screw or nail it into place. You need to measure each wall stud before you cut it, as there may be a bow in the top or bottom plate. This will allow you to adjust for that.
Step 5

Once you have built the wall, stand it up and tap it into place. Check all of your wall studs with a level to make sure they are true.
Step 6

Screw or nail the top and bottom plates into place. If you are attaching your bottom plate to a concrete floor, you can either use a power hammer which drives the nails into the concrete or you can use a hammer drill to drill the holes through the plate into the floor and use tap-con screws to attach your plate.