How to Construct a Wall Frame

Learning the basics of how to construct a wall frame can help you to not only do much of the remodeling work yourself but can also help you to understand how interior work and wall framing fits together with the overall design plans of your home. This knowledge will help you to design efficient rooms. It will also save you some money, as you will not have to pay for someone else to do the framing.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 2-by-4-inch studs
• Circular saw
• Hammer
• 10d framing nails
• Framing square
• 4 1/4-by-2-by-12-inch wood slats
• Tack nails

Instructions

1. Measure the length and the height of the wall that you need to frame. Double-check your measurements before cutting any of the 2-by-4-inch studs. Locate an area near where you will be putting your frame wall up so you can nail it together while it is laying on the ground. This will make it easier for you to frame, and you can put the wall up as one unit.

2. Measure the 2-by-4-inch header and footer studs and mark the length that you need each stud to be. Cut the studs with a circular saw to the length you measured. Lay the 2-by-4-inch header stud on the ground, and then lay the footer stud about 8 feet away from the header.

3. Measure and cut two 2-by-4-inch framing studs to the height of the wall that you measured, allowing for the width of the header and footer studs. Lay each stud on the ends of the header and footer studs. Set the studs on their side, and nail the header stud to one of the side studs with a hammer and framing nails. Overlap the header stud over the end of the side stud. Repeat this process for the other end of the header stud.

4. Nail the footer stud to the side studs in the same manner as you did with the header stud in Step 3. With your outer frame laid out, use a framing square and check each corner to verify that the studs are at 90-degree angles. Then, lay a wood slat at a 45-degree angle so that the ends of the slats lay across the frame but do not extend beyond the studs. Secure the slats to the side of the studs with tack nails. This will temporarily hold the frame square until it is nailed in place.

5. Lay your tape measure out across the header stud and starting from either end, mark every 16 inches across the header. Lay your tape measure across the footer stud, and starting from the same side as you did on the header, mark every 16 inches. Measure the length of one of your side studs, and count the number of marks along the header at 16 inches.

6. Select the same number of 2-by-4-inch studs as the number of marks on the header and cut those studs to the same size as your side studs. Lay out the studs in the center of your frame so that they are centered on each of the marks along the header stud and the opposite footer stud. Nail the studs at 16 inches on center along the header and footer with framing nails.

7. Lift the frame into place by lifting on the header stud up and keeping the footer stud on the ground. Position the frame wall into place and verify that it is where you want it. Secure frame wall by nailing the sides to the existing walls. Nail the header stud into the ceiling to secure the wall.

8. Remove the temporary wood slats from the frame after the wall is secured. Use your hammer to remove the slats by placing the claw end under between the wood slat and the 2-by-4 inch frame, and pull the slat away from the frame. Repeat this procedure until all the slats are removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If the length of your wall is longer than 8 feet, attempt to use one 2-by-4 stud for the header plate and one for the footer by using either a 10- or 12-foot long 2-by-4 stud. If the frame wall is longer than 12 feet, construct two frame walls and then nail the frames together. Have someone to help you lift the frame into place to prevent any injury.

• If you are building a wall against existing walls, measure the top and bottom lengths and widths in case existing walls have settled or warped.