How to Install Stud Partition Walls

Stud partition walls are non-load-bearing walls that can be installed throughout the home or office. Stud walls can be from ceiling to floor for a complete room effect or stop short of the ceiling at any height for an open-air partitioned space. Stud walls can be permanent or temporary installations, for office or home use. After installation they may be finished with a wide variety of wall coverings.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Nails
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Wood saw

Instructions

1. Mark lines on the floor 3½ inches wide to indicate where the new wall’s edges, using a tape measure and a pencil. Check the distances and angles from adjacent and adjoining walls to align the new walls parallel and perpendicular to the existing walls.

2. Build the wall on the floor and raise it afterward. Set two studs that will be used for a top and bottom plate next to each other face to face. Mark the stud locations every 16 inches and add one stud on each end of the wall. Mark the stud locations for the doorway, if one exists.

3. Measure the height of the wall and cut the studs 3 inches shorter than the total height to allow for the top and bottom plate widths, using a wood saw. Measure the height in several places along the wall to allow for uneven floors or ceilings.

4. Separate the plates and nail the studs between the top and bottom plates with at least two 16-penny nails on each stud end, using a hammer. Nail through the plates and into the studs while the wall is lying on the floor. Do not use crooked, twisted or warped studs. Check the studs for straightness by sighting down the stud from one end. Studs with slight crowns can be used. Turn them so all of the crowns lay in the same direction.

5. Raise the completed wall and move it so the bottom plate will align with the previously marked lines on the floor. Nail the bottom plate in the desired location with nails approximately 16 inches apart.

6. Plumb the wall with the level and mark the ceiling where the top wall edge will be placed. Nail the top plate to the ceiling, making sure the top plate stays on the mark and the wall remains level after it's secured with the nails.

Tips & Warnings

• For walls not reaching the ceiling, add the top trim board thickness to obtain the total height.

• Wall coverings will add to the stability of shorter walls not secured to the ceiling.

• Metal studs attached with screws may be used instead of wood.

• Always take precautions and wear proper safety equipment while using hand tools.

References

• This Old House; How to Frame a Partition Wall
• Ask the Builder: Check for Crowns in Lumber