Framing is a useful and money-saving skill set.
When most people think of building homes or rooms, or even just adding a wall in their homes, they immediately think of hiring a contractor. However, learning to frame walls on which drywall can be hung will give you a skill base that will save you large amounts of money on labor costs for an entire section of a project. Framing for drywall installation is a relatively simple project, and can be accomplished with minimal skills and tools.
Instructions
1. Measure the width of the area you plan to frame, using a measuring tape. Cut two two-by-fours to match the width of the opening with a circular saw. Stack the two two-by-four boards on top of each other; these will be the top and bottom plate of the wall. Measure in from each end 1 1/2 inch and mark a line, using a pencil and a speed square. Use a pencil to mark an X between each end of the boards and the newly marked lines. The Xs will designate the side of the marked lines on the boards on which the wall studs will be secured.
2. Hook the end of the measuring tape onto one end of one of the two-by-fours. Make a mark with your pencil every 16 inches; this will result in the wall studs on the frame being 16 inches on center. Use the pencil and speed square to make lines across both two-by-four plates at each 16-inch mark. With the pencil, mark an X at each mark on the side of the mark from which you hooked your measuring tape.
3. Measure with the measuring tape to determine the wall's height. Subtract 3 inches from that measurement to accommodate for the thickness of the top and bottom plates; this will give you the appropriate stud height. Count the number of Xs marked on the plates and count only the Xs marked on either the top or the bottom plate; this gives you the number of studs to cut.
4. Cut the appropriate number of wall studs with a circular saw. Lay out the wall on the floor, with the wall studs matching up to the lines marked and being seated on the side of the lines where the Xs are marked. Use the hammer to nail two 3 1/2-inch nails into each end of each stud through the plates.
5. Stand the wall up into place. Do this carefully and with sufficient help, as the wall will be heavy and wobbly. Once it is standing and in its proper location, nail it to the floor. If the subfloor is wood, use the hammer. If the subfloor is concrete, use a percussion nailer to secure the frame to the floor.
6. Secure the new frame to any existing walls or ceiling, using the hammer and 3 1/2-inch nails. Use an electronic stud finder to locate ceiling joists or wall studs so that the new wall is appropriately anchored.
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