How to Frame a Room
Use a pencil and graph paper to draw up the plans for the new room., Determine which framing method you will use to frame the room., Calculate and procure the lumber needed for your room-framing project., Cut the studs to length., Cut the top and...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Use a pencil and graph paper to draw up the plans for the new room.
There are also computer programs available that you can use.
Plan for windows and doors, such as how wide, how tall, how far the windows are off the floor, and where they will be placed in the room. -
Step 2: Determine which framing method you will use to frame the room.
The conventional framing method uses 2-by-4 studs on 16-inch (40.64 cm) centers.
It uses more wood than the advanced-framing method and has less space between the studs for insulation.
The advanced-framing method uses less wood by using studs on 24-inch (60.9 cm) centers and open corners.
The advanced-framing method may be considered by some to be structurally inferior; however, it meets the structural codes of most areas.
High-wind areas and areas with seismic activity may be exceptions. , Once you have determined the framing method, determine the number of studs you will need and add 10 percent.
Extra wood will give you what you need for headers, fire blocking, and short studs above and below windows and doors.
Buy treated boards for the base plate of each wall. , For example, if you are cutting studs for an 8-foot (2.44 m) wall using the conventional-framing method, the length of the studs would be
91.5-inches (232.41 cm).
This is subtracting
4.5 inches (11.43 cm) for the bottom plate and 2 top plates.
For the advanced-framing method, subtract 3 inches (7.62 cm) from 8 feet (2.44 m). ,,,, Channels are used where 1 wall will meet another in the middle of a wall.
Corners are used at the end of a wall. , Place the bottom board where you will raise the wall. ,,, Measure the space between each stud to be sure of the distance before you cut the block for that space. , Stagger the fire blocks, and place the blocks near the middle of the wall. , If the 2 measurements do not match, pull or push the top or the bottom of the wall until they do.
This will square the wall. ,, Raise them to meet the first wall. -
Step 3: Calculate and procure the lumber needed for your room-framing project.
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Step 4: Cut the studs to length.
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Step 5: Cut the top and bottom plate boards to the length of the wall.
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Step 6: Set the 2 boards on edge next to each other.
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Step 7: Run a tape measure the length of the boards.
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Step 8: Use a pencil and speed square
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Step 9: and mark where studs
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Step 10: channels
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Step 11: and corners will be placed.
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Step 12: Separate the top and bottom boards.
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Step 13: Place the studs in between the top and bottom plates
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Step 14: and use the pencil marks as a guide.
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Step 15: Use a nail gun or a hammer and common nails to fasten the studs to the top and bottom plates.
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Step 16: Cut fire blocks the length of the distance between the studs.
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Step 17: Nail the fire blocks into place between the studs.
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Step 18: Measure the wall diagonally both ways.
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Step 19: Raise the completed wall
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Step 20: and brace it into place.
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Step 21: Frame the remaining walls of the room
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Step 22: and allow for doors and windows.
Detailed Guide
There are also computer programs available that you can use.
Plan for windows and doors, such as how wide, how tall, how far the windows are off the floor, and where they will be placed in the room.
The conventional framing method uses 2-by-4 studs on 16-inch (40.64 cm) centers.
It uses more wood than the advanced-framing method and has less space between the studs for insulation.
The advanced-framing method uses less wood by using studs on 24-inch (60.9 cm) centers and open corners.
The advanced-framing method may be considered by some to be structurally inferior; however, it meets the structural codes of most areas.
High-wind areas and areas with seismic activity may be exceptions. , Once you have determined the framing method, determine the number of studs you will need and add 10 percent.
Extra wood will give you what you need for headers, fire blocking, and short studs above and below windows and doors.
Buy treated boards for the base plate of each wall. , For example, if you are cutting studs for an 8-foot (2.44 m) wall using the conventional-framing method, the length of the studs would be
91.5-inches (232.41 cm).
This is subtracting
4.5 inches (11.43 cm) for the bottom plate and 2 top plates.
For the advanced-framing method, subtract 3 inches (7.62 cm) from 8 feet (2.44 m). ,,,, Channels are used where 1 wall will meet another in the middle of a wall.
Corners are used at the end of a wall. , Place the bottom board where you will raise the wall. ,,, Measure the space between each stud to be sure of the distance before you cut the block for that space. , Stagger the fire blocks, and place the blocks near the middle of the wall. , If the 2 measurements do not match, pull or push the top or the bottom of the wall until they do.
This will square the wall. ,, Raise them to meet the first wall.
About the Author
Charlotte Harvey
Experienced content creator specializing in hobbies guides and tutorials.
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