How to Frame a Wall
Building a wall can be simple yet effective in dividing space and turning wasted square footage into usable space. Just think about everything you could store in a new closet, or how you can split one bedroom into two! It's easy to understand why someone might rule this project out as "DIY," but with the proper instructions, anyone can complete this on their own and save thousands in the process.
The first step to framing a wall is acquiring all necessary materials and supplies.
You will need the following tools: Hammer, Impact Drill, Saw (Hand or Battery-Powered), Speed Square, and Ladder. Just because a tool is not listed does not mean it can't be used! These are simply the must-have essentials; numerous others could streamline this project.
If any of the tools are unfamiliar, please refer to the last page of the instructable for links leading to the product purchase/description page.
*It's important to understand the difference between an impact drill and a conventional drill/driver. An impact drill is meant to drive screws and bolts, while a conventional drill can drill holes in addition to driving screws and bolts. When dealing with wood, especially structural, most drill/drivers don't have the power necessary to drive the long wood screws.
You will need the following supplies (Quantities will vary based on the scope of the project): Pressure-treated 2' X 4' wood, 2' X 4' Whitewood Studs, 3-inch wood screws, 3-inch hardened nails.
Supplies
Tools
1. Impact Drill - https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-XR-20-Volt-Max-1-...
2. Hammer - https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-20-oz-Smooth-F...
3. Framing Nailer - https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-20-oz-Smooth-F...
4. Ladder - https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-20-oz-Smooth-F...
5. Miter Saw - https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-20-oz-Smooth-F...
6. Speed Square - https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-20-oz-Smooth-F...
Materials
1. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-20-oz-Smooth-F...
2. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-20-oz-Smooth-F...
Determining the Amount of Wood
To determine how much wood you'll need to need to start with measurements.
1. After determining where you'd like your wall, measure the length and height of the desired wall.
2. Once you determine the length of the wall you will need one pressure-treated piece of wood that is either exactly the same length or larger in length. For example, if you measured a length of 96 inches, you'll need a pressure-treated piece of wood at least 8ft long if not longer.
3. Next you'll want to measure from the ground to the ceiling, you'll need to buy Whitewood Studs that are either exactly as tall if not taller than the measured distance.
4. Next you'll want to divide your length by 16; for example, 96 inches divided by 16 is 6. So you'll want to buy 6 Whitewood Studs.
5. Once you have your measurements, you'll be able to determine how much wood you'll need.
Assembling Your Materials
Once all the supplies and tools have been gathered, you can begin assembling your walls.
1. Place the pressure-treated wood on the floor, if your piece of wood is longer than your desired wall length cut the wood down with a saw.
2. Secure the wood to the ground with 3-inch hardened nails.
3. Secure an identical Whitewood Stud on the ceiling that is directly above the pressure-treated wood on the floor. This stud should be the same length as the one on the floor.
4. Secure the stud to the ceiling with 3-inch wood screws.
5. Mark the pressure-treated wood on the floor every 16 inches, this is where you will place your vertical Whitewood Studs.
6. Cut your vertical studs to the same distance between your bottom pressure treated wood and upper Whitewood Stud. Repeat this for every marking you've made on the bottom piece of wood.
7. Place each vertical piece of wood at the 16-inch markings on the bottom piece of wood, secure each vertical stud to the bottom and upper piece of wood with 3-inch wood screws.
Completion and Inspection
Although the instructions to complete this project are straightforward, we are building a wall at the end of the day. If something is not held together correctly or is causing concern, it must be addressed immediately to avoid damage or injury.
There are typically two frequent mistakes. The first mistake is not driving screws in completely, if any threads are visible on the screw, that indicated they still need to be driven back further. Additionally, cutting pieces of wood too short is common when setting up vertical studs. In order to create tension and strength it is important you feel the strain of the vertical studs while hammering them into place between the bottom and top headers.
In conclusion, by following these instructions you should be able to frame a strong and solid wall; one that can be used for a plethora of different needs. If there are any questions please email me at "adysambandam@gmail.com"
Tools/Materials Reslisted
Tools
1. Impact Drill - https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-XR-20-Volt-Max-1-4...
2. Hammer - https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-20-oz-Smooth-Fa...
3. Framing Nailer - https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-21-Deg-PLSTC-Fr...
4. Ladder - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Little-Giant-Multi-Alumin...
5. Miter Saw - https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-12-in-15-Amp-Singl...
6. Speed Square - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Swanson-Tool-Company-Spee...
7. Stud Finder - https://www.lowes.com/pdl/Franklin-Sensors-ProSensor-1-6-in-Scan-Depth-Metal-and-Wood-Stud-Finder/1000342989?store_code=2479&cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-ggl-_-LIA_TOL_216_Construction-Hand-Tools-_-1000342989-_-0-_-0-_-0&gclid=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46uoR5u07T1B5sxd_V4F3EIXFYrIle-j27HqRpfh7nJuxxNmpbnCRXDRoCPBMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Materials
1. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Severe-Weather-Common-2-i...
2. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sierra-Pacific-2-in-x-4-i...