How to Frame a Wall | This Old House

Summary

Norm Abram teaches apprentices Nathan, Austin, and Bailey how to frame an interior wall. He emphasizes that accuracy, square cuts, and straight lumber are essential to building a well-made wall.

Wall-framing process

1. Choose straight lumber. Sight down each 2×6 to check for bowing and twist. Set twisted pieces aside for use as blocking.
2. Lay out the plates. Mark the top and bottom plates for studs at 16 inches on center. Account for the door opening, and use “C” marks on the top plate to identify cripple studs above the header.
3. Position the top plate. Use a floor chalk line to mark the wall’s location. Transfer that position to the ceiling with a plumb bob, then snap a line to show where the top plate should go.
4. Measure and cut the studs. Stack the plates and measure the required stud length at both ends; in this example, it is 107½ inches. Because the framing is new, all studs should be the same length. Norm demonstrates a simple cutting jig made from strapping and a block to help mark each stud consistently and cut it square.
5. Assemble the wall. Nail the studs to the plates according to the layout.
6. Raise and position the wall. Lift it carefully, guiding the top and bottom into place. Align the bottom plate with the floor chalk line, check the wall’s position, and tack it in place.
7. Prepare for later work. The wall will be ready for wiring and blueboard after the pocket-door hardware is installed.

Speakers and sources

• Norm Abram — Framing instructor.
• Kevin O’Connor — Introduces the apprentices to Norm.
• Nathan, Austin, and Bailey — Apprentices participating in the lesson.
• This Old House — Closing promotional message.