Framing Basics: 3 Simple Tips for Framing a Wall

With Larry Haun and Scott Grice

One way to make framing easy is to build a wall flat on the deck. Sometimes you have to pull it out from its normal position, where it’s going to be permanently, to the flat deck. Pull the two plates apart, knock the nails over, and spread the walls apart to the distance of the studs.

1. Frame Rough Openings First
Find the header, and lay it into position. If there is no top cripple, the header is nailed right up against the top plate. Using a nail gun makes the task even easier. Nail the studs into the king stud, which falls right against the header, and nail it into the end of the header. Do the same on the other end.

2. Ways to Frame Corners
Using a couple of the block scraps that are lying on the deck, nail the corner stud in, and pin-nail the blocks in.

Another way to make a corner on a 2×6 wall is to tie it in using a 2×6 on the flat, nailed in an L-shape with the end 2×4 of the wall. It allows 1-1/2 in. of the 2×6 to stick out on the other side so that drywall can tie into the corner. Nail it together in the L, making sure it’s flush on the outside, and lay in your wall. This method saves wood; you don’t have to use scraps.

3. Nail the Trimmers
The trimmers are cut 4 in. to 5-1/2 in. short of your wall stud. Some people nail them in hard, but there’s another way to do it. Put one nail in at the center. Nail on the double top plate. It’s important to nail the top plate right over the studs, which make a clear passage for an electrician or plumber.