FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Framing -Knee wall

Newpoint | Posted in Construction Techniques on December 2, 2008 06:02am

Want to frame a knee wall thats about 5′ high and 18′ long in an attic. It will be covered with drywall. It has a gable roof with a steep pitch that allows one to walk into the area.  The knee wall is probably around 8′ or so in from the ends of the building. Plan to build the wall by attaching the top and bottom plates and then measuring each vertical stud not making the wall as one unit on the ground and moving into place. The question I have is since the roof rafters are at a pitch does the top plate that will get directly attached to the roof rafter need to be cut an angle or add a filler piece later?  The vertical studs also will need to be cut at an angle.  Where the top plate and vertical studs meet the top plate will be slightly off plane with the vertical stud. It will be tilted back somewhat.  When the drywall is installed there will be a gap behind it at this point. Suggestions to avoid this? Rip the top plate at an angle , add a filler strip … Thanks for any help.


Edited 12/2/2008 10:09 am ET by Newpoint

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. calvin | Dec 02, 2008 06:09pm | #1

    If you use that framing method-don't fasten the drywall higher than the stud.

    You could just omit the top plate altogether, nailing your studs to the sides of the rafters.

    Is the rafter size good for the span.  Looked at a job where the load on the rafters must have transferred down to the ceiling joists below-nice straight long crack in the plaster of the 1st fl. ceiling.

    A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

     

    1. Newpoint | Dec 02, 2008 06:17pm | #2

      Thanks for the quick response. Should have mentioned there will be drywall on the roof rafters intersecting at this point. I think this would create a gap.  The rafters are 2x6's there is an existing knee wall but not set up for drywall spacing.  Would prefer to have a top plate. Thanks again.

      1. wane | Dec 02, 2008 08:21pm | #3

        strap the existing knee wall horizontally and rafters with 1X ..

      2. MikeSmith | Dec 02, 2008 08:52pm | #4

        newpoint... i'd make the top plate parallel with the rafter pitch and cut the studs to that pitchi'd use the lowest point as my wall ht and cut all the studs the same, nail them on the floor and then tilt it up... shim the short areas with wood shinglesand , we'd furr the slant ceiling tooMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

      3. Jed42 | Dec 03, 2008 12:54am | #6

        Should have mentioned there will be drywall on the roof rafters intersecting at this point. I think this would create a gap.  The rafters are 2x6's there is an existing knee wall but not set up for drywall spacing.  Would prefer to have a top plate. Thanks again.

        The gap it will create is no larger than what would be considered standard and will be taped and mudded.  The gap will also only be between the framing, not the drywall.  The drywall should butt together...unless I am totally missing what you are saying...and I don't think I am.  

        Also, how far apart are the existing knee-wall studs?  24" o.c. is OK spacing for drywall.  Especially for a non-bearing wall.  I can't imagine them being more than that.  The rafters should be @ 24"o.c.

        I have put a bottom plate on (nice and straight), cut lathe catchers (studs) a few inches long, plummed up and nailed to the side of the rafter in a hurry-up type thing.  Not my prefereed method, but the point is, even that works.

        Good luck to ya!  Try not to be like me and over-think it! No Coffee No Workee!

  2. frammer52 | Dec 02, 2008 11:33pm | #5

     have is since the roof rafters are at a pitch does the top plate that will get directly attached to the roof rafter need to be cut an angle or add a filler piece later? You don't need to cut an angle or a filler piece as you will not be nailing that close to the top anyway.

  3. Piffin | Dec 03, 2008 01:59am | #7

    There are lots of ways to tackle the framing - whatever works for you is what works for me on that - you ain't building a piano here.

    I chirped in to point out that the gap in sheetrock at that joint is relatively unimportant too tho, since the best and easiest way to finish that joint is with the No-Coat tape. finishing a paper tape on that kind of angle is a royal PITA, but this product makes it go easy - finishes in one coat, and straight to the eye, stronger than paper and can cover gaps easily.

    If you have or can borrow a laser level, that is by far the simplest way to place the top plate plumb up from the bottom plate

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  4. AitchKay | Dec 03, 2008 08:42pm | #8

    If it was new construction, you might or might not see birdsmouths in the rafters, but I do this with an angled top plate.

    Especially if there's bearing under your kneewall, now's your chance to straighten the rafters -- I can tell from here they're not in line.

    Kneewall-to-rafter angles are about the worst for showing sag and irregularities -- get 'em as perfect as you can! Pull a string on the rafters right where you want that top plate, and you'll see what I mean.

    If you've got the headroom, shim & strap, but often you don't.

    If you can't do either of the above, here's a cool trick: brake some 22-gauge flat steel stock to the wall/rafter angle. Press it lightly-tight up into the framing intersection, and fasten it ONLY where it touches wood.

    Just tack it in place until you've got the whole length of the angle covered. Allow plenty of overlap, and screw the laps together first. Don't allow it to wrinkle at all, and it'll be dead straight.

    If there are any really big gaps-to-framing, squirt in a big gob of glue to help shim, and hang your board. At the angle, screw the board ONLY into the metal, keeping the next set of screws well back from the angle, and using as much glue as you have to.

    The board might still be wavy in the field, but that will be much harder to see than the angle joint.

    Aitchkay



    Edited 12/3/2008 10:28 pm ET by AitchKay

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower

Learn how to patch drywall above a fiberglass shower without totally redoing everything.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data