The process of constructing an interior wall may become necessary during remodeling or renovation. The process is reasonably simple using basic carpentry skills and materials. Depending on the current state of the walls, ceilings and floor, there may be need to peel off some surfaces to ensure that the wall will attach well to the bottom, ends and top of the house.
Overview
A standard wall has a vertical skeleton with 2 x 4 studs, which stand in between 2 x 4 horizontal top and base plates. Although if the wall is to have any piping, it requires 2 x 6 plates and studs. The framework is normally covered with a water resistant wallboard known as Gypsum that is also used near showers or bathtubs.
Procedure
- Put a mark on the ceiling where the centre of the wall will be.
- At each end of the mark, measure half of the new walls top plate width and a chalk line is snapped between the two marks.
- Set up a stud at each of the ends as well as the end that will meet the existing wall.
- Measure fifteen and a quarter inches to find the inner edge of the middle stud and sixteen inches to similar edges on any additional stud.
- Lay the bottom and top plates side-by-side and measure the points where each of the wall studs will go. The marks are made perpendicularly across the surface of the plates with the use of a combination square. This process will make certain that the studs will be aligned properly.
- Look for the joists located in the ceiling of the house and hold the top plate onto the ceiling. It should be positioned according to the markings that were done earlier. The nailing should go through the ceiling and into the joists.
- A plumb bob hang from the top plate distinguishes exactly where bottom plate will be located below. A chalk line is used to join the marks to guide the positioning of the bottom plate.
- Nail the bottom plate using three inch nails with sixteen inch spacing.
- Stud framing clips will be used to attach each stud to the top plate. When it is secure a plumb bob should measure the alignment. The stud is then nailed at the bottom plate. The process is repeated for all the studs.
- Plywood or any desired wood sheeting is measured and nailed onto the stud.
Ensure that adequate protective clothing is used throughout the procedure.