How to Construct Wall Studs
- 1). Get the measurement for the length of the wall you want. Measure and mark two 2-by-4 boards to this measurement and cut them to length with a circular saw. These are your top and bottom plates.
- 2). Measure the height of the wall and subtract the width of the 2-inch side of both the top and bottom plate. Next subtract 1/2 inch from this to get the final measurement. The final number is how tall the studs need to be.
- 3). Measure and mark 2-by-4s to the measurement from Step 2. Cut them to length with a circular saw. You can figure out how many you need by dividing the length of the top or bottom plate by how far apart you want to space them, such as 16 inches.
- 4). Mark the stud locations on the bottom plate. Start at one end of the bottom plate, which is lying on its 4-inch side, and measure in 16 to 18 inches, depending on how you want them spaced. Use a straight edge to draw a line across the 4-inch side at the correct distance. The first stud will be placed at the bottom plates edge, and the next stud will be placed starting at the mark you just made. Repeat the measure and marking process, by measuring from the mark you just made out 16 to 18 more inches along the bottom plate. Make the next mark, which will be where the next stud starts. Continue until you have marked the location for each stud. If you want, you can put a 2-by-4 piece on the bottom plate at the marks and draw a line for the other side of the boards, but this isn't necessary.
- 5). Lay the top plate next to the bottom plate so that the ends of the plates are even. Use a straight edge to help you transfer the markings from the bottom plate to the top one. Now you have where the edge of the studs should go on both plates.
- 6). Set the plates up on their 2-inch sides so the marks face each other. Put the first board in between the plates and at the far end where you started measuring the marks. Drill 3-inch screws through the plates at the top and bottom and into the ends of the stud. Repeat with the other stud boards, by placing them on the edge of their marks and then drilling them in place. Check the corners formed by the studs and plates with a square to ensure that you are keeping it square.
- 7). Raise the stud framed wall up and set it in place where you want it. Locate ceiling joists with a stud finder so that you can anchor it to the ceiling. Use 3-inch screws. Anchor it to the floor in the same manner. If connecting it at a right angle to another wall, you will want to locate a stud with the stud finder and set the wall so that it lines up with the stud. You can then drill it to the stud through the end stud of the wall you constructed.