Page 295 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 241

Adding Partitions
Partition walls support nothing but their own weight and can be framed from 2” x 3” lumber, though 2" x
4" studs and plates are more common. The first step is to install the top plate. If ceiling joists are
perpendicular to the partition, nail the top plate to each joist using 16d nails. If ceiling joists are parallel
to the top plate and the partition is not directly under a joist, install solid blocking between joists.
Blocks should be no more than 24” on center. See Figure 10-16. Nail the top plate to the blocks.

To be sure the new partition will be vertical, hold a plumb line along the side of the top plate at several
points. Mark where the plumb bob touches the floor. Nail the sole plate to the floor joist at that position.
If there’s no joist where needed, nail solid blocking between joists. Blocks should be no more than 24”
on center. Cut studs to fit snugly between the plates every 16” on center. Stud lengths may vary, so
measure for each stud. Toenail the studs to the plates using 8d nails.

If you have enough space, assemble the wall on the floor and tilt it into place. Nail the top plate to the
studs first. Tilt the assembled wall into place. Then toenail the studs to the bottom plate as described
above.