How to Frame in an Attic Cubby

Snap a chalk line onto the floor of the attic, 1/2-inch in from the planned inside edge of the wall of the attic cubby. "Inside" refers to the inside of the room. The extra 1/2-inch will account for the thickness of the wall material to place the framing in the proper position.

Measure the length of the planned wall and cut one or more lengths of 2-by-4 to match the length of the wall. Place these 2-by-4s broad side down on the floor of the attic with the inside edge even with the chalk line. Nail the 2-by-4 to the floor with 10d nails -- two nails spaced every 16 inches.

Suspend a plumb bob from the rafters above the inside edge of the 2-by-4 footer you just installed. Mark the rafter at the spot directly above the inside edge of the footer. Proceed to the next rafter and mark the spot until all of the rafters above the footer are installed.

Cut a piece of cardboard to create a template for the slope of the rafters. Measure the distance from the top inside edge of the footer to the mark on the rafter above. Cut a 2-by-4 to match the distance and use the template to ensure the top end of the 2-by-4 matches the slope of the rafter. Mount the 2-by-4 in place, vertically, on top of the footer, with the inside edge even with the inside edge of the footer. Toe-nail the 2-by-4 to the footer and rafter with two nails angled at the top and bottom.

Proceed to the next rafter, as you cut and nail in place vertical studs, until the frame wall is complete. Proceed to the next planned wall location and frame it in the same manner.