How to Frame a Screen Porch Wall

Measure the width of the deck between the vertical roof support posts where the wall will be installed, and the height, measured between the deck and ceiling support beams. In our example, we'll assume the wall will be 10 feet wide and 8 feet tall.

Cut two 2-by-4-inch boards to match the width of the wall -- these are the top and bottom plates. Cut four boards to 7 feet, 9 inches in length, these are the vertical studs.

Lay the two top and bottom plates parallel to each other on a level surface, resting on the narrow edges. Position the vertical studs in between and perpendicular, butting against the 10-foot boards. Place one board even with each of the ends of the 10-foot boards, and the other two boards 3 feet in from the ends. Drill two pilot holes through the 10-foot boards and into the ends of each of the perpendicular boards. Insert 4-inch wood screws and tighten with a power drill and screwdriver bit.

Measure the distance between the vertical studs. Cut two boards for each of the spaces. Place the boards between the vertical studs, 2 feet from the top and bottom plates. Toe nail the boards into position with 8d common nails.

Raise the frame and put it in position. Screw it to the deck and ceiling beam with lag bolts, spaced every 16 inches.