How to Frame Walls and Ducts

Square one edge of the lumber you will be using for the sole and ceiling plates. Lay out the sole plate and the top plate on a flat surface with their edges touching. Consult the blueprints for the wall to locate any doors, windows or other fixtures that you must build around. Measure to the center of these fixtures from the squared end of the lumber, and place a mark. Measure half the distance of each fixture from the center mark, taking into account framing studs such as cripples.

Measure in from the edge of the sole plate 15 1/4 inches to locate the inner edge of the first wall stud. Place a mark with a pencil and measure 16 inches from that mark. Continue measuring 16-inch stud placements along the sole plate of the wall. Transfer the marks onto the top plate when you have finished.

Cut the studs of the wall to the height you need for the room, typically between 8 feet and 12 feet. For 8-foot walls, measure the studs around 1 inch taller to make drywalling with 4-foot sheets easier. Cut all of the studs to length together to ensure you do not make mistakes in the height that will cost you lumber.

Lay out the sole and top plates on a level surface like the subfloor of the room you are building. Place the end studs between the plates to form the basic frame of the wall. Nail the studs in place, and then use a carpenter’s square to true the wall. Measure diagonally from the corners of the frame to make sure the wall is true before you nail the rest of the studs in place.

Nail the headers in place for doors, windows and other openings once the vertical studs are in place. Check with your local building codes to make sure that your headers meet all of the necessary standards. Add in the window sills and trimming below the headers to complete the wall framing.

Measure the size of the exposed ductwork you want to cover in the room. If the duct is close to a wall, measure and cut three 2-by-4 pieces of lumber to the length of the duct you want to hide. This will form an L-shape around the duct. If it the duct is in the middle of the room, cut four pieces of wood so you can form a U-shape around the duct.

Measure 16-inch stud centers from the edges of the long pieces, as if you were framing a wall. Cut out the stud pieces so the frame around the duct is as close to the duct as possible without touching it. Nail the frame together on a level surface. Lift the frame into place over the duct, and secure it to the ceiling joists and wall studs as necessary.