How to Frame a Basement Wall Center Beam

Measure a box around the support beam and make chalk lines where you will place the frame -- the frame should be about 1/2-inch away from the beam on all sides. Take these measurements and cut four pieces of two-by-fours from pressure-treated lumber to size to form the bottom plate of the frame.

Cut four pieces of regular two-by-fours to the same size -- these will make up the top plate of the frame. Install the bottom plate around the beam using concrete screws -- check that the plate is perfectly square and level. Drive two screws for each end, then two screws for every 12 inches of lumber.

Use a plumb bob or laser level to mark the area above the bottom plate -- this will tell you where to install the top plate. Install the top plate directly into the ceiling joists with wood screws. Drive two wood screws for every ceiling joist.

Measure the four corners of the box from the bottom plate to the top plate. This will tell you how long the studs need to be -- cut the studs to these measurements.

Slide the studs into place at the four corners so that each stud is facing the same direction -- it doesn't matter which direction as long as they are uniform and flush with the edges and corners of the top and bottom plates.

Check the studs with a spirit level to ensure that each one is at a perfect 90-degree angle. Drive framing nails through the top and bottom of each stud -- three nails per end -- at a 45-degree angle so they are secured to the top and bottom plates.