How to Frame a Basement Railing

Measure the area where you'll be installing the frame and determine the length of the rail.

Cut two pieces of 2-by-4 lumber to match the length of the frame wall. These are the top and bottom plates of the half wall. The bottom plate will be attached to the subfloor, and the top plate will provide the mounting surface for the rail. board. Place the two boards side by side on the floor with the narrow sides face-up.

Measure then cut pieces of 2-by-4 and place them in between the top and bottom plates, perpendicular to them, like the rungs of a ladder. Each 2-by-4 should equal the planned height of the wall, less 3 inches. Place the first 2-by-4 even with the ends of the top and bottom plates and space the rest at 16 inches on center, with the last 2-by-4 even with the other ends of the plates. Nail each of these studs to the top and bottom plates with two 10d nails on each end.

Raise the half wall and slide it into position. Screw it into the subfloor with masonry lag bolts, one between each pair of vertical studs. The frame for the railing is completed -- add drywall or paneling to the sides and place a rail board on top to finish the project.