How to Raise a Frame Wall

Cut three 2-by-4 pieces of lumber to the length of the wall. These boards are the two top plates and the single bottom plate. The top plates run horizontally along the top of the wall, and the bottom plate is the horizontal board that runs along the bottom of the wall. Nail the two top plates together so that their ends are flush.

Calculate the length of the wall studs, the vertical boards that connect the top and bottom plates, by subtracting 4.5 inches from the height of the wall you wish to raise. Cut a single wall stud to this length using the circular saw.

Lay the wall stud down on the ground. Place the top plates near the top of the stud and the bottom plate near the bottom of the stud. The top plates should be perpendicular to the stud.

Nail the stud into place so that the stud is flush with the end of the plates.

Use a measuring tape to measure and mark the top plate 15.25 inches from the edge of the stud. Make a mark every 16 inches from this position all the way down the plate until you reach the other end. Make a corresponding series of marks on the bottom plate, starting 15.25 inches from the edge of the stud and then every 16 inches until you reach the end. When you reach the end of each plate, unless the last mark falls within 1.5 inches from of the end of the plate, you'll need to make an additional mark 1.5 inches from the end. The distance between the two studs on this end of the wall will be less than 16 inches on center, but this is all right.

Count the number of marks you made on the top plate, and cut as many studs as there are marks. The studs should be the same length as the first stud you cut in step 2.

Nail each stud into place between the top plate and bottom plate. The marks along the plates signify the position of the right edge of each stud.

Move the wall frame to a position near where the wall will be raised. Position an assistant at the other end of the frame and slowly raise the top plate of the wall. Tip the frame forward until it is standing in position. Ask your helper to stand at the end of the wall and hold it upright as you nail the wall frame into the floor joists.