How to Frame a Wall With Fire Blocking

Nothing can prevent a wood frame house from burning; after all, it's made of wood. But you can take steps during framing to slow the speed at which fire spreads through a structure. Sealing vertical penetrations with expanding foam reducing the airflow that feeds the fire. Inserting fire blocks in wall cavities also impedes a fire by slowing its growth. Some building inspectors will let you get away with building without fire blocking, but it's a minor expense that could pay big dividends.

Tape measure
Carpenter's pencil
Nail gun or hammer
16d framing nails
Two-by-four lumber

Instructions

- 1
  Mark a two-by-four at 16-inch intervals, beginning at either end. This is your sill plate, the bottom, horizontal framing member. Use pressure-treated lumber if the wall will rest on concrete or within 6 inches of soil to prevent moisture absorption.
- 2
  Hold a stud atop the sill plate so that the edges are flush. Drive two nails through the same side of the stud and into the sill plate at a 30-degree angle. For added strength, drive two more nails into the stud, opposite the first two. Repeat at each 16-inch mark.
- 3
  Place another two-by-four opposite the sill plate and nail it to the studs. This is your top plate.
- 4
  Measure the spans between the vertical studs and cut a two-by-four into fire blocks to fit between two studs. Place the fire blocks between two, halfway between the top and sill plates, and nail them to the studs to complete the wall.

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