How to Remodel a Basement by Framing the Walls and Corners

Measure the width and height of the first wall you wish to frame. Cut two 2-by-4-inch boards to match the width of the wall. These will serve as the top and bottom boards for the wall, and are called the top and bottom plates.

Cut a board to the height of the wall, less 4 inches, for every 16 inches of wall width, including a board for each end. These are the vertical elements of the frame wall, known as the studs.

Place the top and bottom plates on the floor, parallel to each other and sitting on the narrow sides. Arrange the vertical studs between the plates, perpendicular to them, and starting at one end. Space the boards 16 inches apart, measuring from the center of the first vertical stud, and placing the last board even with the end of the top and bottom plates. Nail the boards together with 10d nails.

Raise the wall and slide it into position against the wall. Place shims on top of the top plate, where the plate meets the ceiling joists. Nail through the top plate and shims, into the ceiling joists. Nail the bottom plate into the subfloor in between each of the vertical studs.

Measure the width and height of the adjoining wall, from the outer edge of the just-installed frame wall to the next wall. Build a frame wall to match the dimensions and install as before nailing the wall to the adjoining frame wall at the corner. Continue until all the walls and corners are covered.