How to Frame Perpendicular Walls

Measure the height and width of your first wall. It's better to start with the longer wall -- this will provide more stability during the construction process.

Lay out the first frame wall with 2-by-4 boards to match the length of the wall at the top and bottom, and place additional 2-by-4 boards between them to create the vertical studs, spacing the vertical studs at 16 inches, measuring from the center points of each stud. Nail the vertical studs to the top and bottom plates with 10d nails.

Place two additional vertical studs side by side at the point along this wall where the second wall will intersect with the first wall. This provides a mounting point for securing the second wall to the first. Nail these studs into the top and bottom plates with 10d nails.

Move the first wall into position and drill pilot holes through the bottom plate and into the sub floor in between each vertical stud. Insert lag bolts and tighten them with a socket wrench. Slide shims between the top plate and the ceiling joists. Drill pilot holes and insert lag bolts. Tighten the lag bolts.

Build your second frame wall with a 16-inch stud to stud spacing. Slide this wall into position and butt the end of the wall up to the vertical studs you placed at the mounting point. Drill pilot holes through the end stud of the second wall and into the first. Insert lag screws every 16 inches and tighten with a socket wrench. Screw the wall into the sub floor in between each of the vertical studs. Slide shims between the top plate and the ceiling joists. Drill pilot holes and insert lag bolts. Tighten the lag bolts.