How to Rough-Frame Half Walls in Carpentry

Half walls, or knee walls, are used to define space in a home without completely closing it off. You'll often find these at the top of staircases, on landings, or separating a large open area, such as a kitchen/family room combination. Half walls are built using the same principles and techniques of framing that you'll use when constructing a full-length wall.

Tape measure
2-by-4-inch boards
Circular saw
10d nails
Hammer
Drill
4-inch lag bolts
Socket wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Measure or plan the height and length of the wall. Cut two 2-by-4-inch boards to match the length of the wall. These are the tops and bottoms of the rough-frame wall, known as the top and bottom plates.
- 2
  Subtract three inches, plus the height of any planned top finish board, from the planned height of the wall. Cut a series of boards to match this measurement. These are the vertical supports for the rough-frame wall, known as the studs. Calculate the number of studs you'll need by counting one stud for each end, then adding a stud for each 16 inches of width of the wall.
- 3
  Place the top and bottom plates on their narrow edges, parallel to each other. Arrange the studs in between the plates and perpendicular to them. Place the first stud even with the ends of the plates and nail it to the plates with 10d nails.
- 4
  Place your next stud 16 inches away from the first stud, measuring from the center lines of each stud. Nail it in place. Continue placing studs in between the plates until you reach the other end. The distance between the last two studs will probably be less than 16 inches.
- 5
  Place the wall upright and slide it into position. Drill holes through the bottom plate and into the sub floor, between each of the studs, and insert lag bolts into each hole. Tighten the lag bolts. If either end of the wall butts against a wall, drill holes at 16-inch intervals and secure the walls together with lag bolts.

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