How to Frame a Short Wall in an Attic

Most attics have sloping walls formed by the rafters of the roof. If you're planning on finishing the attic, you'll need to frame a vertical wall that extends from the attic floor to the rafters. Because of the angle of the rafters, this will require your short wall's top plate slopes to accurately match the rafters. By making a template, you can make this potentially tricky job a lot easier.

Tape measure
Chalk line
Cardboard
Scissors
Level
2-by-4 inch lumber
Circular saw
10d nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Measure up from the floor to the point on the rafters where you want the wall to meet. Snap a chalk line onto the rafters at the height you've chosen.
- 2
  Cut a 4-inch wide piece of cardboard. Trim the end of the cardboard at the end with a pair of scissors so that when it's held against the rafter it extends straight up and down as determined by a level. This will serve as your template for cutting the ends of your vertical studs.
- 3
  Cut a top and bottom plate for the short wall from 2-by-4 inch lumber with a circular saw. The plates should extend the length of the wall.
- 4
  Cut vertical studs to fit between the top and bottom plates. Measure each stud to match the height of the wall, less 6 inches. Cut one end at 90 degrees, and the other at an angle, using your template as a guide. Nail the studs to the bottom plate of the frame wall with 10d nails, spacing the studs every 16 inches, starting at one end, and ending at the other end.
- 5
  Place the top plate onto the vertical studs and nail it in place.
- 6
  Lift and slide your wall into position against the rafters. Nail it to the floor and rafters with 10d nails.

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