How to Build a Supporting Wall

Choose your wood. Supporting walls are usually built from 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 lumber. Most lumber yards carry these studs already cut to size, 92 and 5/8 inches long. Use longer studs for taller walls or cut them down for shorter walls.

Choose nails that are at least twice as long as the thickness of your wood. Nails that have a spiral shank have much greater holding power. Stay away from plated nails unless your wall will be permanently out in the weather. Their brittle heads send pieces flying when hammered.

Frame your supporting wall while the lumber is layed out in a large, open space. You will nail the complete wall together before it is lifted into place. Space the studs 16 or 24 inches apart so the ends line up well with the standard sheathing material applied later.

Nail the wall plates, both top and bottom, to the vertical wall studs, tying your supporting wall together. The top plates are always doubled to allow for the weaving together of neighboring walls. These second wall plates are added after the wall has been raised and set into place.

Brace your wall using diagonal wood or metal bracing, but either way make sure your walls are square before attaching any bracing material. Once your walls are braced they are committed, so make sure your stud frame is square.

Give the supporting wall you build added load bearing strength by adding a layer of 1/2 or 5/8 inch plywood to one or both sides of the wall's studs. This creates a very solid 8 foot high beam.