How to Lay Walls Out When Framing

Lay two 2-by-4 pieces of lumber side by side and cut them to match the length of the wall. Use a circular saw. These are the top and bottom plates.

Measure 1.5 inches from one end of the two plates, and mark across both plates at the 1.5 mark. Use a T-square to keep your line straight. This 1.5-inch space from the end represents the placement of the first stud between the top and bottom plate. Draw an X to fill the 1.5-inch space on each plate.

Measure 16 inches from the mark you made across each plate, then make a line across both plates at the 16-inch mark. Draw an X 1.5 inches wide on each plate, on the side of the line closest to the previous line you drew.

Continue to make an X, then a line, across the top and bottom plate every 16 inches until you reach the other end of the two plates. When you reach the other end of the plates, make another mark 1.5 inches from the end, then fill the space between the line and the end of the plates with an X. Each X represents the placement of a stud between the top plate and bottom plates. Count the number of Xs you've drawn on one of the plates. This number is the number of studs that you will need to cut to fit between the plates.

Measure the distance between the floor and the ceiling. Subtract 3 inches from that number. This is the height of the studs. Use a circular saw to cut the number of studs that you determined you would need in the previous step.

Spread the top and bottom plates apart and lay the studs between them so that the end of each stud aligns with an X on the top or bottom plate. This is the layout for the wall frame.

Complete the wall frame by nailing the studs into the top and bottom plates with 16d nails.