How to Build a Patio Wall With Wood Studs

Dig two post holes 8 feet apart on center and close to the edge of the patio where you want to construct the wall. Dig the hole one-third of the full height of the wall.

Insert a 4-by-4-inch exterior grade post into the center of the hole. The post should be one-third longer than the finished height of the wall. Mix post hole concrete in the hole. The bag will tell you how much water to use with the mixture for the best result. Use a stick to pierce the concrete while it is wet to remove any air pockets.

Brace the post using two pieces of scrap board. Hold a corner level against the corner of the post and adjust the post until it is level in all directions. Nail two wood braces at an angle to hold the post in the level position. Repeat for the second post. Allow the concrete to harden for 24 hours.

Measure between the posts 6 inches above the grade. Cut a 2-by-4-inch lower plate to this measurement. All of your wood should be exterior grade. Measure between the posts 6 inches from the top of the posts. Cut a top plate.

Cut five studs the height of the wall minus the thickness of the top and bottom plates. Position the top and bottom plate parallel to each other with the ends aligned. Position a stud every 16 inches on center between the two plates. Nail through the outside face of the plates into the ends of the studs using two nails per end. Measure between studs and cut blocking. Nail the blocking between the studs to add strength.

Attach a galvanized metal bracket to the underside of the top and bottom bracket on each side using galvanized screws and a screwdriver. The bracket should be designed to form an L shape from the plate to the post. Lift the wall. Support the underside of the bottom plate with scrap lumber. Screw your metal brackets to the posts.