How to Build a Frame for a Metal Building Out of Structural Studs

Structural studs support the exterior walls of a building, as opposed to drywall studs that support interior walls. Metal buildings can use either metal or wooden structural studs -- with wooden studs more prevalent, given their strength and ease of cutting to size. As a homeowner, you're most likely to frame a metal building if you plan to add a storage shed to your yard. Erect the frame on either a poured concrete pad or a plywood floor atop a framework of floor and band joists.

Measuring tape
Carpenter's pencil
Lumber, 2-by-4
Nails, 10d
Hammer
Quick clamps
Chop saw
Nails, 16d
Hammer drill
Masonry bit
Lag bolts
Ratchet wrench
Lumber, 2-by-10
Plywood, 1/2-inch

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of sill plates needed for the floor -- and double-header plates, which make the top of the wall for your side walls, based on the dimensions of the pad or floor. Mark these measurements on pieces of 2-by-4 lumber. Cut the 2-by-4s on a chop saw. Face-nail the double-header plates together with 10d nails. Clamp the plates together and mark the locations of the studs at each end of the wall and every 16 inches on center.
- 2
  Measure and mark the studs to the completed height of your metal building, less 4 ½ inches, to account for the thickness of the plates. Cut the studs on a chop saw. Unclamp the plates. Dry fit the plates and studs together on their sides on the pad or floor. Nail the plates into the studs, two 16d nails per stud.
- 3
  Lift the side walls into position with the help of an assistant. Nail through the sill plates into the floor. Or drill holes with a hammer drill and masonry bit through the sill plates if you have a cement pad; screw lag bolts into place with a ratchet wrench. Temporarily brace the walls with 2-by-4s running from the ground to the studs, tacked in place with a nail.
- 4
  Measure, mark and nail together the plates and studs for the front and back walls as you did for the side walls. In the front wall, center a door opening according to the size indicated on your shed plans. Mark the top plates for the position of jack studs to flank the opening, and king studs to flank the jack studs. Leave the king studs full length -- and cut the jack studs 9 ¼ inches to accept a 2-by-10 header running between the king studs, above the jack studs and below the top plates.
- 5
  Measure the distance between the king studs, and mark two pieces of 2-by-10 lumber. Cut the 2-by-10s to size with a circular saw. Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to the same dimensions as the 2-by-10s. Sandwich the plywood between the 2-by-10s, and face-nail them together with 10d nails. Nail the header in place with 16d nails through the king studs.
- 6
  Lift the front and rear walls into place, and attach and brace them as you did the side walls.

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