How to Build a Weight Bearing Wall for a House
- 1). Use the measuring tape to obtain the dimensions of the wall section, which consist of horizontal plates and vertical studs. Determine the height and width of the wall. Cut three pieces of 2-by-4 inch lumber the same length as the wall section. Use a circular saw with a rip blade to make the cut. Two pieces of lumber will serve as the double-top plate; the floor or roof structure rests on top of this wall component. The third piece functions as the bottom plate. Some builders frame wall sections out of 2-by-6 inch lumber.
- 2). Position the plates together, on the narrow edges, on top of a worktable. Start from one end and measure every 16 inches to the other end. Mark the position with a carpenter's pencil. Count the number of marks and add two. Cut this number of studs. Make a ¾-inch line on each side of the 16-inch mark. These marks serve as guides for the placement of vertical lengths of lumber called "studs," which fit between the top and bottom plates.
- 3). Cut the studs for the wall section. Make the length of the studs the height of the wall minus 5-1/4 inches. Subtract the thickness of the top and bottom plates. Although referred to as 2-by-4s, the lumber actually has a thickness of 1-3/4 inches, instead of 2 inches as the name implies.
- 4). Lay the plates on the floor; space two boards --- top and bottom plate --- apart the length of the studs. Position a stud parallel to the top and bottom plates at each corner. Make sure the outside edge of all the components line up. Pre-drill the nail holes to avoid splitting the wood. Use a drill bit with a diameter slightly smaller than the nails. Nail the corner studs in place with 16-penny nails. Secure the other studs between the ¾-inch guidelines. Make periodic checks with a framing square to ensure the proper spacing of the studs and a square fit of all components.
- 5). Measure the completed wall section diagonally --- from corner to corner. You should have the same number for each measurement. Tap one corner with a hammer to make slight adjustment to "square" the wall section. Secure the second board on the top plate --- to form a double-top plate. Raise the load-bearing wall into the proper position with the help of an assistant or two and secure it in place.
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