Wall stud placement must also be considered. They cannot be placed just
anywhere. To understand how important this placement is, one must know the
materials that are applied to the framing. Most common building materials come
in 4 x 8 sheets.
These sheets are usually applied with the 4'
horizontal and the 8' vertical. The most common layout for wall framing is
16" centers. When laid out and framed correctly, the edge of the drywall
or sheathing will break on the center of the studs in 4' increments.
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The first step to laying out a wall is to find 2 straight 2x4s and cut
them to the length of the wall. Your now ready for the stud layout. If
your building perpendicular to an existing wall, lay the 2x4 plates next
to each other and flush the ends. Hook your tape measure on one of the
plates and make your first mark at 15 and 1/4". This will be the leading
edge of your first stud.
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This puts the center of the stud at 16". Continue marking the rest of
the wall studs in the same manner. The next one would be at 31 and 1/4",
then 47and1/4", then 63 and 1/4" and so on. This puts the center of the
studs at 32", 48", and 64". Most tape measures have 16" centers
highlighted in a color to make this easier. Once you have your stud
locations marked, use a square (combination or speed) to draw a line
across both plates. Put an "X" to the right side of this line. This
indicates where the stud goes.
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If there are doors, windows or wall intersections in the wall, these
get laid out first. Sixteen inch centers are then laid out. Door and
window openings can be moved so its stud or cripple stud is on the 16 o.c.
layout. This saves or eliminates a stud.
Framing follows the same rules. Frame wall intersections first, then
door and window openings. It can be tough to frame these items if the wall
studs are in the way.
Wall layout is a simple process and once you do it a couple times
you'll see just how easy it is. It will become even more clear if you also
install the drywall or sheathing also. It can be a nightmare if the layout
is wrong and the edges of the material aren't breaking on the center of
the studs.
A certain amount of care and precision must be taken to avoid not
having material breaking in the studs.
(c)2005 Mike Merisko www.sawkerfs.com
About the Author: Mike Merisko has been a carpenter for 26
years. Most of those years were spent in the homebuilding and remodeling
industries. He was also in business as a carpentry and general contractor.
While that is his forte, he also has experience in bridge building, commercial
construction, and exhibit building which is how he earns his living these
days. You can browse through articles by him and others at his web site.
http://www.sawkerfs.com
How to Finance your Home Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
