Building an Interior Wall

To do this you may need to remove drywall from the existing walls and ceiling, and the finished flooring from the subfloor. In addition, depending upon whether or not there are existing framing members to tie the new interior wall into, you may need to add blocking between the existing wall studs, floor joists and/or ceiling joists to attach the interior wall to.

Normally when building an interior wall it is constructed out of 2x4s. If you plan to run plumbing drainage pipes in the wall then 2x6s should be used. Building an interior wall on a flat surface is preferred, however if there is a lack of floor space to build the wall you can alternatively stick build it into place. Once you have confirmed where the existing framing members are, use a pencil to mark the ceiling and floor joists where the wall will attach to. Use a plumb bob to make sure the location of the top and bottom plates are perfectly lined up with each other.

Next cut two 2x4s to the desired wall length and then lay them on their flat side on the ground next to each other. These two 2x4s represent the top and bottom wall plates.

Then use a combination square and pencil to mark the location of the vertical wall studs on the two 2×4 plates. The wall studs should be spaced on 16 inch centers.

Next cut the vertical wall stud 2x4s to the desired height of the wall making sure to account for the width of the top and bottom plates. Now, if building the interior wall on the ground turn the top and bottom plates, as well as the vertical stud members on their edges. Nail the vertical 2×4 members to the top plate. Then repeat the process on the bottom plate. Next raise the interior wall into position by first positioning the bottom portion of the interior wall followed by the upper portion. Use a level to make sure the wall is perfectly plumb and straight before nailing it into place.

If stick building an interior wall then nail or screw the top and bottom plates to the ceiling and floor, respectively, where you marked with your pencil. Then toenail in each vertical stud member to the top and bottom plates, making sure to position them carefully in the areas that you marked with your pencil and combination square. As an alternative to toe nailing the vertical stud members in place you can use stud framing clips.

After framing the interior wall, sheath it in drywall and then mud and tape it before sanding, priming and painting it.