Framing a Wall Basics

Front

Stud wall

Back

interior wall frame

Front

Stud spacing standard

Back

16 or 24 inches on center

Front

Top plate

Back

member at top of wall frame

Front

Bottom plate (sole plate)

Back

member at base of wall frame

Front

King stud

Back

stud on each side of an opening

(Doors and Windows)

Front

Cripple stud

Back

stud above or below an opening of a door or window

Front

Laying out stud locations

Back

positions on top and bottom plates

Front

Nailing sequence for wall framing

Back

bottom plate, then studs, then top plate

Front

Purpose of double top plate

Back

strength and ties wall sections together

Front

Function of headers

Back

distributes the load above doors/windows