Square Exterior Wall Framing Techniques?

When framing exterior walls for additions, sheds, playhouses, or tiny houses, it is crucial to check local laws regarding building permits. The permit process is usually simple and most areas have regulations posted online. In some areas, small projects can be completed without a permit.

In this wall framing article, you will learn about an interior wall framing layout for applications such as a basement, bathroom, or partition wall. Proper framing requires gathering essential tools and materials, preparing the workspace, measuring and marking the wall layout, cutting and assembling wall plates, and installing. Framing a wall always looks simple and straightforward, but mistakes can waste time and money.

The next step in residential framing is building and raising the walls. Exterior walls are usually constructed as a single piece and framed with 2-x 4-inch or 2-x 6-inch boards. To make the bearing wall square, attach a metal brace to the intersecting wall and draw it in or out until it’s plumb. Square the wall by placing the bottom plate of the wall on the exterior wall chalk line and toe nailing it.

Squaring walls involves ensuring that the bottom and top plates are the same length and placing and nailing the bottom of the wall on line. If the wall is longer than the plate stock, square both ends of two lengths of stock—one for the top plate and one for the bottom plate—and then nail them together.