Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 247
11.1.2 Partition Intersections
Partitions should be solidly fastened to the outside
walls. This requires extra framing on the outside wall.
The framing must also provide a nailing surface on
inside corners for wall covering, such as drywall. Sev-
eral methods can be used to accomplish these purposes: ■
■ Install extra studs in the outside wall and attach
the partition to them. ■
■■ Insert blocking and nailers between the regular studs.
■ Use blocking between the regular studs and attach
nailers or backup clips to support inside wall
coverings at all inside corners.
A nailer is lumber added as a backing at inside corners.
Figure 11‑6 shows various methods of framing partitions.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑5. Typical corner construction in 2×6 framing. The
inside corner may be formed with a 2×4 (arrow).
11.1.3 Rough Openings
Study the house plans to learn the size and location
of the rough openings, openings formed by framing
members to receive and support windows or doors. A
rough opening is often referred to as RO on drawings.
Plan views have dimension lines. Usually, the measure-
ment is taken from corners or intersecting partitions to
the centerlines of the openings. Heights of rough open-
ings are given in elevation and section views. Sizes of
rough openings are listed in a table called a door and
window schedule.
Headers support the weight of the building across
door and window openings. Door and window head-
ers are a different use of the same principle as head-
ers in a floor frame. One way to make a header is to cut
and nail together two or three framing members. Insert
1/2″ plywood spacers between the pieces to make the
header the same thickness as the wall, Figure 11‑7. Use
12d or 16d nails and stagger them 16″ on center. Fasten
the header in the rough opening using 16d nails driven
through the studs into the ends of the header.
The header length is equal to the rough opening plus
the width of two trimmers (3″). The width of the lum-
ber to be used in the header depends on the span of
the opening, the load that the building will place on
the header, and the expected snow load. Local build-
ing codes or the building plan usually include require-
ments for headers.
A
2×4 Blocking
or continuous
spacer stud
Outside
wall
Partition
B
1×8 Nailer
2×4
Blocking
2uni2032 OC
Outside wall Partition
Backup clip
Eliminate
C
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑6. Framing details where partitions intersect outside walls. A—Using extra studs. B—Blocking installed between
studs. C—Backup clips are sometimes used and take the place of some framing studs.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 247
11.1.2 Partition Intersections
Partitions should be solidly fastened to the outside
walls. This requires extra framing on the outside wall.
The framing must also provide a nailing surface on
inside corners for wall covering, such as drywall. Sev-
eral methods can be used to accomplish these purposes: ■
■ Install extra studs in the outside wall and attach
the partition to them. ■
■■ Insert blocking and nailers between the regular studs.
■ Use blocking between the regular studs and attach
nailers or backup clips to support inside wall
coverings at all inside corners.
A nailer is lumber added as a backing at inside corners.
Figure 11‑6 shows various methods of framing partitions.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑5. Typical corner construction in 2×6 framing. The
inside corner may be formed with a 2×4 (arrow).
11.1.3 Rough Openings
Study the house plans to learn the size and location
of the rough openings, openings formed by framing
members to receive and support windows or doors. A
rough opening is often referred to as RO on drawings.
Plan views have dimension lines. Usually, the measure-
ment is taken from corners or intersecting partitions to
the centerlines of the openings. Heights of rough open-
ings are given in elevation and section views. Sizes of
rough openings are listed in a table called a door and
window schedule.
Headers support the weight of the building across
door and window openings. Door and window head-
ers are a different use of the same principle as head-
ers in a floor frame. One way to make a header is to cut
and nail together two or three framing members. Insert
1/2″ plywood spacers between the pieces to make the
header the same thickness as the wall, Figure 11‑7. Use
12d or 16d nails and stagger them 16″ on center. Fasten
the header in the rough opening using 16d nails driven
through the studs into the ends of the header.
The header length is equal to the rough opening plus
the width of two trimmers (3″). The width of the lum-
ber to be used in the header depends on the span of
the opening, the load that the building will place on
the header, and the expected snow load. Local build-
ing codes or the building plan usually include require-
ments for headers.
A
2×4 Blocking
or continuous
spacer stud
Outside
wall
Partition
B
1×8 Nailer
2×4
Blocking
2uni2032 OC
Outside wall Partition
Backup clip
Eliminate
C
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑6. Framing details where partitions intersect outside walls. A—Using extra studs. B—Blocking installed between
studs. C—Backup clips are sometimes used and take the place of some framing studs.