Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 253
11.5 Erecting Wall Sections
Most one-story wall sections can be raised by hand,
Figure 11‑17. Larger sections or structures require
the use of a crane or other equipment. When raising
sections to which sheathing has not been applied, it
is good practice to install temporary diagonal brac-
ing if regular bracing is not included. Some carpen-
ters attach temporary blocking to the edge of the floor
frame before raising wall sections. The blocking keeps
the wall section from sliding off the platform as it is
raised.
Safety Note
Before raising a section, be sure it is in the correct
location. Have bracing at hand and ready to be attached.
If the section is large, have extra help available. Make
sure each worker knows what to do.
Immediately after the wall section is up, secure it with
braces attached near the top and running to the sub-
floor at about a 45° angle, as shown in Figure 11‑18.
Next, make final adjustments in the position of the sole
plate. Be sure it is straight. Then, nail it to the floor
frame using 16d nails driven through the subfloor and
into the joists.
Loosen the braces one at a time and plumb the
corners and midpoint along the wall. On one-story
construction, a carpenter’s level is generally used for
this. A plumb line can also be used. Braces tempo-
rarily attached to square a wall section can be re-
moved when the permanent braces and sheathing
are installed.
After one section of the wall is in place, proceed to
other sections. The sequence to be followed is not gen-
erally important. Most carpenters prefer to erect main
sidewalls first and then tie in end walls and smaller pro-
jections. The sequence for each individual project can
be decided on as the wall framing is begun. Design and
construction methods help determine how to proceed.
Pro Tip
When plumbing a wall with a carpenter’s level, hold the
level so you can look straight in at the bubble. If the wall
framing member or surface is warped, you should hold
the level against a long straightedge that has a spacer
lug at the top and bottom. Some carpenters use an
extendable level that allows you to plumb from the top
plate to the bottom plate of a wall.
B North Bennett Street School, Boston
Figure 11‑17. Tilting up wall sections. A—Raising a section of wall constructed from 2×6s. B—The front wall of garage is
being raised by student carpenters. Note the angle and cross bracing to keep the center from racking.
A North Bennett Street School, Boston
DJ Kinder/Shutterstock.com
Figure 11‑18. The walls are temporarily braced to keep them
plumb until the ceiling or roof framing is attached.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 253
11.5 Erecting Wall Sections
Most one-story wall sections can be raised by hand,
Figure 11‑17. Larger sections or structures require
the use of a crane or other equipment. When raising
sections to which sheathing has not been applied, it
is good practice to install temporary diagonal brac-
ing if regular bracing is not included. Some carpen-
ters attach temporary blocking to the edge of the floor
frame before raising wall sections. The blocking keeps
the wall section from sliding off the platform as it is
raised.
Safety Note
Before raising a section, be sure it is in the correct
location. Have bracing at hand and ready to be attached.
If the section is large, have extra help available. Make
sure each worker knows what to do.
Immediately after the wall section is up, secure it with
braces attached near the top and running to the sub-
floor at about a 45° angle, as shown in Figure 11‑18.
Next, make final adjustments in the position of the sole
plate. Be sure it is straight. Then, nail it to the floor
frame using 16d nails driven through the subfloor and
into the joists.
Loosen the braces one at a time and plumb the
corners and midpoint along the wall. On one-story
construction, a carpenter’s level is generally used for
this. A plumb line can also be used. Braces tempo-
rarily attached to square a wall section can be re-
moved when the permanent braces and sheathing
are installed.
After one section of the wall is in place, proceed to
other sections. The sequence to be followed is not gen-
erally important. Most carpenters prefer to erect main
sidewalls first and then tie in end walls and smaller pro-
jections. The sequence for each individual project can
be decided on as the wall framing is begun. Design and
construction methods help determine how to proceed.
Pro Tip
When plumbing a wall with a carpenter’s level, hold the
level so you can look straight in at the bubble. If the wall
framing member or surface is warped, you should hold
the level against a long straightedge that has a spacer
lug at the top and bottom. Some carpenters use an
extendable level that allows you to plumb from the top
plate to the bottom plate of a wall.
B North Bennett Street School, Boston
Figure 11‑17. Tilting up wall sections. A—Raising a section of wall constructed from 2×6s. B—The front wall of garage is
being raised by student carpenters. Note the angle and cross bracing to keep the center from racking.
A North Bennett Street School, Boston
DJ Kinder/Shutterstock.com
Figure 11‑18. The walls are temporarily braced to keep them
plumb until the ceiling or roof framing is attached.