Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
254 Section 2 Foundations and Framing
11.6 Partitions
When the outside wall frame is complete, partitions
are built and erected. At this stage, it is important to
enclose the structure and make the roof watertight.
Only bearing partitions are installed at this time. Bear-
ing partitions are those that support the ceiling and
roof. Roof and floor trusses require no other support
than the outside walls, Figure 11‑19. Erection of non-
bearing partitions can wait until after the building is
enclosed.
Establish the centerlines of the partitions from study-
ing the plans. Mark the centerlines on the floor with a
chalk line. Lay out the plates, studs, and headers. Cut
the headers, then assemble and erect the partitions in
the same way as outside walls. Erect long partitions
first, then cross partitions. Finally, build and install
short partitions that form closets, wardrobes, and
alcoves.
The corners and intersections are constructed the
same way as outside walls. Refer to Figure 11‑6. The
size and amount of blocking, however, may be re-
duced. The chief concern is to provide nailing sur-
faces at inside and outside corners for wall covering
material.
11.6.1 Nonbearing Partitions
Nonbearing partitions do not require headers above
doorways and other openings. Many rough openings
can be framed with single pieces of 2×4 or 2×6 lumber
since there is virtually no load on them. Trimmers may
be added for rigidity. They also provide added frame-
work for attaching casing and trim. Door openings in
partitions and outside walls are framed with the sole
plate included at the bottom of the opening. After the
framework is erected, the sole plate in the door open-
ing is cut out with a handsaw. Rough door openings
are generally made 2″–2 1/2″ wider than the finished
door size.
The partitions between noisy areas and quiet areas
are often soundproofed. This may require a special
method of framing. See Chapter 16, Windows and
Exterior Doors, for information on insulation.
Small alcoves, wardrobes, and partitions in clos-
ets may be framed with 2×2 material or by turning
2×4 stock sideways, thus saving space. This is sat-
isfactory when the thinner constructions are short
and intersect regular walls. Snap a chalk line across
the rough floor to mark the position of partitions,
Figure 11‑20.
During wall and partition framing, add various im-
portant details. At this stage, add basic provisions to
the framing for recessed and surface-hung cabinets, tis-
sue-roll holders, and similar items. Architectural plans
usually provide information concerning their size and
location.
Openings for the installation of heating ducts are
easily cut and framed at this time, Figure 11‑21. Bath-
tubs and wall-mounted toilets require extra support,
Figure 11‑22. Wall backing for drapery brackets, towel
bars, shower curtains, and wall-mounted plumbing
valves should also be added, Figure 11‑23. Plumbing
fixture rough-in drawings are helpful in locating the
backing, Figure 11‑24. For most items, 1″ nominal
backing material provides adequate support.
George_GL/Shutterstock.com
Figure 11‑19. The open-web trusses used here are
supported by the outside walls alone. Partitions do not
need to be installed until the roof is on and the building is
closed in.
Partition
Chalk
line
Exterior
wall
1 3/4uni2033
C
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑20. Snap a chalk line on the floor to mark the
position of partitions.
254 Section 2 Foundations and Framing
11.6 Partitions
When the outside wall frame is complete, partitions
are built and erected. At this stage, it is important to
enclose the structure and make the roof watertight.
Only bearing partitions are installed at this time. Bear-
ing partitions are those that support the ceiling and
roof. Roof and floor trusses require no other support
than the outside walls, Figure 11‑19. Erection of non-
bearing partitions can wait until after the building is
enclosed.
Establish the centerlines of the partitions from study-
ing the plans. Mark the centerlines on the floor with a
chalk line. Lay out the plates, studs, and headers. Cut
the headers, then assemble and erect the partitions in
the same way as outside walls. Erect long partitions
first, then cross partitions. Finally, build and install
short partitions that form closets, wardrobes, and
alcoves.
The corners and intersections are constructed the
same way as outside walls. Refer to Figure 11‑6. The
size and amount of blocking, however, may be re-
duced. The chief concern is to provide nailing sur-
faces at inside and outside corners for wall covering
material.
11.6.1 Nonbearing Partitions
Nonbearing partitions do not require headers above
doorways and other openings. Many rough openings
can be framed with single pieces of 2×4 or 2×6 lumber
since there is virtually no load on them. Trimmers may
be added for rigidity. They also provide added frame-
work for attaching casing and trim. Door openings in
partitions and outside walls are framed with the sole
plate included at the bottom of the opening. After the
framework is erected, the sole plate in the door open-
ing is cut out with a handsaw. Rough door openings
are generally made 2″–2 1/2″ wider than the finished
door size.
The partitions between noisy areas and quiet areas
are often soundproofed. This may require a special
method of framing. See Chapter 16, Windows and
Exterior Doors, for information on insulation.
Small alcoves, wardrobes, and partitions in clos-
ets may be framed with 2×2 material or by turning
2×4 stock sideways, thus saving space. This is sat-
isfactory when the thinner constructions are short
and intersect regular walls. Snap a chalk line across
the rough floor to mark the position of partitions,
Figure 11‑20.
During wall and partition framing, add various im-
portant details. At this stage, add basic provisions to
the framing for recessed and surface-hung cabinets, tis-
sue-roll holders, and similar items. Architectural plans
usually provide information concerning their size and
location.
Openings for the installation of heating ducts are
easily cut and framed at this time, Figure 11‑21. Bath-
tubs and wall-mounted toilets require extra support,
Figure 11‑22. Wall backing for drapery brackets, towel
bars, shower curtains, and wall-mounted plumbing
valves should also be added, Figure 11‑23. Plumbing
fixture rough-in drawings are helpful in locating the
backing, Figure 11‑24. For most items, 1″ nominal
backing material provides adequate support.
George_GL/Shutterstock.com
Figure 11‑19. The open-web trusses used here are
supported by the outside walls alone. Partitions do not
need to be installed until the roof is on and the building is
closed in.
Partition
Chalk
line
Exterior
wall
1 3/4uni2033
C
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑20. Snap a chalk line on the floor to mark the
position of partitions.