How to Frame an Interior Wall & Attach it to a Ceiling

Choose the approximate location for your new wall. Run a stud finder along the ceiling to find the ceiling joists. If your new wall is running parallel to the ceiling joists, relocate the wall location to a point beneath the nearest ceiling joist. If the new wall is running perpendicular to the ceiling joists, mark each joist along the wall with an X.

Measure the length of your new wall and use a circular saw to cut three 2-by-4 pieces of lumber to that length.

Attach one of the three 2-by-4s to the ceiling in the location you marked for your new wall. Drill pilot holes through the lumber and into the ceiling joists, then secure the 2-by-4 to the ceiling using 3-inch wood screws. This 2-by-4 is the uppermost — or first — plate.

Lay the other two 2-by-4s side by side so that their ends are flush. These will become the second top plate and the bottom plate for the wall frame. Measure to 1.5 inches from one end of the plates and mark each with with a line. Make an X that fills the 1.5-inch space on each to mark the placement of the first stud.

Mark a location for the next stud 16 inches from the first marks on both the second top plate and the bottom plate. Draw lines across the boards 1.5 inches from the first stud and make an X through the space on each. Repeat this process until you get to the other end of the plates. At the other end of the plates, mark a space for three studs side by side on both plates. It is OK if the distance between these end studs and the stud that comes before them on the plates is less than 16 inches.

Measure the distance between the plate on the ceiling and the floor. Subtract 3 inches. This will be the length of each stud. Count the number of studs you marked on the plates in Steps 4 and 5, then cut the appropriate number of studs to the right length.

Lay the studs parallel to each other on their narrow sides on the floor or an alternative level work space. Place the second top plate on its narrow side at one end of the studs. Place the bottom plate on its narrow side at the other end of the studs. Arrange the studs between the plates so that the ends of the studs align with the areas you marked with an X on the top and bottom plates.

Drive two 16d nails through the second top plate into each stud and through the bottom plate into each stud.

Stand the frame up and slide it into position beneath the lumber you secured to the ceiling, ensuring that the end with three studs side by side is positioned away from the existing wall in the room.

Secure the frame to the first top plate and the floor with 3-inch screws.