How to Frame a Wall in Steel Studs
- 1). Measure and mark where your wall will go on the floor. Use a chalk line to snap between your marks so you will have a straight line to follow as you lay your steel stud track.
- 2). Hold a plumb bob up to the ceiling so that the plumb bob is resting on your chalk line. A plumb bob is a string with a pointed weight on the end (similar to a top). When you hold the string of the plumb bob to the ceiling (there is a small metal "handle" on the string; press this against the ceiling) and let the weight hang down until it is still, the point of its end marks the point that is directly below where you are holding the string end of the plumb bob. In essence, the plumb bob acts like a level. Use your plumb bob to find where to place the ceiling channel of your steel studs by holding the string to the ceiling and moving it slightly until the pointed end of the plumb bob weight is resting on the chalk line on the floor. Make two marks on the ceiling (at each end of the wall) and snap a line between them with your chalk line.
- 3). Using a pair of tin snips, cut your bottom track to fit the wall width. Lay the track down with the wide part flush against the floor and the two sides pointing upwards so that it forms a channel. Make sure it is in line with your chalk line and screw the track into place with a self-tapping screw and screw gun. Place a screw every four feet (at a minimum) to make sure that the bottom track cannot move.
- 4). Cut and install your ceiling track in the same way that you installed the floor track. In this instance, ensure that the channel is pointing towards the floor.
- 5). Hold your first steel stud up against the outside of the bottom and ceiling channels. Cut the stud to fit if necessary. Fit the stud inside the bottom and ceiling channel. The stud should be turned so that it runs from side to side in the channel with the narrow edge of the stud facing out from the wall.
- 6). Use a level to make sure the stud is running straight up and down. Clamp the stud into place by using c-clamps at both the top and bottom of the stud.
- 7). Screw the stud into position by driving a self-tapping metal screw through each side of the bottom and ceiling channels and into the steel stud. Remove the c-clamps. Continue installing the rest of your steel studs, making sure to space them 16 inches apart.
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