Top Plate Layout Solution

Sometimes the top plate won't fit on the inside and will need to be attached like this to the outside of the bottom plate so the wall studs can be marked and laid out properly.

This is an excellent way to solve layout problems and help framing carpenters layout walls.

If you notice the bottom plate is already bolted down and it tells us that the wall is going to be stick framed or framed in place.

Framing secrets like these have been around for years, but I often run into frustrated carpenters, do-it-yourselfers or homeowners who don't know how to deal with a situation like this.

There are plenty of framing tips on this website that can make the average do-it-yourselfer, look like a seasoned professional.
 

Wall Framing Tips - Building the Wall - Hopefully you've read the article on how to figure out how much materials you will need to purchase, before building the wall. Once you have figured out and purchased your building materials, it's time to learn how to assemble the wall.

Caulking the Bottom Framing Plates for Pest Control - Insects like ants and cockroaches, can fit through the smallest cracks, whether they're on the outside of your house or they're on the inside of your house, if these cracks are open, insects are going to be using them on a regular basis.

Framing Exterior Walls with 2 X 6 - Framing the exterior walls with 2 x 6 studs instead of 2 x 4 can definitely add to the price of the home. In addition to the cost of the lumber, you also have an increase in the labor, insulation, window and door trimming.

24 Inch on Center Wall Framing - If you're building a home and you want to cut costs just a little bit further, you can always frame all of your interior non-bearing walls 24 inches on center. You cannot however use this for your exterior or bearing walls. I would suggest that you check with your local building department, before you frame any of your walls 24 inches on center.

Built up Framing Headers - The header is the framing support that holds up the floor or roof above it. Normally the window or door header will be the thickness of the wall width. If the wall is 2 x 6, the header is going to be 5 1/2 inches wide or the same thickness as the width of the 2 x 6 wall.