How To Frame A Window Rough Opening
How To Build A Window Rough Opening


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How To Build A Window Rough Opening

 

Check Out The Wall Building Directions Below!

1. How to frame a Window Rough Opening:  The very first thing you must do is purchase the desired, pre-hung window to learn what the dimensions of the prescribed rough opening.  Determine the location and dimensions  of the new wall and the position of the window.  You have built the first wall, Wall #1, per the instructions for "How to Build a Wall."  The three 2x4's end the Wall #1 where the corner will meet Wall #2 with the window opening.

2. To build the second wall, measure from the base plate of Wall #1 to where Wall #2 will end.  With this measurement, cut the two top plates, and the bottom plate to size.  Install the Top Plate #1 of Wall #2 and mark the placement line for the Base Plate of Wall #2 per the instructions found in: "How to Build a Wall."

3. Select Top Plate #2 of Wall #2 and the Base plate and layout and mark the placement of the studs every 16", per the wall building instructions.  Given the rough opening dimensions provided by the window manufacturer, decide the placement of the window opening; mark the rough opening space on the Base Plate and Top Plate #2.  As shown above, measure and mark out from each edge of the rough opening, 1 1/2" for the "Jack Stud" placement, and 1 1/2" for the "King Stud" placement.

4. Cut the studs and nail them in place per the wall building instructions  including the "King Studs" (do not nail the "Jack Studs at this time).

5. Select the two Jack Studs, measure, mark, cut the Jack Studs to the dimensions of the lower portion of the vertical rough opening; subtract 1 1/2" to allow for the thickness of the Base Plate; nail the lower Jack Studs in place.

6. Select a 2 x 4, measure the distance between the King Studs; Measure, cut, and nail the bottom, cross-plate, as shown above.

7. Select the two remaining portions of the Jack Studs, measure, mark, cut the middle Jack Studs to the dimensions of the vertical rough opening; nail the middle Jack Studs in place.

8. Select a 2 x 4, again, measure the distance between the King Studs; measure, cut, and nail the top, cross-plate, as shown above.

9. Select another piece of 2x4, measure the distance below and above the window opening; measure, cut, and nail the Cripple Studs as shown above.  Place the Cripple Studs in place to maintain the consistent 16" stud placement.

10. Lift Wall #2 into place; ensure the boards making the corner are tight and lined up with the existing wall #1.  If Wall #1 is plumb, the Wall #2 should also be plumb from top to bottom; the corner should be straight and plumb.  Nail the Top Plate into place and then secure the base and the corners at each end of Wall #2.

11. With the wall in place, drill the necessary holes for wire or pipes; add the wire and pipes; be sure to nail any necessary metal pipe guard plates onto the studs.

12. Add the stud covering material of choice and have a fun day.  Access the following tips:

How to Frame a Wall

How to Frame a Corner

How to Frame a Door Rough Opening

  How To Hang and Finish Drywall

Free Plans How To Frame A Window Opening by:  WayneOfTheWoods@yahoo.com