Divide a room with a timber stud wall — marked out, built plumb, boarded and ready to skim.
SW-01Mark out plate positionsMark the wall line on the ceiling first, then use a plumb bob or laser to transfer it to the floor. Check the run is square to the adjoining walls with the 3-4-5 method.
SW-02Fix sole & head platesFix the head plate to joists (or noggins between them) and the sole plate to the floor. Use 100mm screws into timber; frame fixings into masonry or concrete.
4 length · CLS timber 63×38mm, 2.4m 1 box · Frame fixings 8×100mm SW-03Cut studs to 400mm centresMeasure each stud individually — floors and ceilings are never parallel. Set out at 400mm centres so plasterboard edges land on a stud.
8 length · CLS timber 63×38mm, 2.4m 1 box · Turbo gold screws 5×100mm SW-04First-fix socket cablingRun cables through drilled holes in the studs' centre line and fit metal back boxes. Leave generous tails for second fix.
RULES10 m · Twin & earth cable 2.5mm² 2 each · Metal back box 35mm KNOW THE RULES
Adding a socket in this wall? In England & Wales, new circuits are notifiable under Part P. Use a registered electrician or notify Building Control. Read: Part P — Electrical Safety
SW-05Board the first sideFix 12.5mm plasterboard with drywall screws every 200–300mm, slightly below the surface without breaking the paper.
3 sheet · Plasterboard 12.5mm, 2400×1200 1 box · Drywall screws 38mm SW-06Insulate & board second sideFit acoustic insulation between the studs snugly, then board the second side. Stagger the joints against the first side.
1 roll · Acoustic insulation roll 100mm 3 sheet · Plasterboard 12.5mm, 2400×1200 Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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