Stairs: Part 3: Framing

Background: See “Stairs: Part 1: Demolition Right“

Every project requires a new tool. Or, put another way, why even bother starting a new project if a new tool isn’t under consideration?

In this case: a DeWALT DWF83PL Pneumatic 21-Degree Collated Framing Nailer. I purchased it from Home Depot since they were throwing in a large box of framing nails :-).

Today I framed the left-side full wall. I leveraged the existing partial studs for the wall (as mentioned earlier), and framed the door to code by including edge double-studs and over-door supports. Luckily I didn’t have to run any new boards along the floor since code would have required floating walls in basements.

Some details on the work itself:

• I ran a horizontal stud across the ceiling to serve as a drywall stop.
• I temporarily screwed some scrap drywall onto the horizontal ceiling stud and the far-left door stud to ensure I had good spacing for the drywall that will eventually get installed (Part 4). I removed the drywall scrap after the studs were nailed into place.
• I added a couple more vertical above-door supports at both ends to help support the above-door drywall (after the photos were taken).
• I need to get better at angle nailing. Perhaps more YouTube videos prior to the next project. What I did worked, but it didn’t feel elegant.

The framing isn’t perfect; this is my first time with a nail gun this large. I got better as I went along and I’m not worried: The drywall and molding will hide imperfections, and framing doesn’t need to be perfect regardless (it’s not furniture after all).

Photos of the finished framing are below: