DIY Network

Building a Sunroom: Measuring Front and Side Wall and Framing the Front Wall From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-205

	In this episode of Weekend Remodeling, host Fuad Reveiz shows you how to convert a patio into ...
	a beautiful sunroom!
	Reveiz says adding a sunroom will give you the benefits of nature all year long, without the drawbacks of harsh weather. And it only took two days to build!

Host Fuad Reveiz begins the "Building a Sunroom" project by determining where the walls will go, and then he measures the front and side walls and frames the front wall.

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, this project rates a 4.

Materials:

2x4s (standard and treated)
aluminum clad windows
exterior door
OSB plywood
insulation
exterior composite siding
silicone caulk
nails
screws
assortment or trim
paint
paintbrush

Tools:

utility knife
pry bar
circular saw
jig saw
compound miter saw
drill and drill bits
reciprocating saw
framing square
2' level
4' level
framing nailer
trim nailer
air nailer

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Note: Sometimes when you're planning a job, it helps to make a drawing of the finished project. But if you think you might have a problem doing that, there are some computer programs out there that will create a scale drawing (figure A) of your particular layout.

1. First, there are some fixed dimensions to consider. You'll need to measure the doors and windows so you can plan for the rough openings.

2. For this particular project, Reveiz began by measuring and transferring the end of the front wall to the top of the column.

3. Then hammer and nail into the mark, and drop a plumb line to the floor (figure B).

4. Next, measure the windows so you'll know how to set four of them evenly spaced across the wall.

5. For a visual line guide, place a chalk line on the floor and mark off (figure C) where the windows and studs will go. The process for the side wall is the same.

6. Measure the distance from the house to the corner and snap a chalk line.

   Note: Once you know the size of the door and windows, you can lay out the new wall on the concrete to make sure you're going to like the positioning of everything.

7. At this point you can go ahead and start to frame the wall. And remember, since you're framing on concrete, the sill plate needs to be pressure treated.

8. Begin by measuring and cutting the first section of the sill plate. With the sill plate in position, pre-drill the board and then pre-drill the concrete with a masonry bit (figure D).

9. Add a layer of silicone and set the board back in place, and then use tapcons to secure it to the pad.

10. The top plate goes in a lot easier. With a little help holding it up, simply attach it using a nail gun (figure E).

11. Measure for the first king stud and nail it into place. The second stud goes right next to the first one.

12. Now you can install the king stud that will be on the other side of the first window.

13. At the first column add a temporary stud (figure F) for support, and then remove the column.

    Expert Advice: Any time you're replacing a support structure under a roof or any kind of weighted overhang, safety is always the important factor. Try framing around the existing supports, but if this isn't an option, add temporary support solid enough to hold the weight.

14. Now you can continue the process for installing the sill plate and the top plate.

15. When you reach the second column, you'll need to add another temporary stud.

16. Now it's time to build the corner and nail in place.

17. To frame in for the windows, cut and install the jack studs, and then add the window sill, followed by the upper jack studs. Top off with the window header (figure G).

18. Continue this process until all four of the windows are roughed in.

You're nearly halfway through the first day of this level 4 intermediate project. In the next segment, Reveiz will frame in the side wall and enclose the exterior of the front wall.

RESOURCES :

Kohler Product Information
Kohler Co.
Website: www.us.kohler.com

MDF Molding, Chair Rail and Base Molding (Georgia Pacific)
Georgia Pacific
Website: www.GP.com

GUESTS :

Charlotte Wood
Marketing Mgr.
Georgia Pacific
Website: www.GP.com

Carroll Bogard
Representative
Pella Corporation
Phone: 641-628-1000
Website: www.pella.com

Karen Hess
Roseburg Forest Products
Phone: 541-679-3311
Website: www.rfpco.com