FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
How-To

Straightening Framed Walls

Blame it on sloppy framing or lousy lumber, but many stud walls need some remedial work before the drywall goes on.

By Derek McDonald Issue 133

Synopsis: You can’t hide a crooked stud wall with a layer of gypsum drywall. The author explains how to check the rough framing before the finish walls go up, and how to correct common problems such as a bowed stud.

As a craftsman, I’m offended when I notice bowed walls and wavy ceilings in newly finished houses. Everyone knows it’s tough to find straight, knot-free lumber these days. But bad lumber is not the only cause of bad walls. Extreme weather conditions that strike before the roof is dried in, as well as fluctuations in temperature and humidity afterward, can make even good studs go bad.

The frequency of warped and twisted studs in the average frame house can be reduced if lumber is kept banded and covered until the framers are ready for it. Conscientious framers will also crown moderately bowed studs and cull the worst offenders, setting them aside for use as nailers and blocking. Unfortunately, the supply of skilled labor seems to be dwindling faster than that of straight lumber; so my company maintains a crew of “pickup” carpenters like me who follow behind the framers, straightening studs and flattening walls.

Tolerances vary from room to room

I work for a high-volume framing contractor who builds tract houses in California, so I have to balance my perfectionist tendencies with the pressure to get the job done as efficiently as possible. Keeping this balance requires me to choose which walls are most critical and will thus receive more of my attention. The choice is not difficult; entries and long hallways are more visible than bedrooms, closets and garages, and are therefore held to a higher standard. More critical are bathrooms — where cabinets and mirrors must lie flat — and kitchens. Because their long rows of cabinets and countertops make flat walls and straight corners essential, kitchens are the most critical rooms of all. For kitchen walls, I allow no more than 1/16-in. variance from perfectly straight and flat, but I’ll accept as much as 3/16 in. for the garage and the closets.

Efficient straightening requires a good eye

To minimize stud deflection, I prefer not to begin straightening walls until all roofing tile is in place and until bearing walls are fully loaded. Once I start working, all my measuring is done by eye. My tape measure never leaves the toolbox, and I rarely use a chalk box or dry line.

I use the top and bottom plates as starting points to check the straightness of a vertical plane, so my first step is to verify that both ends of each stud are flush with the plates. Any stud that isn’t where it’s supposed to be gets hammered into position and toenailed. With the starting points in alignment, I give myself a glimpse of the work ahead by sighting down the length of the wall and visually lining up the studs. A quick glance such as this one lets me know what gross irregularities are lurking, and when all the studs line up like soldiers, I know there’s a good chance I can move on to the next wall.

Unless every stud lines up perfectly, the next step is to find out where the deviants are. This step requires a long straightedge. Any perfectly straight piece of wood or steel will do, but because I believe a lightly armed carpenter is an efficient one, I use the same 8-ft box level that I use for plumbing walls. I’ve also found that the smooth surface of my box level is much kinder to my fingers after a day of continuous handling than the rough edges of wood or the sharp edges of steel.

For more photos and details, click the View PDF button below:

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Sledge Hammer

Used to tap walls or sheathing into position, we all this the “persuader” on the job site. This is a demo model, so it can survive the job site and the back of the truck — a true must-have.
Buy at Amazon

Speed Square

When it comes to framing, it doesn’t get much more fundamental than a speed square — and with its sturdy metal build, Swanson’s will not let you down. Some of our team members have had theirs for 20 years.
Buy at Amazon

Leather Tool Rig

This is tool rig is heavy duty, professional, and well-thought-out for tool storage — plus it can help reduce fatigue throughout the day.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
View PDF

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh

The Titan Impact X 440 offers great coverage with minimal overspray.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Insulation for Homes in the Wildland Urban Interface
  • Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot
  • Making and Installing Wood Wall Paneling

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: A Double Roof Discussion
  • Framing and Flashing a Small Deck
  • Details for Integrating an Addition
  • Podcast 596: Broken Trusses, Frost-Protected Foundations, and Air Control Methods
View All

Framing

View All Framing Articles
  • Anneke Dunnington, Carpenter
  • One-Person Precision
  • Precut Bottom Plates in Doorways
  • Step Up Your Stair-Gauge Game
View All Framing Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in