I How to Build a Reach-in Closet

A
Locate the existing wall studs and ceiling joists. Mark the
direction and edges of each joist with a pencil .
Tip
If the top plates for one of the new walls cannot
be anchored to a ceiling joist, start the top plate
installation with the plates that can be anchored.
1. Measure and cut the upper and lower top plates
for the wall that can be anchored to the ceiling
joists. Position the upper top plate flush with the
lines on the ceiling and drive 16d nails through the
top plate into the ceiling joists.
2. Attach the lower top plate to the upper top plate
with 10d nails, making sure the side edges of the
two plates are flush, and the ends are spaced
properly for the corner construction.
3. Measure and cut the top plates for the remaining
wall to length. Facenail the two plates together
with 10d nails, making sure the side edges
are flush.
4. Position the top plate assembly on the ceiling
layout and drive 16d nails through the lower top
plate of the front wall into the upper top plate
of the side wall. Attach the other end of the top
plates by toenailing 16d nails through the top plate
assembly, into the top plate of the existing wall.
98 BUI LD YOUR OWN CUSTOM CLOSET
B
Check the pencil line with a framing square to ensure the
layout is correctl y placed.
A. LOCATE STUDS & JOISTS
1. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and
ceiling joists in the planned closet location.
2. Locate the edges of each framing member
and mark the direction of the ceiling joists.
B. LAY OUT THE TOP PLATE
LOCATIONS
1. Whenever possible, adjust dimensions to
line up with ceiling joists and wall studs.
The double top plate construction makes it
possible to build the closet even if the top
plates for one of the walls cannot be attached
to a ceiling joist, but the end studs for each
wall must be fast ened to the studs or top and
sole plates in the existing walls .
2. Measure out from the back and side walls
and make reference marks for the locations
of new top plates.
3. Use a framing square to make sure
the reference marks are straight and
perpendicular to the back wall.
4. Using a laser level, join the reference marks
with a pencil line. Use a framing square to
ensure lines are straight and perpendicular
with existing walls.