- 1). Use a construction square to mark lines on the floor as a template for the frame. It is not important that all columns align, but each individual column must be square at the sides.
- 2). Cut four 12-inch and four 5-inch plates from a two-by-four-by-eight board. Two of the 12-inch and two of the 5-inch wood plates will form a perfectly 12-inch square box around the support pillars. The other four plates form a top plate connected to the basement ceiling joists.
- 3). Drill pilot holes into the floor with a masonry bit, and use 3-inch Tapcon screws to secure the bottom two-by-four plates into the concrete. Place and mount the 12-inch plates first, aligned with the squared guidelines. Insert the smaller 5-inch pieces, align them with the lines and mount them with screws.
- 4). Attach plates to the ceiling joists with 2-inch wood screws. It is necessary to use a plumb bob from a string hanging from the ceiling joists above to find the exact same alignment as on the floor below. Mark the joists with guidelines and mount the plates in the same manner as the bottom plate.
- 5). Measure the distance from the bottom plate to the top plate and cut six identical two-by-four stud boards. Position the first two boards so they form a 90-degree corner along the outer edge of the lower plate, and rest on the top of that plate. Place 2 1/2-inch spiral nails at an angle into both boards at the bottom where the plate meets the studs. Place a level against each board before nailing it into the upper plate to be sure it is straight and square. Repeat for all four corners.
- 6). Cover the frame with drywall panels screwed into the wood. Apply metal corner strips, tape the joints and apply mud over the screws and tape. Sand the walls smooth and flat to finish them off.
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