What is the first step in wall framing?

The first step in wall framing is to lay out wall locations on the subfloor. This step is crucial because it provides a clear visual guide for where the walls will be constructed, ensuring that everything aligns correctly with the overall design of the building. Accurate layout on the subfloor establishes the footprint of the walls, allows the builder to plan for door and window placements, and helps prevent mistakes later in the framing process.

Marking stud locations on sole and top plates typically follows the initial layout of the wall locations. Cutting all studs to length also occurs after determining where the walls will be placed. Engaging in any unrelated activities is clearly not part of the systematic approach required in professional carpentry. Therefore, laying out the wall locations serves as the foundational first step that dictates the rest of the framing work.