Frame or Repair Bathroom Walls
With demolition complete, now is the time to repair damaged framing, add blocking for fixtures, and build any custom elements like shower niches.
Quick Summary
Why Framing Matters
Solid framing is the foundation for everything that comes after: plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and tile. This is your only chance to repair water damage, add blocking for grab bars and fixtures, and create custom features like shower niches. Once walls are closed up, these changes become extremely difficult and expensive.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- • Circular saw or miter saw
- • Drill/driver
- • Level (4-foot preferred)
- • Speed square
- • Tape measure
- • Reciprocating saw
- • Hammer or framing nailer
- • Pry bar
Materials
- • 2x4 or 2x6 lumber
- • 3" wood screws or 16d nails
- • Construction adhesive
- • Metal stud connectors (if applicable)
- • Pressure-treated lumber (for near-floor repairs)
- • Mold-killing primer (for minor issues)
Step-by-Step Guide
Inspect All Framing
With walls open, carefully inspect all studs, plates, and blocking:
- Look for black mold, water stains, or discoloration
- Use the screwdriver test—push into wood to check for soft rot
- Check bottom plate for moisture damage from floor
- Note any studs that aren't plumb or are twisted
- Document issues with photos before repair for insurance
Repair Water Damage
For minor surface damage:
- Sand affected area
- Apply mold-killing primer
- Ensure area is completely dry before closing walls
For structural damage:
- Sister method: Add new stud alongside damaged one, securing at top and bottom plates
- Full replacement: Cut out damaged section and splice in new lumber
- Use pressure-treated wood for bottom plate repairs
Add Blocking for Fixtures
Install horizontal blocking where you'll mount heavy items:
- Grab bars: 33-36" from floor (typical ADA height)
- Shower valve: 48" from shower floor
- Showerhead: 72-80" from shower floor
- Towel bar: 48" from floor
- Toilet paper holder: 26" from floor
- Heavy mirrors: At mounting height
Pro tip: Use 2x6 or 2x8 blocking for grab bars—they must support 250 lbs. Install more blocking than you think you need; aging-in-place modifications are much easier when blocking is already there.
Frame Shower Niche (Optional)
Standard interior walls have 14.5" between studs—perfect for a recessed niche:
- Mark desired height (eye level is typical)
- Install horizontal 2x4 blocking at top and bottom
- Standard sizes: 12" wide × 24-36" tall
- Make niche depth match stud depth (3.5")
- Avoid exterior walls—niche can cause insulation/vapor issues
- Verify no plumbing or electrical in the wall cavity
Verify Walls Are Plumb
Before closing walls, verify studs are straight and plumb:
- Use 4-foot level on each stud
- Shim or plane studs as needed for flat tile surface
- Check corners for square
- Address any issues now—they'll be visible in tile later
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Closing walls without checking for moisture—mold will grow unseen
- ✗Forgetting blocking for grab bars—critical for safety and aging in place
- ✗Using regular lumber for bottom plate repairs—use pressure-treated
- ✗Putting shower niche in exterior wall—insulation problems
- ✗Not verifying plumb walls—leads to tile installation problems