How to Straighten Bowed Stud Walls (DIY)

Publish date: 2024-05-31

Introduction

One bowed stud can make a whole wall look bad. Before you hang the drywall, fix badly warped studs so that the finished wall will look straight and true.

Drywall will follow the contour of the studs, so if they’re bowed or out of alignment, you’ll end up with a wavy wall. And if your drywall contractor has to fix the problem, you can bet that you’ll get an extra charge.

You have a couple of options here to make straight studs, depending on how many studs are bowed and how badly they’re bowed. Start by placing a long straightedge horizontally across your framed wall (Photo 1). Mark any studs that are out of alignment. The studs should be within 1/8 in. of each other. Anything more will be noticeable in the finished wall.

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