Common Options

When you need to cut a board to length, begin by checking one end of the board for square. Press the square-cut end against one side of the opening, and mark the other end for cutting. To avoid distorting the measurement, don't push the square-cut end into the space any more than needed.

measuring the depth of the cut

To mark for a cutout:

1. Measure the depth of the cut. When you need to cut a board in two or three directions to make it fit around something, begin by holding the board in place. Make a small mark showing where the cutout is to be cut to length. Then measure how deep the cutout must be by measuring the distance between the leading edge of the board and the place where it must end up once it's cut.

2. Transfer the measurement mark. Use a square to extend the length mark. With a tape measure, transfer the depth measurement to two places on the board--at the length mark and at the end of the cutout. Use a square to draw a line from the length mark to the depth mark. With a straightedge, mark a line between the two depth marks.

When building a wall, the studs (upright 2x4s) must be 16 inches on center; that is, you want 48- or 96-inch drywall or paneling sheets to end in the middle of a stud. To make marks for studs, mark every 16 inches minus 3/4 inch (15-1/4 inches, 31-1/4 inches, and so on). Measure over 1-1/2 inches and make another mark. Draw lines at your marks and an X between to show stud location (see Building a Wall, Related Projects).