The Anatomy of a Drywall Frame

Do You Speak Division 8?

When you are in the commercial openings industry, it is easy to forget that not everyone speaks “Division 8”. I am creating some resources to assist you in training someone new to the industry or to better communicate with a customer.

Here is a drawing I created showing the profile of a typical knock-down drywall frame. I will be including a graphic with a detail and explanation on compression anchors as well as installation instructions at a later date.

It has been a while since I got back to the basics so if there is in an error in my drawing or something you think I should add, please let me know.

Here are some common terms associated with a drywall frame:

• Compression Anchor – the typical anchor used to secure a knock down drywall frame to an existing wall. A compression anchor comes pre-installed in the vertical jamb legs of the frame and uses opposing pressure to achieve a tight fit.
• Double Return – The element of the frame profile which extends from the return inside the throat, running parallel with the wall. This helps the frame slip on over the drywall without damage to the wall. They are also referred to as backbends, drywall returns and second returns.
• Drywall Frame – A frame designed for installation in a wall constructed with studs and gypsum wallboard or other dry sheet facing material.
• Knocked-Down (KD) – a frame that is shipped as components, not as an assembled frame.

I hope you find these resources helpful. If there is a topic you would like me to include in these “101” articles, let me know!