The goal this weekend was to build a wall to divide the existing room into two spaces; the new kitchen with new layout and a third bedroom. This space is the former living room/kitchen combo and we removed the fireplace to add a third bedroom. This process is not 100% complete however here is the step by step of building a wall as far as we got. I will have this post updated with all steps once we have completed them!
How to Build a wall
This process is recommended as a two person job.
Items needed:
Common Nails (8d 2 1/2" Smooth Shank)
Hammer
Screw Driver
mallet
sheetrock
ladder
2 x 4 (8 foot long)- these are 16" apart - we used 24 between the fire place closure, wall frame and closet frame.
treated 2 x 4 (20 feet long) (we needed 3 for the fireplace, closet and wall base) these are for the pieces that will be adhered to the concrete
ramset hammer tool (this is loud - like a gun going off - wear ear muffs)
Caliber yellow single shot power load
Step One:
Its best to use treated wood for the bottom of all walls (the piece that is laid on the concrete). We started with the base. This is where you will use the ramset hammer tool. This tool basically has you load your nails into the bottom and then you add a single shot (like a mini bullet) into the chamber.
Start by pre-drilling holes with a small drill bit every 16 inches. Once all your holes are drilled you will place the ramset onto the hole and use a hammer to hit the top piece which essential is like pushing the trigger on a bullet into the nail which goes into the wood and the concrete. Ear and eye protection is key here. This process is loud.
Once you have all of the pieces secure you will want to secure your ceiling pieces.
Step Two: PART 1
When you secure a ceiling 2x4 you will need to nail/screw into the studs. With our scenario we hit a roadblock when we realized there was no support directly above the base. If you have trusses above your base go ahead and skip to part 2. We had to add support and to do this we had to open up the ceiling and add additional 2x4 between the trusses for the additional support.
We used a saw to cut just outside of 2 trusses (the spaces will vary based on the house so we are not including that here). Carefully remove the sheetrock and add your support. Once it is screwed into both sides and is secure, patch the ceiling by adding the sheetrock back up and use two screws to secure it back to the ceiling. We will clean this up when the house is painted.
Step Two: PART 2
Secure the 2x4 (top part of the wall) to the ceiling with screws. If you are solo you can use a 2x4x8 to hold one side while you center and secure the other side however it is most helpful for a second person.
Step Three:
Add the sides of the frame to the wall. We are building our wall in place for this scenario. We used screws to secure to the house frame.
Step Four:
Add additional 2x4 every 16" we used nails at a 45 degree angle for this aspect of the build.
Step Five:
Add 2x4 horizontally between each stud. The purpose of this is to add additional support to the wall and for additional location for the sheetrock screws. This is where we were when I arrived (my husband was able to get majority of the supports in before I got to the house). We used common nails to secure all additional support. The goal is to have it around 48" from the ground if working with a 8' ceiling (half way). Measure each space before cutting as the posts won't all be exactly 16" apart. When securing them you will want to stagger them so that you can nail in at a 90* angle.
Step 6:
For us this was framing out the closet however if you do not need a closet then you will skip this step. For the closet we need to create a rectangle that is large enough for items to be hung and doors to be added. Repeat the process of framing with 2x4 and then adding support.
Step 7:
It is time to add sheetrock. The goal is to have everything flush so that it lays nicely and the wall looks straight when complete. When securing the sheetrock you want to lift it so it is flush with the ceiling and a gap at the floor (1/2" to 3/4").
Screw into the studs you created with the frame. The nails should be around 16 inches apart up, down, and side to side. This is how a stud finder finds the studs!
We left off here because we will be adding electrical next. There is so much left to do to complete the kitchen. Here is what's coming soon.
paint
cabinet build and install
floors
countertop installation
floating shelfs
custom hood
backsplash
install appliances and fixtures
lighting
Once the electrician adds all the outlets, switches and boxes we will update on the wall!
The amount of inspiration is limitless when a guest with Apartment Therapy and One Room Challenge. Head over to www.oneroomchallenge.com/orc-blog to see what everyone is up to on week 3. Apartment Therapy is the official media partner and what a dream it would be to be featured by them! #ORCAT