How to Build a Drywall Wall Divider
- 1). Measure the distance out into the room you want the divider wall to go. Transfer the measurement to a 2-by-4 board. Cut the board with a circular saw.
- 2). Place the board on top of a second board and use it as a template to mark the second board. Cut the second board to length.
- 3). Locate a stud on a side wall in the general location where you want the divider wall. This stud will help stabilize the divider wall. Mark its location with a pencil.
- 4). Lay one of the boards down on its 4-inch side. Measure out from one end to 1½ inches and draw a straight line. Use a square to help make the line straight across the surface. This is the location of the end stud. Please note that 2-by-4 boards are actually 1½- by-3½-inch boards after they have gone through the finishing stages of being cut.
- 5). Measure from the end of the board out to a distance of 16 inches and make a line. This is where the next stud will be placed. Measure 1½ inches and make another line to complete the outline of the second stud. Repeat the process, starting at the first mark of the second stud and measuring out 16 more inches. Do this all the way to the other end of the board.
- 6). Place the second board next to the first and transfer the marks so that the boards are the same.
- 7). Place one of the boards on the floor with its markings up, and set it where you want the wall. Use a stud finder to locate the floor joists and mark the location of the joists on the floor.
- 8). Drill 4-inch screws through the board and into the joists. This is the floor plate of your wall.
- 9). Climb a ladder to reach the ceiling above the floor plate. Drop a plumb line and move it until it touches the end of the floor plate. Mark the ceiling with the location. Mark the sides of the plate as well to give you an outline of where the ceiling plate needs to be.
- 10
Use the stud finder to locate the ceiling joists and mark them on the ceiling. - 11
Hold the board to the ceiling and attach it with 4-inch screws. - 12
Measure the distance between the ceiling and floor plates. Cut 2-by-4 boards to length for the studs. - 13
Slide the stud boards in between the plates and place them on the outlines. - 14
Set a square in the corners to adjust them to an angle perpendicular to the length of the floor and ceiling plates. - 15
Drill 3-inch screws through the studs at an angle and into the ceiling and floor plates. Insert screws on both sides of each stud. For the stud that is up against the side wall, drill screws straight through the board and into the wall. - 16
Hang drywall horizontally across the studs. Attach the drywall to the stud frame with drywall screws. Insert screws along each stud every 6 to 7 inches. - 17
Cut the drywall as needed with a utility knife. Score the panel, and then snap it to break off the part you do not need. - 18
Cap the end of the stud frame wall with a thin piece of drywall after you cover both sides. Tack metal corner strips over the outer corners so that they do not get damaged from abuse over time. - 19
Spread a thin layer of drywall compound over the seams, screw heads and metal corner strips. For the seams, cover the compound with drywall tape as soon as you spread on the compound. Smooth the tape down with your hand. Use a 4-inch taping knife. - 20
Go back over the taped areas with a second coat of compound after you have covered all the seams, screw heads and corners. This is to cover the tape and seal it in, creating a strong bond between panels. Let the wall dry until the next day. - 21
Sand the surface of the compound to remove ridges and bumps. Dust the wall off. - 22
Use a 6-inch taping knife to cover the taped seams, screw heads and metal corners. Taper the layer of compound as you work away from the area you are covering. This gives the illusion that the wall is smooth, with no noticeable bumps. Let the surface dry for a day, and then sand it smooth.
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