How to Install a Fake Wall as a Room Divider

A room divider can make your home more functional.

Many homes could benefit from the installation of a fake wall as a room divider. In small apartments, the room divider can help break up the space. In a home with an open floor plan, the room divider can section off an area of the house to use as an office or playroom. Because it's just a fake wall, the room divider can be removed easily should you move or decide you no longer want it.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• ¼-inch foam
• Top and bottom plates
• Power screwdriver
• Screws
• Studs
• Drywall
• Decorative molding
• Hammer and nails

Instructions

1. Measure between the floor and ceiling where you want to install the fake wall. This determines the needed height for the wall. Take measurements at a few places to be sure. Subtract 3 inches to account for the 1.5-inch top and bottom plates to get the required length for the wall studs.

2. Place sheets of ¼-inch foam along the ceiling and floor where you're installing the fake wall. The foam will protect the ceiling and floor surface so that there is no damage leftover by the fake wall.

3. Screw the top and bottom plates into the ceiling and floor over the foam.

4. Install vertical wall studs on either end first using 3-inch drywall screws. Slide the studs in place between the plates and install the screws while someone else holds them steady. Add additional studs every 12 to 16 inches along the wall.

5. Apply sheets of drywall over both sides of the studs and the plates. Screw the drywall directly to the studs.

6. Nail a decorative molding over the top and bottom edges to hide the spot where the drywall meets the floor and ceiling.

Tips & Warnings

• Add insulation between the wall studs for a more soundproof wall.

References

• Ask the Builder: Temporary Partition Wall
• Ron Hazelton: How to Build a Room Divider