How to Drywall a Corner Divider

Room dividers of varying heights are used in homes and workplaces.

Permanently dividing a large room into two smaller rooms isn't always an option. A rental space or one you're using temporarily calls for a divider that can be dismantled with a process as simple as the one used to put it up. You can make and drywall a corner divider to create a separate space in a large room. Whether the space is used as a studio, office or small spare room, you'll have a sound divider that does its job until you're ready to take it down.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 2-by-4-inch boards, 4 each
• Safety goggles
• Saw
• Hammer
• Nails
• Drywall
• Razor knife
• Power drill
• Drywall bit
• Drywall screws
• Stapler
• Staples
• Metal corner beads
• Finishing compound
• Drywall knife
• Drywall tape
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Primer and sealant combination
• Paintbrushes
• Paint
• Baseboards

Instructions

1. Measure the area where you want to build the corner divider. Make a rough sketch of the divider to use as a reference.

2. Wear safety goggles to keep wood chips or splinters from getting in your eyes. Cut four 2-by-4-inch boards to the proper length to hold two divider walls. These boards will serve as the top and bottom supporting plates for the corner divider.

3. Divide the length of each wall by 16 to determine how many 2-by-4-inch studs you need for each wall. Cut the studs to the height you wish to build the corner divider.

4. Nail one stud into the end of each bottom supporting plate to serve as the end stud. Position the remaining studs no more than 16-inches apart. Nail them into the bottom plate, as well. Use a hammer and nails to secure the top supporting plate onto the wall studs for each wall.

5. Stand the two divider walls on their bottom supporting plates. Bring the end studs of each wall together to form an L-shape. Connect the two walls by nailing the end studs together. Position the L-shaped divider where you'd like it to be in the corner area of the room.

6. Measure your drywall to fit the wall measurements. Score the drywall with a razor knife and snap it at the scored lines to obtain the size needed.

7. Secure the drywall to the studs using drywall screws. Insert the screws at 12-inch to 16-inch intervals.

8. Staple the metal corner bead in place to create a smooth, professional-looking finish to the outside corner of your corner divider.

9. Smooth the finishing compound over the drywall screw indentations. Drywall the seams using a drywall knife. Place drywall tape over the seams and smooth it into the finishing compound.

10. Apply a second layer of finishing compound. Smooth it to extend beyond the edges of the drywall tape. Allow the finishing compound to dry overnight.

11. Sand the dried finishing compound with fine-grit sandpaper so there are no lines or bumpy edges showing through the paint.

12. Prepare and even out the texture of the divider walls by applying a primer and sealant combination. Allow the primer to air dry for 24 hours.

13. Paint the wall with one coat of paint. Let the first coat of paint dry for six to 12 hours before applying a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Lay plastic tarps on the floor to catch dust and debris for easier cleanup.

• Be sure to position your freestanding corner divider exactly where you want it before securing the drywall. After that, it will be very heavy and difficult to move.

References

• Ron Hazelton: How to Build a Room Divider
• The Home Depot: Framing a New Wall
• Ask the Builder: How to Drywall
• Fine Homebuilding: Painting and Finishing -- Preparing the Surfaces