How to Build a Dry Partition Wall

For an additional children's room or office, build a dry partition wall. These walls go up quickly and can also be removed easily. They can be made of wallboard, metal, glass or light wood paneling, and they can be painted, wallpapered or otherwise finished. Buy a track system and lightweight metal studs and use these instructions to build a dry partition wall.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Metal track and stud system
• Marker or chalk line and chalk
• Screws or adhesive
• Drill/driver or caulking gun
• Carpenter's level
• Ladder
• Sheeting (wallboard, paneling, glass)
• Insulation
• Paint, wallpaper or stain

1. Mark where you are going to build the dry partition wall on the floor with a marker or a chalk line.

2. Lay out the bottom track that the partitioning studs will fit into, and affix it to the floor with screws or adhesive.

3. Place the end support into the track on the floor and use a carpenter's level to hold it straight vertically while you mark the position for the ceiling track.

4. Attach the top track to the ceiling with screws or adhesive along the marks you made in step 3.

5. Install metal studs vertically into the tracks, beginning with the first stud along the wall you are partitioning to. Wall studs should be cut slightly shorter (about 1/4 inch) than the height from floor to ceiling to allow for expansion and so they will slide inside the track.

6. Affix the wallboard or other sheeting material you are using to one side of the wall with screws or adhesive. Cut the wallboard about an inch shorter than the floor-to-ceiling measurement and leave a 1/2-inch gap between the board and the floor and the ceiling when you build the wall to allow for expansion or movement.

7. Insulate the inside of the wall, if needed, for soundproofing.

8. Add electrical wiring or plumbing extensions inside the wall as needed.

9. Put up whatever wall material you desire on the other side of the wall and affix with screws or adhesive.

10. Apply paint and trim or other finish to the outside surfaces of the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Liquid Nails is a good choice for an adhesive.

• Place upright studs every 16 inches on center.

• These walls cannot be load-bearing other than for a few lightweight wall hangings or fixtures.

• Use a safe ladder. Ensure that the foot pads are in place and that it has the correct weight rating.

Resources

• Purchase partition hardware at C. R. Laurence.
• Find wall panels and hardware at Lowe's.