How to Make a Stud Wall Divider

Building a stud wall divider is not difficult. The process is similar to building a wall for a room except that the wall divider is portable, and you can use it for different purposes. A wall divider can be decorative, functional or both. Use your imagination as to the decorative aspect of the wall divider. The functional aspect is more technical, and some standard features will depend on other aspects of your home.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Hammer
• Level
• Electric skill saw
• Nail punch
• 2x4 lumber
• 1-1/2 inch fat head nails
• Sheet rock
• Sheet rock screws
• Sheet rock tape
• Sheet rock mud
• Paneling
• Finishing nails

Instructions

1. Determine the use, purpose and location of the stud wall divider.

2. Measure the room that it will divide, and determine the size of the divider. It will need to fit from floor to ceiling unless you intend for a space at the top of the divider similar to a cubical, and it will need to extend out from the wall a certain distance to allow for a space to walk around the divider unless there is a door on both sides of the room.

3. Build a frame for the divider out of 2x4 studs the size of the dimensions needed. Studs are usually 18 inches apart inside a wall. Using this standard width for the studs will make the divider consistent with the existing walls and allow for uniformity in hanging pictures or other items. Use 4-inch flat head nails for your frame; these are long enough to hold the frame together with strength.

4. Cover the stud frame with either paneling or sheet rock to match the room where it will be placed. If you use sheet rock, attach the sheet rock to the frame using 1-1/2-inch sheet rock screws; this will hold the sheet rock in place securely. If you use paneling, attach the paneling with 1-1/2 inch finishing nails. These are made for paneling and trim. Tap them in with a small punch, and cover the nail with plastic wood and a finish that matches the paneling, so the nails are not visible.

5. Build small feet for the divider out of blocks of 2x4 boards that stick out about four inches on either side of the divider. Four of these feet should be evenly placed on the divider; starting from one end and ending at the other end will be sufficient to stabilize the divider.

6. Paint and/or wallpaper the divider or decorate it in any way you desire.

7. Stand the divider up in the place where it will be used. The divider is portable, so you can move it any time you want.

References

• Temporary Partition Wall
• How to Frame a Partition wall
• Bulding Partition Walls

Resources

• Movable Walls Revisited