Many homes are built with a large open room called a family room. It is meant to replace the more formal living room or informal den and a dining room. However, many people prefer to have some type of division between their eating area and sitting area. If you would like to divide up your large room, it is possible with a low partition called a half wall.
Instructions
1. Measure the distance where you want the low partition. Mark this length on two 2-by-6-inch boards. Use a circular saw to cut along the mark. These are your top and bottom plates for the wall.
2. Lay the bottom plate down on its 6-inch side and measure in from the left end 18 inches. Use a construction square to draw a straight line across the 6-inch side. The square will ensure that the line is perpendicular to the board's length. Repeat by measuring from the mark you just made out another 18 inches and making another line. Continue until you reach the other end of the board. This will show you where the stud's left edges should be placed, allowing you to space them equally apart.
3. Place the top plate next to the bottom plate so they are parallel to each other. Use a straight edge to transfer the measurement marks to the top plate.
4. Determine the height you want the partition to be. Since this height will include the drywall on top of the wall, subtract 1/2 inch from this measurement to get the needed height of the frame. Subtract from the height of the frame thickness of the 2-by-6s. This is not exactly the 2 inches that is claimed in the 2-by-6 name, but is more like 1 1/2 inches. Measure to be certain and subtract this thickness from the needed height of the frame. You need to subtract both the top and bottom plate thickness. This final number is the height needed for the wall studs.
5. Measure and mark 2-by-6s to fit the final measurement from step 3. Cut along the mark with a circular saw.
6. Set the top and bottom plates on their 2-inch sides so that the marks are facing each other. Set the studs in between the plates and drill them in with 3-inch screws. Start with the board on the end of the left side and repeat with each additional stud, ensuring you put them up against their marks. This will keep the wall studs square.
7. Locate a stud along the wall where you want the partition to branch out from. Use a stud finder, and then mark the stud's location. Also use the stud finder to locate the ceiling joists. Raise and place the frame where it will hit along the joists and up against a stud.
8. Drill through the frame and into the wall stud to anchor the new framing to an existing wall. Use 4-inch screws about every foot. Repeat by anchoring the frame to the floor joists. If following along one joist, drill pilot holes between each of the 2-by-6 studs and then attach bolts through the frame and into the joist. If anchoring it across several floor joists, drill two 5-inch screws through the frame and into each joist.
9. Measure and cut drywall to fit the sides of the low partition, with the drywall length hanging horizontal. Use a utility knife to cut the drywall when needed. Drill the drywall to the frame with drywall screws. The wall sides should have the drywall come all the way up to the top of the wall so that the edge of the drywall is flush with the top plate. It should also be flush on the sides with the end studs.
10. Measure and cut drywall to fit the top plate and along the side of the wall so that it covers the wood and the edge of the side drywall pieces.
11. Drill metal corner plates to the outside corners of the wall on the sides and top. Use drywall screws to attach it.
12. Cover the metal strips and screw heads with a thin layer of drywall compound. If there are any seams between pieces of drywall, cover them as well. Rip drywall tape and place it over the mudded seams, and then apply another layer of compound. Let it dry for a day.
13. Sand the surface of the compound and apply a second coat over all spots. Feather out the second coat down to the drywall surface. Let it dry another day, then paint or finish as you want.
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