Partitions are non-loadbearing stud walls that divide rooms.
Imagine redesigning your home interior to create living spaces customized for your needs, instead of existing inside walls placed at the whim of someone else. Think of the freedom to virtually recreate your house with rooms most anywhere you envision. Partitions, interior walls that do not support the weight of the house, are basic building structures easily created by even novice builders. Whether you choose full walls, spanning from ceiling to floor, or half walls of lesser height, a partition or two will transform your home.
Instructions
1. Locate and mark the placement of ceiling and floor joists where you want to place your partition. Verify the presence of a stud in the adjoining wall. You will anchor your partition to these structures.
2. Measure from the nearest wall to the desired partition location, marking the ceiling, floor and adjoining wall. Align a straightedge with each set of marks and draw a line with a pencil, chalk line or tape to guide the final partition placement.
3. Cut two 2-by-4-inch wood boards to the length of the partition desired. These will form your floor and ceiling plates.
4. Lay the cut-to-length plates on the floor, on edge, lining the ends up with each other so they are flush. Measure and mark every 16 inches along the plate length, using a small square to draw a straight line through both plates at once.
5. Cut addition 2-by-4 boards to create vertical studs to span between the plates, one for each 16-inch mark and two for either end of the plates (in other words, a total of four additional studs per partition). Measure the height, from ceiling to floor, and subtract three inches to determine the necessary stud height; each 2-by-4 is actually 1 1/2 inches thick, so the stud height, combined with this three inches, equals the floor-to-ceiling dimensions.
6. Attach the studs to both plates, one at a time, nailing or screwing through the thickness of the plate and into the stud ends. Start the partition with two studs snug against each other, creating a double stud, and align the middle of each successive stud with a 16-inch mark. End with a double stud again.
7. Lift the framed partition into place. Use a hammer to gently coax it into position if the wall is snug, or tap shims underneath the partition to lift it and make it snug if the wall is slightly shorter than the floor-to-ceiling height.
8. Hold a level against the wall, on both the end of the partition and along one side. Check for plumb and tap the wall with a hammer to adjust as needed.
9. A low partition, built the same except shorter, can prove decorative or functional.
Anchor the partition in place, driving either nails or screws through the outer studs and into the adjacent wall's stud and through the plates into both the floor and ceiling joists. Space the nails or screws every 6 to 8 inches, driving them in at an angle, where necessary, to penetrate.
10. Measure and cut enough drywall to span the partition exterior using a straightedge and utility knife. Center each piece on a stud so the next piece has enough stud to support and attach the drywall. Space drywall screws every 6 to 8 inches to secure.
11. Spread a thin layer of drywall mud over each screw head and along any joints created by adjoining drywall sheets. Lay a single layer of tape over the mud; allow it to dry. Apply another layer of mud, air dry and sand smooth. Repeat, if needed, to produce a blemish-free surface ready for primer and paint.
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