Closet
There may come a time where you need to split your closet into two. Perhaps you have added a baby to the family or just need your own space, away from the spouse. Roommates too, may have to share one larger closet, so dividing a closet into two is a good idea. This project can be done over a weekend and involves adding a partition wall to the middle of the closet, in order to divide it in half. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the width of the closet, using a tape measure. Determine the middle point, so you can add your partition wall.
2. Lay out a straight edge and mark where you will cut your carpet using a chalk line. This will allow the partition wall to be installed right down to the floor. The carpet will then butt up against the new wall.
3. Cut out the carpet, using the carpet cutting knife. You should be down to the bare floor. Attach a small piece of new tack strip to the left and right side of where the partition wall will set. Hammer the tack strip in place. This will now help you line up the bottom of the partition wall to the floor.
4. Take a measurement across the top of the ceiling to find the center point of the partition wall. Mark with a pen where the top plate of the partition wall will fit to the ceiling of the closet. You will check for plumb and level the wall later.
5. Put on all protective gear.
6. Measure the overall height and width that your partition wall will be. Frame in the wall on the floor. You will tilt it in place later. Use the chop saw for all of the cuts and 16 penny nails to nail the wall together.
7. Frame in two studs for the top plate and bottom sill of the partition wall. Place one stud on top of one another. Frame the studs to be 16 or 24 inches on center, depending on the overall depth of your closet.
8. Tilt the wall in place with a helper. Use a plumb bob and level to make sure the wall is positioned correctly. Nail in the top and bottom studs to the ceiling. Nail in the stud to the back wall, lining it up with the studs behind the closet wall. Use a stud finder if you need to locate the studs. You may have to frame in horizontal braces between the studs in order to find a spot to attach the partition wall to the closet walls behind it.
9. Measure and cut out drywall, using the carpet knife. Attach to the wall, using drywall screws and the screw gun. Apply some drywall mud to the joints and then tape the joints. Use a putty knife to apply the mud and smooth out the tape seams. Let dry. Repeat the mud and tape process if needed. Let dry for several hours.
10. Prime and paint the new wall using the brush or roller. Let dry for several days.
Tags: partition wall, partition wall will, wall will, carpet using, Frame studs, plumb level, tack strip
