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Basement Utility Room Karl uses style and storage to transform a dreary laundry dungeon. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-208

(Continued from page 2)

With one wall of the new laundry room framed, Karl and Dan frame up the second wall – which includes specially cut studs that will form the built-in laundry sorter. Once the wall framing is up and secured, they install the drywall.

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Framing the Second Wall

	The deep sections of the 10x2 studs become...
	Divider "walls" for the laundry sorter.

• The second wall will include-the built-in laundry sorter. To create the skeleton of the sorter, Karl used 2x10 lumber for four of the studs: Measure and cut large notches out of four 10x2 boards so they measure the same as a 2x4 at the top and bottom. The wood that extends out will form the walls of the laundry sorter.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a power saw or any power-assisted tool.

• Cut the other lumber for the second wall, referring to the scale drawing. Remember, the side pieces of the wall will go inside the top and bottom; use pressure-treated lumber for any wood that will come in contact with bare concrete. If this is not a load-bearing wall, the studs can be farther than 16 inches apart.

• Wearing safety glasses, carefully assemble the wall frame using a nail gun.

• Move the wall into place, making sure the extra-deep studs for the laundry sorter go toward the inside of the room. Wearing safety glasses and ear protection, secure the wall to the concrete floor as with the first wall.

• Check the wall for plumb. Use shims and nails to attach it to the ceiling joists.

Installing the Drywall

• Measure, mark and cut drywall sheets to fit the new walls. To cut drywall, score it deeply along the cut line with a sharp utility knife, then snap it along the scored line. Use a utility knife to cut through the paper on the other side of the drywall.

  Safety Alert: Wear a dust mask and safety goggles when cutting drywall or sanding drywall joints.

• Working with a helper, position the drywall sheets and secure them to the studs with drywall screws.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and use caution when driving screws with a power drill or power screwdriver.

• Use a keyhole saw or utility knife to cut holes in the drywall to accommodate plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets or other fixtures.

• Cover the new walls with drywall, inside and out.

• With the drywall secured, tape all of the joints with self-adhesive drywall tape (figure A). This tape goes directly onto the wall without a pre-coat of drywall mud. The tape should cover all the joints and screw heads.

• Apply a coat of drywall mud over the tape, feathering it out away from the joints. Also apply mud over all the screw heads, smoothing it away from the screws (figure B).

• Sand the drywall mud and apply a finish coat of mud. Feather it away from the joints to help smooth the wall.

• Once the finish coat of mud is dry, sand it smooth.

• Prime and paint the walls. Karl and the Davis family chose to paint the laundry sorter white to contrast with the wall color.

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