DIY Network

Upgrading a Family Room: Install Half Wall Top From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-105

Part 2 starts by installing a new top for the half wall.

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the hardest, this project is a 3.

Install Half Wall Top = 3 hours
Remove and Install Vinyl Floor and Replace Bar Top = 5 hours
Finish Bar Top and Install Cabinets = 5 hours
Install Crown and Moldings and Light Fixtures = 5 hours

Total hours spent on Part 2 = 18 hours

We spent approximately $1,900 on supplies. If you were to hire a contractor to do this job, you would probably spend around $3,100. (Instructions continued below)

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	Reveiz takes an old family room ...
	and gives it a bright updated style.

Materials:

vinyl adhesive remover
vinyl flooring
heavy-duty vinyl scraper
vinyl adhesive remover
vinyl adhesive
maple bar top
maple top for half wall
router
2" finish nails
maple wood filler
sandpaper
sanding block
heavy-duty scraper or rented power scraper
face mask
floor fan
1/4-inch concrete nails
3/4-inch plywood
2-inch wood screws
3/4-inch piece maple
wood clamps
1-1/4-inch wood screws
120-grit sandpaper
light fixtures
polyurethane
painting supplies
crown molding
baseboard molding
2 x 4 x 8 studs

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

In part 1 of Upgrading a Family Room all the steps are given for getting organized and doing the preparation for this two-part project (episode WKE-104). Now, it is time to finish the family room in this Part 2 and that begins by building and installing a top for the half wall.

• Rout the edges of the maple board for the half wall (figure A) to give it a nice finished look.

  Expert Tip: A router is an extremely powerful tool and in the right hands can give you great looking effects. If you have never used one before, you should consider attending a woodworking class. That way, you will learn how to use one correctly and, as always, the correct way is the safe way.

• Once it routed all the way around, line it up on top of the half wall. Measure both sides to make sure you have the top centered (figure B). It is a good idea to measure as you go down the length of the board. This will allow you to nail it down and make any slight adjustments needed to keep it straight.

• Nail the top in place with 2" finish nails.

• Install decorative trim where the wall and the new top meet (figure C).

• Once the trim is on, go back and fill any nail holes with maple wood filler.

• Sand the top smooth with a soft sanding block.

• If you like the natural look of the wood, you can apply a clear polyurethane sealer, or you can stain it.

RESOURCES :
Flooring Basics (Basic Series)
ISBN: 0806958979
Author: Rick Peters
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Paint (Pittsburgh Coatings and Supply Co.)
Pittsburgh Coatings and Supply Co
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: 865-525-2222

Fireplace Doors (Hearth and Patio)
Hearth and Patio
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: 865-693-0770

Light Fixtures (American Lighting)
American Lighting
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-694-0028

Cabinets and Upper Units (Encompass Cabinetry Coordinators)
Encompass Cabinetry Coordinators
Knoxville, TN Phone: 865-389-0542

Vinyl Flooring (Broadway Carpets)
Broadway Carpets
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-525-5511

Couch Slipcovers (Waverly Fabrics)
Waverly Fabrics
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-213-7900
Fax: 212-213-7682
Email: waverly@fsco.com
Website: www.waverly.com

Sunset Ideas for Great Floors
ISBN: 0376011785
Author: Sunset
Order this title from Amazon.
Sunset Publishing Company (Division of Time Warner)
Website: www.sunset.com

Lighting Design and Installation
ISBN: 1589230957
Author: Editors, Creative Publishing
Order this title from Amazon.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com

Walls and Ceilings: Build, Remodel, Repair
ISBN: 1580110304
Author: Christopher Hoolihan
Order this title from Amazon.
Creative Homeowner Press
Website: www.creativehomeowner.com