DIY Network

Murphy's Law: Boxing In Exposed Pipes Murphy's Law: Boxing In Exposed Pipes From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-405F

The DIY crew will hide the exposed pipes with a box made out of MDF.

The homeowner's have exposed pipes in there living room that they would like to cover by boxing them in then painting the area to match the remainder of the room.

Materials:

1 4'x8' x 3/4" sheets of MDF
Baseboard molding
2 1"x2" x 8"
1 1/2" Bad nails
1 1/2" Drywall screws
Pneumatic nail gun
Hammer
Safety glasses
Table saw
Level
Nail set
Paintable caulk
Handsaw
2 Saw horses
Circular saw
Screw gun
Tape measure
Construction adhesive

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Safety Tips:

• Before nailing into any wall, be sure you know if there are any electrical lines or pipes that might be damaged during your installation.

• Always were safety glasses when using a pneumatic nail gun or table saw.

• When cutting MDF, wear a dust mask.

• When cutting MDF, be sure to have someone assist you so you can feed the large sheets to them as they come ut of the table saw.

• Never remove the guards from the table saw.

Installation:

1. Start by using a tape measure to determine the depth and width of the area you wish to cover. The distance that you cover from the pipes is a subjective decision and should be what you feel is visibly appealing. Be sure to leave a couple of inches from the pipes to allow for the nailing strip.

2. Once you've determined how deep you want your boxes, measure and mark the distance from the corner in several places along the wall. Then, measure the length of the wall.

3. Use a level to draw a line from the floor to the ceiling. Adjust the line as you go making sure it's straight and level. Be sure to mark the baseboard.

4. Using a hand saw, cut through the baseboard on the lines you just made. When the cuts are complete, use a pry bar to remove the old baseboard. In some cases, you may be able to reuse the old baseboard on your boxes.

   Note: if your ceiling is less than eight feet high, you will have to cut the nailer strips to length with a hand or circular saw.

5. Next, attach the nailer strips onto the wall (figure A) 3/4 inches inside the line you just marked. This will allow for the thickness of the MDF corners you will attach. If you're attaching the nailer strips to a plaster lathe wall, use a pneumatic nailer with 1 1/2 inch brads to attach them. Put a nail in about every six inches. For extra strength, add a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the nailer strip before attaching. Use 1 1/2 inch drywall screws every six inches if attaching the strip to drywall.

6. Now, cut the MDF to size. Set the guide on your table saw to the width of the larger size piece. Feed the sheet of MDF into the table saw, keeping it pressed firmly against the fence. Push the full sheet through the saw being very careful to keep your fingers clear of the blade. Use your tape measure to check the MDF for the correct width. Repeat this step for the smaller piece.

7. Place the larger section on top of the sawhorses. Place the second section on its edge on top of the first section aligning the corners appropriate to your installation. Use your pneumatic nailer and 1 1/2 inch brads to attach the sections (figure B).

8. With assistance, lift the box into place (figure C). Make sure that the nailer strips are flush with the inside of the sides of the box. Use the pneumatic nailer with 1 1/2 inch brads to nail the box to the nailer strip every six inches.

9. Once the box is installed, use a nail set to set any nails that are sticking up. Fill the nail holes with caulk, then apply a bead of caulk into the seam between the box and wall (figure D).

10. To complete the project, install baseboards to match the existing ones.

Resources:

Hitachi Power Tools
3590 Steve Reynolds Blvd.
Norcross, GA 30093
Phone: 800-HITACHI (800-448-2244)

Porter Cable Power Tools
4825 Hwy. 45 North
Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: 888-848-5175

Delta Power Tools
4825 Hwy. 45 North
Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: 877-612-3180

Klein Tools
P.O. Box 599033
Chicago, IL 60659
Phone: 800-553-4676