DIY Network

Cable Stairway: Demolition of a Knee Wall From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-310

	In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan will show you how to take out a knee wall (seen here), repair the damaged floor and wall and ...
	then install an extremely urban style cable-and-rail system that will ...
	keep the space open ...
	and give a fun, contemporary look to the home!

Time: 14 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 4 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.

Materials:

For Demolition of the Knee Wall --

Hammer
Nail set
Pry bar
2 x 4
Level
Pencil
Reciprocating saw
Pliers
Screw gun
Safety glasses
Gloves

For Patching the Wall and Floor --

Screw gun
3" deck screws
Pin nailer
Reciprocating saw
Wood chisel
Drywall
1-1/2" drywall screws
Joint compound

For Installing Metal Framework --

Fabricated metal railing frame
Cordless drill
Screw gun
Tape measure

For Attaching Cables --

Stainless steel cables and hardware
Phillips screwdriver
Tape measure
Cable cutter
Hand crimper
Padded vice grip
Tension gauge

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Demolition of the Knee Wall

1. Remove the old door by using a nail set to pound the pin up from the bottom of the hinge.

2. Tap up the top trim board using a hammer and a 2 x 4 as a pounding block (figure A). Then pry it off with a hammer and prybar.

3. Remove the nails from the trim with pliers by pulling them up and straight through. This will cause the least amount of damage to the boards in case you want to use the wood for another project.

4. Detach the handrail from the wall.

   Note: For this particular project, a light switch is being moved from the knee wall, which is being removed altogether, to the opposite wall. If you have the same situation, be sure to turn off the power before transferring the switch. In fact, it's best to have a licensed electrician rewire electrical routes to the new desired location, including the new light switch location.

   Tip: Mark lines with level at the outside parameters (figure B) to avoid unnecessary patching later.

5. Begin to remove the knee wall by hammering chunks of it out, then pull down the large chunks. Be sure to wear a dust mask when working with drywall.

6. Mark the other side of the knee wall with level, then cut with a reciprocating saw.

7. Pull the knee wall down (figure C).

8. Remove bottom plate with a pry bar and hammer.

9. Use a saw to trim the drywall flush with subfloor.

In the next segment the walls are patched for the next step of installing the cables and framework of the new stairway.

RESOURCES :

Linders Abrasive Belt Copper and Custom Metal Fabricating
Brand name: Linders Specialty
Where available: Visit the Linders Specialty website, link below.
Linders Specialty Co., Inc.
432 Atwater St.
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Toll-free: 800-441-0152
Fax: 651-488-1883
Website: www.lscmetalfab.com

Appliance Epoxy (Rust-Oleum)
Brand name: RUST-OLEUM Specialty
Model #: 7887-830
Where available: Visit the Rust-Oleum website, link below, or the www.paintideas.com site.
Rust-Oleum Corp.
Website: www.rustoleum.com

Hardware and Tools (Johnson Architectural Hardware)
3/16" Jaw Smooth Line Turnbuckkle Hand Crimp (Model #: 27-715)
3/16" Toggle Jaw Hand Crimp (Model #: 27-415)
3/16" Stainless Steel Cable -- 1 x 19, 250' spool
Hand Crimp Installation Tool (Model #: 53-215)
FELCO Cable Cutter (Model #: 53-220) Color for all: Stainless steel
Where available: Visit the Johnson Architectural Hardware website, link below.
Johnson Architectural Hardware
PO Box L
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-873-8697
Toll-free: 800-874-7455
Fax: 860-873-8589
Website: www.csjohnson.com

GUESTS :

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.

Vincent Linders
President
Linders Specialty Company
432 Atwater St.
St. Paul, MN 55117
Phone: 651-488-0528

Curt Johnson
President
Johnson Architectural Hardware
PO Box L
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-873-8589