DIY Network

Build a Glass Block Wall A knee wall topped with glass block gives this Man Cave a real 1950s flair. Cool, daddy-o! From "Man Caves" episode DMCV-112

A half wall topped with retro-style glass blocks adds to the 1950s style of this Man Cave.

Materials and tools:

2" x 4" x 8' select choice fir
1" x 6" x 8' clear pine
1/2" drywall
8" x 8" x 4" glass block
8" x 8" x 4" glass corner block
8" x 8" x 4" glass end block
horizontal and vertical spacers
block anchors
glass block sealant (comes in tubes)
glass block surface grout
miter saw
circular saw
pneumatic framing gun
pneumatic 18-gauge nail gun
3" framing nails
2" nails
speed square
tape measure
hand snips
utility knife
screw gun
2" to 3" wood screws
4' level
torpedo level
rubber mallet
rubber float
rubber gloves
caulk gun
bucket
grout sponge

Note: The sizes and quantities of the materials listed above will vary depending on the size of the project.

Step by Step

1. Measure the area where you will be building the half (knee) wall. Figure out the overall dimensions (width and height) of your half wall with the glass block top. Once you know the overall dimensions of the entire wall, you can decide on the dimensions of the half wall, on top of which the glass block will sit. Chalk a line on the floor where your wall will sit.

2. Cut the studs, top plate and bottom plate to the dimensions of your half wall. Cut the 2x4s using the miter or circular saw. Note: The number of studs you’ll need will depend on the length of the wall.

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3. Use the framing gun to nail the studs to the top and bottom plates. Space the studs 16 inches apart. Set the half-wall frame in place along the chalk line on the floor. Attach the frame to the floor and side wall using the screw gun with 3" wood screws. Note: If you have a concrete floor, use a hammer drill with concrete drill bit and 3" concrete screws to secure the bottom plate.

4. Using a utility knife, cut the 1/2" drywall to fit your half wall. Secure the drywall to the studs with the screw gun and 1-1/2" coarse drywall screws. Keep the top edge of the drywall flush with the top of the top plate. Fill the screw holes with joint compound, let dry, then sand smooth.

5. If you drywall both sides of your half wall, the total thickness of the wall will be 4-1/2 inches. Rip the 1x6 down to a width of 5 inches, which will give you a 1/4" overhang on each side. Cut and attach the 1x5 clear pine to the unfinished top and end of the wall. Cut the end of each board at a 45-degree angle where they meet at the corner. Attach the 1x5 pieces by face-nailing them into the exposed 2x4s with the 18-gauge nail gun and 2" nails. Apply wood putty to the nail holes and sand smooth.

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