DIY Network

Building a Half Wall A half wall (also called a knee wall) is a great way to divide a space without closing it in. From "Man Caves" episode DMCV-108

This half wall divides the gym area from the lounge without closing up the space.

Materials and tools:

2" x 4" x 8' or 2" x 4" x 10' Douglas fir
2" x 4" x 8' or 2" x 4" x 10' pressure-treated lumber
1" x 6" x 10' clear pine
1/2" drywall
1-1/4" coarse drywall screws
3" Tapcon concrete screws
hammer drill
screw gun
chalk line
pneumatic framing gun
18-gauge finish nailer
2" nails
3" nails
speed square
2' or 4' level
circular saw or miter saw

Steps:

1. Examine the area you're going to build in, and take all of the necessary measurements. Check the floor for level. If the floor is out of level, you will need to adjust the dimensions of your new wall to compensate. Make notes of any obstacles such as pipes and outlets. Clean and prep the area.

2. Use a chalk line to snap a line on the floor between the columns to indicate the location of the bottom plate.

Figure A. A framing nailer makes short work of attaching the horizontal 2x4 to the studs.

4. Cut the bottom and top plates to length. The bottom plate is the 2x4 (pressure-treated) making contact with the concrete. Place the top and bottom plates side by side and face down on the floor. With a speed square, draw a line across both plates every 16 inches. These lines represent the center of your studs. From each of those lines, measure over 3/4 inch (in the same direction) and draw another line. This line represents the edge of each stud. Draw some X's over the center lines to help show the placement of the studs. Note: The dimensions of your project determines the number of studs you need.

5. Cut the studs to length. The length of the studs should be 3-3/4 inches shorter than the finished height of the wall. The combined thicknesses of the bottom plate, top plate and 1x6 clear pine cap will make up that difference.

6. Place the top and bottom plates on their edges on the floor with the lines facing in. Position the studs between the top and bottom plates and line them up with the corresponding lines on each plate. Use a framing gun to nail the studs into the top and bottom plates. (Figure A)

7. Place the completed half-wall frame on the line you chalked earlier between the two columns. Make sure that it is the bottom (pressure-treated) plate that makes contact with the concrete. With the frame in place, check to see if it's level. Use shims to make any adjustments.

Figure B. Tapcon screws are designed for joining wood and concrete.

Use the hammer drill pre-drill holes through the bottom plate and into the floor. Use Tapcon screws to fasten the bottom plate to the concrete (figure B), spacing the screws about 10 to 12 inches apart. Zigzag the placement of the screws as you work your way down the bottom plate. Put the finished frame in place between the columns.

8. Cut the 1/2" drywall to size, and cover both sides of the frame. Use the screw gun and 1-1/4" drywall screws to attach the drywall, screwing it into the studs, which are 16 inches apart. Make sure the top edge of the drywall is flush with the top of the top plate. Mud, tape and sand any seams.

9. Cut the 1x6 clear pine cap to length. Nail it in place using the 18-gauge finish mailer. Stain or paint the cap.

10. Finish this project by priming and painting the drywall and adding some base molding.