DIY Network

Watson Home Theater: How to Frame a Floating Wall Learn how to build a floating wall for this home theater renovation. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-108

The Watson’s basement already looks bigger and better without the dated wood paneling, and now its time to divide and conquer. Amy helps Ron and Dawn separate the rooms into a home office and a personal custom theater with a floating wall.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Materials:

chalk line
tape measure
2" x 4" pieces of lumber
miter saw
speed square
compressor
nail gun or hammer
nails
box level
mallet
Ramset (power-actuated nailer)

Floating Wall Framing Tips:

• Standard code calls for 16 inches between studs on center.

• A 2" x 4" piece of lumber is actually 1-1/2" x 3-1/2".

Safety Alert:

• Always wear protective eyewear when working with power tools.

How to Frame a Floating Wall:

• Amy uses a tape measure to mark the new wall, measuring from the existing wall. Dawn snaps a chalk line along Amy’s marks. (figure A).

• Then Amy measures from the ceiling to the floor joist above to determine the length of the studs (figure B). Subtract 3 inches from that measurement to account for the top and bottom plates — one 2" x 4" on top and one 2" x 4" on bottom.

• Amy provides contractor, Adam Berlin the measurements and he and Ron mark the 2" x 4"(s) with a speed square (figure C) and the boards are cut to length.

• When the boards are cut, Adam and Ron lay out the pieces, one on the top and one on the bottom and a board perpendicular at every 16 inches on center (figure D).

• Dawn uses a nail gun to secure the boards together. She shoots two nails per board.

• Everybody helps raise the wall to the chalk line (figure E). Adam uses a mallet to adjust the board to the mark (figure F).

• Amy checks to make sure that the new wall is plumb and level.

• Amy shows Dawn how to use the Ramset and she fires a nail into the center of every other stud (figure G) to secure the new floating wall. They finish framing the rest of the basement.

RESOURCES :

Handyman Matters
Website: www.handymanmatters.com

GUESTS :

Adam Berlin
General Contractor
Maverick Home Remodeling Inc.
Website: www.RenewTheHome.com