| Widening a Closet: Installing Blocks, Framing Addition and Hanging Drywall |
From "Weekend Remodeling"
episode WKR-103 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Materials: 2 x 4's
1/2" drywall
Drywall finishing tools
Joint compound
Corner bead
Screw gun
Screws
Hammer
Nail gun/nails
Baseboard molding
Paint/paint supplies
Fluorescent light fixture
Closet organizing system - You need to install blocks between the trusses in the ceiling to strengthen the walls at the corners. Climb into the attic and get the measurements (figure A).
- Once the 2 x 4 is cut, turn it on its side (figure B) and screw it into place.
Expert Tip: Anytime you are working with fiberglass insulation, it is best to wear a long sleeve shirt, quality eyewear, gloves and a disposable mask to protect you from the insulation. - With the support in place, it is time to frame the new wall. Cut your base and top length and then plumb out the corner stud (figure C).
- Screw the base plate (figure D) and top plate into place. The top plate will screw into the 2 x 4 brace when installed between the trusses.
- Screw a 2 x 4 to the end of the old wall.
- Add a 2 x 4 to the corner -- they should always be double (figure E).
- Screw the studs to the top plate and bottom plate. Make sure the studs are plumbed and even with the base and top plates.
- Cut the carpet where the outside edge of where the drywall and baseboard meet. Move that piece to the inside of the closet void patch.
- If you removed an old light, you need to remove the switch.
Expert Tip: With any electrical project, safety should be your primary concern. If you are not 100 percent comfortable making electrical connections, please contact a qualified electrician to do it for you. - Bypass the black switch wire from the switch to the plug. The black or hot wire is now connected directly to the plug. Cap the neutral wire (figure F) and remove the non-metallic building electrical wire running to the old vanity light.
- It is now time to install the drywall and that is simply a matter of matching the panels against the studs and screwing them in place. Drywall is heavy and you may want to use a board jack (figure G). It helps you hold up the drywall while you screw it in place.
- Use 1-1/4" drywall screws. Place the finished edges to face each other at the corner. Place the drywall where your old closet wall used to be.
- Place the metal corner bead on the edge of the closet. Press it firmly in place in order to take the flex out of it, use 1-3/8" ring shank nails to fasten it to the wall (figure H).
- Apply a generous amount of 90 minute mud for the base coat in the joints where you will be taping and make sure to keep it fresh and mixed well. Place tape over the mud and using a knife, go over the tape several times (figure I) pressing down in order to remove any excess mud.
- Cover the screw heads with mud and then smooth them out with your knife.
Expert Tip: A good mud job has several steps. A common mistake is applying too much mud at one time. Be patient and give yourself a couple of days. - Apply the mud at the corner beads, working from the interior toward the outside edge. Work about 3 feet up at a time and then wipe down the mud with a knife from the outside edge of the corner bead.
- Cover the outlet where the light switch used to be with tape and then apply mud over it.
- After the mud dries, sand it down and then apply a second coat with a large drywall knife in order to feather the mud out. This will help blend the joints.
RESOURCES :
Closets, Space and Storage (Home Repair and Improvement, Vol. 33)
Model: 0783539223
Author: Editors of Time Life Books
(September, 1998)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Time Life Books
Website: www.timelife.com
The Complete Guide to Home Storage (Black and Decker Home Improvement Library)
Model: 0865735816
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
(July, 2001)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
Installing and Finishing Drywall
Model: 0806938854
Author: William Spence
(August, 1998)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Fireplace (Donated Closet System)
Contact: Glen Hutchinson
Phone: 865-970-0050, ext. 240
Paint (Pittsburgh Coatings and Supply Co.)
Pittsburgh Coatings and Supply Co
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: 865-525-2222
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
