Step 1: Remove Trim

Use a prybar to pull away any trim or door casings from the wall and set aside. Also remove any nail strips from old carpet.

Step 2: Remove Drywall

Use a hammer to knock through the drywall in between the studs. Pull the drywall away from the studs, using a prybar as needed.

Tip: It sounds like fun to simply knock down a brick wall – but don't do it. Dropping the heavy bricks so suddenly will damage the floor and probably damage the ceiling, ceiling joists and drywall on the floor below.

Step 3: Install Plywood Battens

Instead of repairing the drywall where the old brick wall attached, Karl chose to simply create a new wall surface on top of the old wall. To do this, first nail plywood battens into the studs to act as spacers for the new wall.

Attach new drywall. Screw sheets of drywall into the battens using 1-5/8" drywall screws

Step 4: Mud Drywall Seams

Use drywall tape and drywall mud to smooth out all of the drywall seams and fill in the screw dents. Apply three coats of mud, letting it dry thoroughly in between coats. Sand the seams smooth.

Step 5: Finish as Desired

Prime and paint the wall as desired. Install trim, if desired.