FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Mastered in a Minute

How to Demolish a Nonbearing Stud Wall

A methodical approach and some basic tools get the job done quickly and safely.

By Matthew Millham
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      Interior, nonbearing stud walls typically run parallel to the joists above and below, and don’t carry structural loads, but they can contain plumbing or electrical lines. Demolishing these walls is easy and safe when you follow this methodical approach.

      To start, shut off any electrical circuits, plumbing, or other mechanicals in the wall. Then remove any fixtures or trim. Next, remove drywall, using a hammer to punch a hole large enough to fit your hand in. To avoid a huge mess or damage to hidden utilities within the wall, use your hands to pull the drywall off in large sheets or chunks. Try to pop the drywall off the screws or nails by rocking it forward and back until it breaks free of the fasteners.

      To remove the studs, use a reciprocating saw with a carbide-tipped demolition blade to cut the nails along the base plate. Then lever the studs out from the top plate. At doorways, cut the nails along the top plate and remove the framing as one piece.

      Use a hammer and pry bar to loosen and remove the top and bottom plates, and finish the job by bending all of the exposed nails over for safety.

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters
      ×

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      New Feature

      Fine Homebuilding Forums

      Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      View Comments

      1. milwaukee | Jan 31, 2018 06:51pm | #1

        So let me get this straight, you made a fake wall in a new house, just to tear it down? cool.

      2. KnotRough | Feb 04, 2018 06:20pm | #2

        To err is human.

      3. BGodfrey | Feb 05, 2018 01:37pm | #3

        The drywall never comes off of a real wall that easily.

      4. Ted2 | Feb 05, 2018 02:05pm | #4

        But wait, all the renovation shows on TV demonstrate that the first step in removing a wall is to get the biggest sledgehammer you can find. At least a 10 pounder. And if that does not work you should just body slam it or kick it down. Are you suggesting that real pros, or even a thoughtful intelligent DIYer, don't it do this way?

      5. Cory-PE | Feb 06, 2018 10:58am | #5

        Non bearing walls are not always parallel to the framing and in older homes, walls that were not intended to be bearing can act that way due to settlement and deflection. Even if non-bearing for gravity loads, they can be intentionally or non-intentionally part of the lateral bracing system. The "open concept" may be great for the flipper TV shows but not so great if the house falls down in the first high wind or earthquake.

      6. wtlloyd | Feb 11, 2018 02:01pm | #6

        Idiotic. No professional would ever waste the time to cut nails unless you were trying to not disturb the wall covering on one side (i.e. creating an opening in a wall for a new window or door). In the example in the video, one or two sharp blows with a framing hammer at the baseplate is all that's needed to then allow twisting the top plate connection - they got that part right. All that lumber is reusable but cutting the nails means you must waste 4" off each end of the stud, leaving a short stud only good for blocking. Studs are easily denailed and ready for reuse when the nails are left uncut.

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      More Mastered in a Minute

      View All
      • Fastening an Exterior Door With Brick Mold
      • Assemble Housed Stairs With Construction Adhesive
      • Insulating Foam for High-Performance Windows
      • Air-Seal Penetrations With Canned Foam
      View All

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring

      Listeners write in about fireplaces and ask questions about whole-house ventilation, traditional porch flooring, and gutter sealants.

      Featured Video

      Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

      Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

      Related Stories

      • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
      • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
      • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings
      • Making and Installing Wood Wall Paneling

      Discussion Forum

      Recent Posts and Replies

      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      View More Create Post

      Highlights

      Fine Homebuilding All Access
      Fine Homebuilding Podcast
      Tool Tech
      Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

      Video

      View All Videos
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
      • Creating and Installing PVC Tapered Columns
      • Framing a Second Story on an Existing House
      • Advanced Framing with LSL Studs
      View All

      Lumber and Sheet Goods

      View All Lumber and Sheet Goods Articles
      • No-Downside Decking
      • PT Ain't What It Used to Be
      • Straighter, Stronger Shelves
      View All Lumber and Sheet Goods Articles

      Fine Homebuilding Magazine

      • Issue 331 - June 2025
        • A More Resilient Roof
        • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
        • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
      • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
        • Deck Details for Durability
        • FAQs on HPWHs
        • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
      • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
        • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
        • A Kominka Comes West
        • Making Small Kitchens Work
      • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
        • How a Pro Replaces Columns
        • Passive House 3.0
        • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
      • Issue 327 - November 2024
        • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
        • Plumbing Protection
        • Talking Shop

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

      Subscribe

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data