I would like to make a half wall (actually @ 40″ or so) out of an existing wall i have now. There is passage way through the wall now, regular door size. I want to take the wall out even from the top of the door opening right across to the outside wall (left side of the door opening) and leave the bottom 40″ for the half wall. So what I’ll have remaining is the top portion of the wall (header width running from the old doorway to the outside wall, and the lower portion of the wall from the left side of the old doorway to the outside wall. What is the best procedure for this? Can I work with the existing portions of the wall after the cut-out? Or do I need to take everything out and frame it all new. I’m just not sure the best way to get the correct support if I try to work with the old framing once I cut it up. I would imagine the old drywall has to come off both sides of the remaining walls top and bottom, correct? And this is not a bearing wall. Thanks ahead of time for any input.
JB
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I think I know what you're asking ............. First I would check for heat ducts/wiring ...that sort of thing and if no problems I'd'
1. strike a line at 40" on both sides of the wall and cut the drywall at the line.
2. Remove the top portion and expose the studs....
3. Then I'd take a sawszall and cut the studs down to size figuring 3" for a dbl top plate which I'd then add.
4. Figure a 1x6 or something for a cap and some kind of trim alongside the wall under the cap to cover the new top plates.
5. If you get the top plates on and the wall is wobbly then I'd (there are many ways) one is to attach a stud on the end and cut it into the floor.......or you can even use L shaped metal brackets....or if nothing else works you can always put a decorative post on the end and extend it up to the ceiling.
do you really need a double top plate on a 40" high wall?
do you really need a double top plate on a 40" high wall?
No, it might just stiffen it up a bit. I usually put one on probably from force of habit than anything else.
There are fast carpenters who care..... there are slow carpenters who care more.....there are half fast carpenters who could care less......
I'm not a carpenter, just a do-it-yourselfer with a circular saw and a sawzall, but I did something similar to what you're describing, and it seems like you're making it sound harder than it is. If this is not a bearing wall, then I would make a nice clean cut in the drywall (utility knife and/or circular saw), both top and bottom and at the same level on both sides of the wall; remove the drywall in the middle, cut the studs with a sawzall even with the drywall cuts. Then you can either install blocks in betwen the studs flush with the top of the drywall, or lay a new 2x4 across the tops of the studs (in which case you'll have a 1 1/2 inch gap at the top of the wall that will need to be covered either with a strip of drywall or molding) - same with the header portion up top. finish off the top of the wall with either drywall or a 1x board of decorative wood. Question: if it is not a bearing wall, why leave the top portion of the wall intact - why not just take it out up to the ceiling?