How to Build a Wall
How to Build a Wall
When people lived in caves they were referred to as cave men. Following this progression the more modern person might be called the wall man. We surround ourselves with walls of all kinds. Stone walls, wood walls, plaster walls - even emotional walls. There appears to be a wall for almost every need. Some of these walls are easily built, but others are a bit more complicated.
Materials and Tools
The materials and tools for constructing a wall are fairly straight forward. Lumber of the 2″ variety, nails, wall board, wall board tape, plaster, sand paper, measuring tape, pencil, hammer, scrapper and a variety of odd items that you will likely invent as you go.
The Layout
As with any structure a good foundation is important. With a stick frame wall, a good flooring system is needed. This foundation should be beefed up if the wall is structural in nature, and a stone wall is no different. Dig until a flat consistent base is found. In either event the wall needs to be straight - to ensure this measure from a common point.
The Frame
Start with a straight 2″x10′ piece of lumber. This will be the piece of wood nailed to the floor at your feet. Tip it on its side. Take another piece of lumber and cut it to length. This is your stud or vertical part of the wall. Toenail the stud to the footer by driving a nail at a 45 degree angle through the stud and into the footer. Do the same at 16″ off center along the footer. Repeat the process at the other end of the stud with the header or the piece of wood that will be at the top of the wall. This is your frame. You may need some help to raise the frame onto the footer and nail it to the floor. Do the same for the other walls involved. If there is plumbing and electrical work involved, now is the time to rough it in and get inspections done.
The Skin
The skin of the wall can be installed with many materials - “Blue board” is the most common. You will likely need help as this material comes in large heavy sheets. Locate the start of the wall skin - a corner is best. Nail it to the stud with special screws. You should be careful not to hammer too hard, because a mark on the blue board paper covering will show through the plaster. If a short piece needs to be cut scar it with a sharp knife and “break it” with your knee.
Tape and Plaster
The lines between the blue board pieces will show through the plaster so they need to be taped and primed. Tape the joints and scrape on a very thin coating of plaster over them. Sand the joints flush and you’re then ready to plaster the entire wall.