A Step-by-Step Guide for Building Freestanding Moveable Wall

Freestanding walls are most commonly used as room dividers. Just like regular walls, freestanding walls can also contain mechanical components, for example, electrical wiring and water pipelines. The significant thing to keep in mind is that as the wall length increases, the requirement for lateral support also increases. Resilient bars for walls are generally used to build partition walls and reduce vibration and noise.

Here is a complete steps guide to build the freestanding moveable wall:

Step 1: Measurement of the Area:

It is the first and foremost step to measure the area where you would like to place the freestanding wall. After measuring, sketch out the wall design. For building a U-shaped wall, the framing will be constructed separately. Then assemble them before installing the drywall.

Step 2: Cutting of Boards for Side Walls:

Now cut 2/4 boards to be used as the top and bottom plates of the side dividers. These boards are cut according to the expected length of the side dividers. Utilize one board as a top plate and one as a base plate for each divider.

Step 3: Cutting of Boards for the Studs:

Cut 2/4 boards for the studs according to the divider length. You need to cut sufficient studs, so they can be placed close to 16 inches.

Step 4: Fixing the Studs:

After cutting the boards for the walls and studs, now fix a stud into each corner of one out of two base plates. These studs are called end studs. Then fix more studs into the base plate between the end studs, keeping them separated close to 16 inches. After this, fix the studs on the top plate.

Step 5: Constructing Second Walls:

Using the same method as used above for constructing the first side wall, build the second main wall and side wall.

Step 6: Stand the Walls:

Now stand the main wall and one side wall on their bottom plates such that they stand in the form of ‘L’. Fix together the end studs of the two wall sections at the point of their contact. Now link the other side wall to its main wall, in the form of ‘U’.

Step 7: Cutting and Fixing Drywall:

Cut the drywall according to the measurements of framing and fit it into the top and sides of the framing. Fix this drywall into the framing using drywall screws. Fix each screw almost 16 inches apart.

Step 8: Fix Metal Beads & Apply Joint Compound:

Now fix metal beads at the wall edges where the various surfaces come in contact. Then spread joint compound to all the joints and over the metal beads. Use a drywall tape and place it over the joint compound. Finally, press this tape into the compound with a clay blade and let it dry properly overnight. Similarly, apply a second and even third layer of joint compound followed by tape and dry the wall.

Step 9: Apply Primer and Paint:

Cover the freestanding wall with a layer of primer and let it dry. Then apply a layer of paint followed by a final layer after the wall becomes dry.