How to Build a Knee Wall Room Divider

This next HouseCall brings Ron to the home of a couple looking for a separation -- a separation of spaces. They would like to add more of a transition and a bit of interest in the living room-den area. Before Ron arrived the two rooms were joined together with a huge opening between the rooms.

Click Here For a list of what you will need in order to complete this project.

They asked Ron to help them separate the two rooms with short walls on either side and columns above.

1. Create mock-up
It is a good idea, with this type of project, to create some type of a mock-up (cardboard or plywood) to help visualize the dimensions.

2. Frame walls
Join four pieces of 2 x 4 together with 3-inch screws to create the knee walls. If the wall that you are connecting to is a thicker than the new wall you are building, you'll need to add strips of 1 x 2 to the frame to give the added depth you'll need.

3. Drywall
Attach the wall frames first to the existing wall and then to the floor.

Cut half-inch wallboard to cover the wall frames. First score the paper on the face of the wallboard. Then stand the panel on edge, break it along the score line and finally cut the paper on the back. Now snap it back the other way for a clean break.

Use a screw gun to attach the drywall to both sides of the frame. Measure and cut drywall to also cover the exposed edge of the wall frame.

Next, attach a metal bead to protect the otherwise fragile edges and give sharp, clean lines. As you are attaching the metal, take your time and try not to hit the corner. If you do, you can end up with a dent that will be difficult to conceal.

4. Joint compound
First lay a bedding coat of joint compound along the seam between the new and existing wall. Next, cover this joint with paper tape. To do this, first dip the paper in water, and then pull it between your fingers to remove the excess moisture. Damp tape generally adheres better.

Place the tape so that the center is right on the seam and keep it flat and smooth as you press it into the compound.

Use joint compound to also conceal the flanges on the metal corner bead and blend it into the wall.

Many different compounds set up differently. Check the product container you are using to know how long it will take to dry, then apply a second coat.

When the second coat is dry, sand the walls smooth.

5. Woodwork
Use a saw to cut the wooden ledge or shelf that will sit on top of the walls. (Ron used a piece of poplar for his project.) Cut a notch in the wood where it attaches to the existing wall and create a bit of a round over on the edges.

Trim the insides of the wall openings with jamb material. Begin with the top piece.

This kind of woodwork or millwork is a great way to add interest and detail to just about any room.

6. Columns
You can purchase a variety of different column designs. These often come with a capital and a base. Stack the capital and the base on top of each other and then measure from the top of this stack up to the jamb. This will let you know how long to cut this column.

Getting a straight cut on a tapered column can be a bit tricky. The best way to do it is to draw a line all the way around and make the cut with a Japanese handsaw.

The shortened column is attached to the base by applying glue and then toenailing it securely into place. Glue is also applied to the top of the column and then the two sections of the capital are carefully set into place and then nailed.

7. Paint
Lightly sand if necessary, then prime and paint the walls and columns and the project is complete.