There are many times when you need to divide a single room into two parts. The most common example would be to make a new bedroom from a large living room. You can easily split a room with a temporary wall.
Wondering how you will do that? This article will guide you in making your first temporary wall to divide a room.
What is a Temporary Wall?
A home's walls can be load-bearing or non-load bearing. You will find load-bearing walls on the outside parts of a house, but they can also be found inside. Interior walls are always non-load-bearing walls.
Hence, a temporary wall is included in the non-load-bearing wall category. It does not bear or carry any weight from above. Thus, these walls hold their weight and act as a fake wall divider between rooms.
Interior walls and temporary walls
However, there are specific differences between these two walls.
They can be:
- Temporary walls do not have plumbing pipes or electric wires.
- You can remove temporary walls very quickly.
- You can also replace temporary walls whenever there is damage.
- These walls are constructed on the ground and then tilted into position.
- You can leave the drywall partially unfinished.
How to Divide a Room with a Temporary Wall?
Before you build your temporary wall, you will need suitable tools. We have divided them into 2 sections.
Equipment/tools
Here is a complete list of equipment for you to get.
- Electric miter saw
- Circular saw
- Cordless drill
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Pencil and an indelible marker
- Drywall knife
- Painting supplies
- Utility knife
Materials
Next up, you will need the proper materials to build the temporary wall. They involve the following objects:
- 4 Drywall sheets, 4x8
- Drywall screws, 1 5/8-inch long
- Drywall joint compound
- Drywall primer
- Interior paint
- Pressure-treated 2x4
- 2-1/2-inch screw
7 Simple Steps to Divide a Room with a Temporary Wall
Here are 7 simple steps to DIY temporary wall room dividers.
Step 1: Apply the sill seal
In the first step, your job is to apply the sill seal to the surface you intend to put the temporary wall. Many DIYers, even those who have completed dozens of projects, are unfamiliar with the Sill seal.
The sill seal is 14 inches of thick foam and serves two purposes in this situation. First and foremost, it safeguards the existing walls, floor, and ceiling. Second, and perhaps more crucially, the sill seal creates the pressure required to hold the temporary wall.
Step 2: Cut two 2x4s to the temporary wall's length
A pair of 2x4s are also known as the "plates." Measure your temporary wall top and bottom part first. And then, cut the two wooden pieces into the measured shape. They will eventually form the top and bottom margins of your temporary wall.
Step 3: Cut 2 more 2x4s for 3 inches below the height of the ceiling
Then, from floor to ceiling, determine the height. Because that measurement may fluctuate, it's best to take two measurements.
- Take one for the temporary wall's left edge and another for the right corner.
- Subtract 3 inches from each dimension, then cut two more 2x4 wooden plates.
- These 2 plates will now act as the end studs of your temporary wall.
Step 4: Install vertical studs between the temporary wall's top and bottom plates
Place the bottom plate over the floor sill seal you've already installed. Have another person hold the top plate as you push the end studs into place. The sill seal should be between the board and the ceiling this time. Remember that the sill seal must run along the existing walls installed on the vertical ends.
Tap either stud with a hammer if it has to be persuaded to fit tightly between the plates. Is it possible that the studs seem too tall? With a sander or circular saw, remove some height. You can use a few wooden slats to close the gap between short studs.
Step 5: Attach the exterior studs to the plates with nails or screws
After setting the wall perimeter, nail or screw the end studs into the plates. It will be easier to replace if you use screws. It's good to attach the top plate to the adjacent ceiling frame for increased stability, especially if you have children or want to install a door.
Step 6: Make additional studs and screw drywall panels to them
In this step, attach the remainder studs. The remaining studs should be spaced 16 to 24 inches apart. You can add batt fiber insulation to the stud cavities to reduce sound transmission through some form of noise cancellation. And lastly, install the drywall panels last to easily remove the screws whenever you want.
Step 7: Give finishing touches according to your taste and needs
Some people may be quite content with the unfinished drywall's natural appearance. Others might want to paint or even build baseboards. This solely relies on the temporary wall's purpose.
But you can surely make it look like your permanent barriers with paints, decorations, and switchboards. But keep in mind that the more things you put in or over the wall, the more you'll need to remove later.
Different types of temporary walls or wall screens to decorate your home or office
White Metal And Alloy - Screen
Gray Metal and Fabric - Screen
Versatile Dark Wood Three Panel Room Divider Screen
How Much Does a Temporary Wall Cost?
If you want to divide a big room into 2, the best option is to carve up a wall in the middle. But a new wall construction is time-consuming and can be costly. You might have to spend as much as $2000 to $10,000 for the renovation.
So, what can you do in this situation? The most cost-effective approach would be to build a temporary wall. Temporary walls are inexpensive, and many cheap temporary walls are available in the market. You can get classy, aesthetic, and modern room dividers for a few hundred bucks. They are easy to use and can be placed anywhere in the house.
So, spend around $200 to $2,000 to buy the most affordable room dividers as temporary walls.
Conclusion
Building a temporary wall sounds complex and a job for professionals. But you can easily create a temporary wall with our 7 steps. Just make sure you have all the equipment and materials at your disposal beforehand.
And if you don't feel like going through all the works, there are wall dividers available across the web. You can get cheap wall dividers to act as temporary walls in the market.
FAQ
How Do You Build a Temporary Wall to Partition a Room?
The first step to building a temporary wall is getting the right tools and materials. We have listed all the things you will need for the job. So, get the necessary equipment and start applying the sill seal first. After that, follow the remaining 6 steps above.
What Can I Use to Divide a Room Temporarily?
Room dividers are a great way to break up your space and as décor. Your options include folding dividers, curtains, large bookcases, and more. You can use them to change the layout of a room, provide extra privacy, maximize storage space, or create a change of scenery.
How Do You Enclose a Room Without a Wall?
You can enclose a room without a wall by using a wall divider. There are many different sizes, styles, and types of wall dividers available in the market. You can even order customized wall dividers to separate a room.
How Do You Build a Movable Wall?
Building a movable wall is simple as long as you follow the 7-step approach word-by-word. Get the listed tools and materials and start building your first movable wall.
How Do You Split a Room into Two?
Room dividers are a great way to break up your space and can also double as décor. Your options include folding dividers, curtains, large bookcases, and more.
