how do I go about seperating a large room in two?

[diydogg]

hi ,

I have a large kitchen dinner which i want to separate, so that i have a smaller kitchen and an extra room. I want to seperate them with a wall. Does anyone have any info on how i would go about doing this, and how much its likely to cost?

thanks all.

__________________________
please see fourum rule 9

 

[noseall]

a stud wall is probably going to be the simplest and cheapest option.
are you going to build it yourself?

 

[diydogg]

I might give it a go myself, but would also consider getting help. Its just knowing where to start, as I have not done anything like this before . Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[noseall]

decide wether you want to use 75mm or 100mm timber.
fix a sole plate (bottom timber) to the floor. if its concrete, plug and screw, if its timber, locate the joists then pilot and screw. make sure there are no heating pipes or wires in the way.
plumb upright lines up to the ceiling.
fix a ceiling timber. locate the ceiling joists pilot and screw. if the joists run with the wall it might be worth locating the wall to correspond with the ceiling joist.
fix upright studs between the top and bottom timber.fix one up against the wall either side and set the rest at 400 or 450mm centres.
fix plasterboard to one side only.
first fix any electrics or plumbing.
put sound deadening insulation in the void.
fix boards to the other side
skim boards.
fix skirting.
decorate.

 

[SparkyMarky]

Might be worth fitting a door as well. It'd make access easier

 

[noseall]

as smarty marky has said, a door casing may be needed.
once you have decided on timber thickness the this will determine wether you use a 4-1/4" casing or a 5-1/4" casing.
a 2'-6" x 6'-6" is the normal size.
if you leave a gap of 32 inches between upright studs this will allow ample room for a 2'-6" wide casing.
sorry to work in old money (imperial) measurements, but doors are still largely imperial.

 

[2scoops0406]

finish off electics and plumbing?

 

[diydogg]

thankyou for the info .

Ok a fw some noob questions?

1. How do I locate the ceiling joists?

2. Does the wall have to go be located at the ceiling joists?

3. Can I get all the materials (like studs) from the local DIY store (b&Q)?

4. What are upright studs, and are they easy to fit?


5. How much do you think materials will cost in total? The room is about 3.2m/10.5 ft wide, 2.75m/9ft high.

6. How much (roughly)would it be to pay someone to do the whole job?

Thanks again.

 

[jbonding]

look here http://www.lafargeplasterboard.co.uk/installation_guide/install.asp?title=metalstu

 

[noseall]

you could either use a diy stud detector or pull the carpet back upstairs to locate the ceiling joists.
looking at how the floor boards have been nailed will tell you joist direction, spacing and proximity.
if the joists run at 90 degrees to the stud wall, then you will have ample fixing opportunity for the top timber.
if they run with the wall, and you cant possibly locate a top fixing, you could always use plasterboard fixings coupled with a strong adhesive applied to the back of the timber. some hollow void fixings can be unreliable.
you can buy 75x50mm and 100x50mm timber at most diy sheds and builders yards. the diy sheds tend to sell in 2400mm lengths though.
the upright timbers or studs are cut to fit between the top and bottom timbers.
they are best cut to a very snug fit. a tight fitting upright stud will help with the skew fixings into the top and bottom timbers.
p.s eddie m, i was describing how to build a stud wall. first fixing info was a bonus.

 

[Deluks]

Go here:

http://www.wickes.co.uk/scat/goodideas

scroll down to 'building' and select the first option, "build a partition wall"

If you have a Wickes nearby you can also get this leaflet instore. They will also sell you the materials needed, but beware when buying wood from Wickes or B&Q etc, be sure to check it's not warped, twisted or banana shaped.

You could pay someone to do it, a good builder will have it done in a day, probably costing between £100 to £150 for labour, plus materials. (note: they will overcharge you on the materials! )

Give it a go yourself though, you will just need a hammer, handsaw, tape measure and probably a drill. You'll get mucho admiration when guests come round and you show them the fruits of your hard work.

If it comes out wonky tell them it was 'Dali inspired'