Freestanding walls work mainly as room dividers. Freestanding walls contain some mechanical elements such as water supply lines, electrical wires, etc. It is important to remember that as the height of the wall increases, it needs lateral support. If a wall is a 3-feet high, it requires less lateral support than the 6-feet high wall.
Most of us prefer to go for professional services, but if you invest some time in learning the technique, you can stabilize it yourself. Here is a proper method to stabilize a freestanding wall. If you want to get help doing it, read this article.
Tools you Need to Stabilize a Freestanding Wall
To stabilize a freestanding wall, you need to have some essential tools that make your task easy. You have to get tools for cutting, drilling, framing, and building a freestanding wall.
- A measuring tape
- Jigsaw
- Reciprocating saw
- Drill machine
- Nails
- Hammer
- Pipe wrench
Method to Stabilize a Freestanding Wall
A freestanding wall adds the beauty of room and decoration if built and supported appropriately. You can stable a freestanding wall by following some easy steps. Here is the quick method to stabilize a freestanding wall.
Step 1- Assemble Wall Frame
Your task started with assembling the wall frame. Maintain frame styles and rails and then assemble them with deck screws. After that, position window stiles between window rails and fix them with a screw. Once you have done so, assemble the wall and window frames against each other.
Step 2- Attach the Pipe/Wire
If you want to contain a water pipe or an electrical wire in the freestanding wall, attach the pipe or wire to the underside of the window rail. It will keep it protected and hidden. Then, you have to center each window stile below the other. Now drill two diameter holes in the lower frame rail. Insert the wire or pipe through the holes and tighten them.
Step 3- Install the Window Rail Skins
Next, you have to attach top and side frames with the help of glue and nails or with a hammer. Then install the window rail skins and the window stile skins. Do not hurry because you need to set the proper level here; gently use the hammer.
Step 4- Make Panel Skins
In the next step, you will need to make the panel skins. Mark the opening window on the panel skin with the help of measuring tape and pencil. Then cut the holes by using a jigsaw and inside the lines.
Step 5- Fix the Frames Skins
To fix the frame, you have to apply wooden glue to one side of the frame. And position the one-panel skin squarely on the frame and then nail the frame. Flip the frame over and fix the other skin in the same way.
Step 6- Trim the Skin Panels
With the surface of the frame skins, you have to trim the skin panels. Then carefully square the corners of the panel by using a handsaw.
Step 7- Assemble the Pipe with a Lower Frame
With the help of a pipe wrench, you have to assemble the required pipe. Thread the pipe extending from the lower frame rail.
Step 8- Final Look
In the last step, after stabilizing the freestanding wall and containing a pipe, make the final look. You should fill the nail holes with sand and make the surface smooth. Then paint the wall and leave it for a while.
Can a Retaining Wall be Freestanding?
Yes, retaining walls can be freestanding. Today the manufacturers offer a variety of blocks that can be used for both retaining and freestanding walls. A freestanding wall comes in various sizes, materials, colors, shapes, etc. However, the walls need some lateral support for properly standing as the height of the wall increases.
How Much does the Cost of the Freestanding Wall?
It depends on the features to stabilize the freestanding wall. Similarly, freestanding walls cost range from $700 to $2000 depending on the wall’s height, shape, and material. Most customers want multiple walls like that T-configuration and a seamless look. So, the wall cost depends upon the shape, style, size, quality, etc.
How High Can You Build a Freestanding Wall?
There is no limit on the height of the freestanding wall. You can build as high as you want. But it is better than a 4-inch thick wall that is not higher than 6 to 7 feet. It needs more firm lateral support as you increase the height. Whether the wall is horizontal or vertical, it needs proper lateral support.
You can also raise the freestanding wall to 9 or even 10 feet. However, experts do not recommend more than 7 feet because it is not safe when you have more than the recommended height, especially in kids’ homes.
How Much Should the Freestanding Wall be Thick?
It also varies, but according to my research, generally, freestanding walls have 4 to 4.5 inches thickness.
Conclusion
A freestanding wall can stand alone without being connected to the building. But without proper lateral support, it could be risky, especially when it is more than 3 feet. Stabilizing the freestanding wall is not a complex job, but you need to execute it properly.
You can stabilize the freestanding wall yourself, but we will recommend you hire professionals if you are not good at techniques.
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