Wall demo

ediemarie

I am planning on removing wall between kitchen and dining room. Condo built in late 1940's so has plaster walls. After wall removal, how do I patch wall/ceiling where old wall existed? Do I install piece of drywall?

Jackofall1

Yes, will probably have to shim the drywall to get it to the same elevation of the plaster.

On a side note, most condo's donot allow changes to structural walls, have you submitted plans for approval?

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ediemarie

yes this is a nonloadbearing wall. so, what material do I use for the joints between the drywall and plaster?

cabinetman

An alternative to using drywall, if the ceiling is plaster, you could just nail up some lathe, and then plaster over. You may have to substrate the lathe.

gotogregg

Hey Ediemarie,
You could also trim the opening with door jamb stock. You would just frame out the opening and cover the holes where the wall was. This will also give the rooms some division while maintaining an open concept. -Gregg

Gary in WA

You want to be careful when removing the top plate of the wall. It is probably attached to backing nailers, boards nailed from the top down into the very top plate of the wall (running parallel and overhanging 1-1/2"). Using force will jar/break the plaster on the many lath pieces of wood nailed up into the nailers, then plastered, of the existing ceiling. This will cause undue work and time. With the double top plate exposed and the wall removed, use a helper to support a 2-3' section of plate, starting on one end. The other person cuts the plate with a multi-tool or circular saw with eye,hand, sleeve protection, very carefully. I cut it into sections, remove the bigger ones that are not nailed. Cut the nailed ones small enough to use a sharp chisel, splitting from the end grain in the fastener line. Tap the nail up, add 1/2" drywall between the lath, tape and texture. Don't shock the lath/plaster. You may find the nailers are now floating in the joist cavity and need support. A whole 'nother ball game.......

Gary

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ediemarie

oh i do like the idea of framing it rather than trying to patch the area! great idea.

epson

Just a question, did you get permission from the condo board to do this remodeling and go to the city for any permits?

michaelcherr

Most wall removals I've seen cut an opening (almost the entire size) This will give you a feeling of openness, but still two rooms. Pull down the plaster on the wall, notch the studs to throw up a header all the way across, support the header on the ends, then take out the studs.