Adding an outlet here? (Pic)

CoconutPete · 10-24-2011, 08:57 AM

Here is the bottom of the wall in our little office.

As you can see I've removed the drywall to get a clear view of the wall. I'd like the outlet to be on this wall. The framing technique used obviously doesn't make it as easy as attaching the outlet to a 2x4. Interesting setup actually, not sure if it was standard in the 50's or what.

Anyway, I was thinking about just putting up 2 pieces of 2x4 to make a "box" which I could attach the outlet to. There is a crawlspace underneath there so punching through the subfloor to run the wire should actually be the simpler part of this job.

Any ideas? Reasons why I wouldn't do it the way I suggested?

jburd964 · 10-24-2011, 10:52 AM

You could just use a remodel box, the one with the ears that swing out when tightened to catch sheet rock, no stud needed.

I'm not a professional., But I did stay at Holiday Inn Express last night.

CoconutPete · 10-24-2011, 10:58 AM

True - but the wall is open anyway and I have a ton of 2' pieces of scrap 2x4 sitting around.

danpik · 10-24-2011, 11:05 AM

Uhmmmm... That looks like a pocked door cavity. That is why it is "framed" that way. Is there a closet near there or on the other side of that wall. It may be abbandoned in which case it would be OK to use the space, but make sure there is no door using it.

also, what is the water stain from

CoconutPete · 10-24-2011, 11:09 AM

Ah! That would make sense. HA! No pocket doors anywhere in my house, this space is definitely not used. I love the hillarious stuff you find in old houses.

About the water stains: This is an addition w/ a "flat roof". It isn't really flat, but I guess it used to be almost truly flat and the PO had problems w/ water. They had a slightly sloped roof installed in it's place and everything has been dry since I've lived here.

Ron6519 · 10-24-2011, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoconutPete

True - but the wall is open anyway and I have a ton of 2' pieces of scrap 2x4 sitting around.

Sound like a good idea or you could just use one 2x4 screwed to the back of the horizontal 1x4's and put a 1x4 in front to even out the spacing.

Thurman · 10-24-2011, 06:39 PM

Without removing the drywall you had no idea of what was behind it. Cutting an "exploratory" hole in the drywall would have been an option, but you elected to remove the drywall. Actually a good idea. The photo doesn't show what is at the top edge of the cut drywall. IF there is another 2 x 4 running horizontal, then I would use another 2 x 4 vertically, with "notches" cut out so that the front of the 2 x 4 would be for the drywall to fit up against. Much like a regular wall stud. Use screws to place this piece in as hammering in that short area is just not good. Then you can mount your box, pull your wire, replace the drywall (you'll need nailers for this), finish this all up and no one will ever no any better.

CoconutPete · 10-24-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron6519

Sound like a good idea or you could just use one 2x4 screwed to the back of the horizontal 1x4's and put a 1x4 in front to even out the spacing.

I went home and checked my scrap pile. I found a 1x3 which will give me 1 even side to attach the box to. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thurman

Without removing the drywall you had no idea of what was behind it. Cutting an "exploratory" hole in the drywall would have been an option, but you elected to remove the drywall. Actually a good idea.

LOL, I drilled 2 1.5" exploratory holes and after a series of "WTF" I ripped off the drywall. I couldn't figure these d@mn things out... I'm liking danpik's idea of the pocket door cavity. Those 1x4's run every 16" almost the entire height of the wall until about 8" before the top where there is a double top plate made of 2x4's. Like i said - I love old houses, you always find fun stuff.

I also drilled the hole down to the crawlspace, now I just have to go pick up some romex and some drywall, this is 3/8 and all I have is 1/2".

Jim F · 10-24-2011, 11:13 PM

Yeah, like you were saying. As long as you have the space opened up you can just as easily attach a vertical 2x4 where you want the outlet and mount a "new work" box. It will be more secure than a remodel box although they are fine for adding an outlet if you juet want to cut out a hole in preexisting drywal.

CoconutPete · 10-25-2011, 08:48 AM

Really my 2nd biggest concern was being able to drill the hole to down below in the right place. I could have measured and drilled from the bottom, but even if I hit between the studs I'm not sure how I would have pulled the wire through the hole in the drywall.

On the other side of that wall I'll also be adding a recessed outlet for the TV, so these 2 will share a circuit.

I ripped out a hackjob of an outlet when I redid this room. Tied into the pullstring light in the room, pulled across most of the ceiling, coming through the ceiling 1" from the wall and then tacked to the wall all the way down with a metal box attached to the outside of the wall. Complete with "phantom ground" and everything.

CoconutPete · 11-28-2011, 09:11 AM

Well after a hiatus due to a freak snowstorm before Halloween I am now actually living in my house again, caught up on various other things and working on the little office again. I used Ron's idea w/ the 2x4. I ended up doing that on both sides of the wall for this outlet and for the high one for the TV on the other side as well.