How to Knock Down a Non-Load-Bearing Wall

A non-load bearing wall is a wall that does not support the weight of the structure above it. Non-load bearing walls are found in a house's interior and divide the space into rooms. Because they don't have a structural role, altering or removing non-load bearing wall is a low-skill task that can be handled by anyone comfortable wielding a hammer or saw. Just check for wires and pipes behind the wallboard before you begin demolition; they'll need to be dealt with by either you, if you're comfortable with electrical or plumbing work, or a licensed contractor.

Sledgehammer
Circular or hand saw (optional)
Pry bar
Stepladder (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the wall to find electrical, HVAC or plumbing fixtures -- light switches, light sconces, electrical outlets, faucets, sinks and vents. If you see any of these items, there are electric wires, duct work or plumbing pipes in the wall. Shut off power at the breaker and water at the main cutoff if you plan to deal with these systems yourself.
- 2
  Bust an access hole in the drywall with your hammer or pry bar and begin pulling it from the studs by hand.
- 3
  Remove the wall studs by either knocking them out with the sledgehammer or cutting them in half with your saw and pulling them from the top and bottom plates. Flatten any remaining nails for safety.
- 4
  Pry the bottom plate from the subfloor with the pry bar. Pull the top plate from the ceiling joists by hand.

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