How to Make a Freestanding Wall From Paneling

Use a sketchpad and draw details of the wall, including the exact paneling cover. Plan to use high-quality beadboard paneling, as one option. Draw the wall with any baseboard materials or electrical outlets you plan on installing. Determine how to route wiring from the basement or foundation space to the wall for any light fixtures or placement of needed outlets.

Construct the basic wall framework. Prepare the floor area for board framing. Remove the carpet, for example, so that the boards can be secured directly to floor joists with maximum security. Using an electric screwdriver, install 2-by-6-inch boards along the wall’s bottom plate. Construct the wall’s framing shape, including the top plate. Cut studs to fit on 16-inch centers along the inner cavity of the wall’s framework.

Run electrical wiring and determine the exact placement of outlet boxes. Secure these to studs before cutting any paneling to fit over the wall.

Cut sections of 4-by-8-foot paneling sheets for covering the wall. Leave openings for outlets and inner wall space for threading wiring for any scones that fit on the wall. Nail standard paneling or beadboard paneling with small, paneling nails, so that the seams are not noticeable.

Install baseboard material and wood trim on the freestanding wall. Paint the baseboard material, so that you do not have to bend to paint it after nailing it in place. Cover wall corners with molding. Use caulking if necessary, to fill noticeable gaps. Stain or paint any needed areas on the wall.

Cut square or round post material that fits on top of the wall at each end or spaced out every few feet on the wall’s top. Drive nails at an angle attaching the posts into ceiling joists, so that this connection helps stabilize the wall’s weight.