How to Use Drywall As a Divider in an Office

Drywall by itself does not have the intrinsic strength to work as a long-term dividing solution, but when framed loosely with 2-by-4s turned on their flat sides it makes a very practical room divider. The 2-by-4s are used just as they are in walls, except that for this project they are set on their flat sides to make the wall half as thick. A thinner wall makes more sense for office cubicles. This divider wall requires only a utility knife and drill to complete, and the final wall can be built out to any size.

Two 2-by-4 boards, 92 1/2-inch
Two 2-by-4 boards, 48-inch
Drill
Wood drill bits
Wood screws, 5-inch
Four 2-by-4 boards, 41-inch
Metal L-brackets, 3-inch
Wood screws, 1 1/2-inch
Drywall sheet, 3/4-by-48-by-96-inch
Drywall screws, 2-inch

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out two 92 1/2-inch 2-by-4 boards and two 48-inch 2-by-4 boards on their large sides so that they form a rectangular frame that is 48-by-99 1/2 inches. Drill two evenly spaced holes through each 48-inch board and into the end of each 92 1/2-inch board that it adjoins. Set 5-inch wood screws in each hole and connect the boards by tightening the screws.
- 2
  Set four 41-inch 2-by-4s within the frame, evenly spaced with their flat sides down and their ends butting into each 92 1/2-inch board. Drill two holes through each 92 1/2-inch board and into each end of the 41-inch boards. Attach them together with 5-inch wood screws.
- 3
  Space 3-inch metal L-brackets along the top surface of one of the 92 1/2-inch boards which will be the bottom of the divider. Position the brackets so that one side is flush with the large face of the 92 1/2-inch board, and one side is perpendicular to it, sticking straight up, though it will be attached to the ground once the divider is stood up. Space the brackets every 2 feet and attach them to the frame by drilling 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the bracket holes.
- 4
  Flip the frame over and support the bracket end with something to keep the metal brackets from scratching the floor. Repeat the process to add brackets to the other side in a mirrored fashion.
- 5
  Spread a 3/4-by-48-by-92-inch sheet of drywall over the frame so that it is evenly spaced with its ends halfway covering each 48-inch section of the frame. Screw 2-inch drywall screws down through the drywall every 12 inches into the frame, including the interior supports. Flip the frame over and repeat with another drywall sheet on the other side.
- 6
  Stand the divider up. Attach it to the floor with 5-inch wood screws if desired or simply stand it up and prevent it from falling over with some large furniture, such as desks nearby.

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