How to Create a Plywood Separating Wall

Determine the location of the separating wall. Locate the studs in the adjacent walls with a stud finder. These studs help support the separating wall.

Measure the distance between the adjacent walls with a measuring tape. Cut two sections of 2- by 4-inch pressure-treated lumber to length with a circular saw. These sections form the top and bottom plates of the walls.

Place the bottom plate in the desired location between the adjacent wall studs. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plate into the subfloor at 4-inch intervals. Insert and tighten 4-inch wood screws through the pilot holes with an electric screwdriver to secure the bottom plate to the subfloor.

Position the top plate on the ceiling between the adjacent wall studs. Drill pilot holes at 4-inch intervals and secure the top plate to the ceiling joist with 4-inch wood screws.

Measure the interior distance between the top and bottom plate. Cut sections of 2- by 4-inch pressure-treated lumber to this length. You need one stud for each end of the wall, and one stud for each 16-inch span of wall length.

Stand one end stud between the top and bottom plate and against one adjacent wall. Drill pilot holes through this stud into the adjacent wall stud at 4-inch intervals. Drill pilot holes through the stud into the top and bottom plates at 45-degree angles. Insert and tighten 4-inch wood screws through the pilot holes. Repeat this process for the opposite end of the wall.

Measure and mark the bottom and top plates at 16-inch intervals between the end studs. Stand one stud at each mark and drill pilot holes through the stud into the top and bottom plate at 45-degree angles. Insert and tighten 4-inch wood screws to secure the stud. Repeat this process with the remaining studs.

Attach 3/8-inch-thick plywood sheets to the wall studs on both sides of the wall with 2-inch wood screws. Cut the plywood sheets as needed with a table saw.