How to Build a Wall Over an Unused Fireplace

Because a fireplace wall has already been insulated and framed, it is not necessary to go through all of the framing steps of a normal wall when covering up a fireplace. Covering the area with plywood sheeting and then drywall makes a much more straightforward installation process and gives you more space within the room, as less is taken up with framing. The new wall must be insulated, however, due to the heat loss potential of any fireplace. Permanently disabling the fireplace may be done by a professional to ensure that the minimum amount of heat is lost through the old fireplace.

Tape measure
2-by-4 boards
Hammer drill
Masonry drill bit
Masonry screws, 4-inch
Washers
Wood screws, 2 1/2-inch
Carpentry level, 3-foot
Masonry screws, 2-inch
Plywood boards
Insulation
Carpentry stapler
Drywall
Drywall screws, 1 1/2-inch
Drywall tape
Drywall mud
Putty knife

Instructions

- 1
  Build supports to accommodate for any sections of the fireplace that are not flat by measuring the distance from that section of the fireplace up to the portion that sticks out the furthest. Cut two-by-fours to be attached lengthwise in those areas to support the wall.
- 2
  Drill holes through the large surfaces of the wall two-by-fours, spacing the holes every 12 inches. Set the two-by-fours against the section of the fireplace wall where they will be installed and mark their holes. Drill out each hole with a masonry drill bit. Attach the two-by-fours to the fireplace wall with 4-inch masonry screws threaded through washers.
- 3
  Continue to build out the areas of the wall as needed by layering two-by-fours on top of each other and screwing them in place with 2 1/2-inch wood screws spaced every 12 inches along the board. Place these boards against the wall every 12 inches to bring every surface of the fireplace wall to the same level. Build up along the edge of the fireplace wall, where the edges of the plywood will be to make the sides of the wall.
- 4
  Hold a 3-foot carpentry level against the built-out section of the wall to make sure it is level. Set plywood boards against the built-out section and check again to make sure it is straight.
- 5
  Fill the opening of the fireplace with at least 12 inches of fiberglass insulation or 4 inches of foamboard insulation. Attach the insulation to the plywood board or the two-by-fours or simply set it within the fireplace opening.
- 6
  Hold the plywood back in place drill through the board every 12 inches into any two-by-fours underneath and into any places where it contacts the masonry. Remove the plywood and drill out any of the holes that needed to be made in masonry. Screw the plywood to the two-by-fours boards with 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Screw the plywood to the masonry holes with 2-inch masonry screws. Add plywood sheets until the wall is completely covered.
- 7
  Lay drywall over the plywood and attach it to the plywood with 1 1/2-inch drywall screws, screwed in a 12-inch grid. Space the screws every 6 inches around the edge of the drywall panel. Cut pieces to attach to the sides and any strange gaps or surfaces. Cover every screw head and seam with drywall tape.
- 8
  Apply drywall mud to the taped sections until the entire drywall surface is smooth and ready to be primed. Let the mud dry overnight, then prime the wall using smooth, even brush strokes. Let the primer dry for two hours, then apply another coat. Continue with this pattern to apply paint on top of the primer until the wall is the desired color.

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