Tips and articles about walls, of interest to homeowners. Topics include wall construction, wallpaper and wall coverings,
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about plaster.
Wallpaper, with its variety of patterns, colors and finishes, is a popular alternative to painting a room. This information can clarify and help answer some questions about installing wallpaper.
Take a look at those stark white walls in your home -- what a wonderful opportunity for expressing your personal style and creativity!
Q: I am building a glass block wall for a shower with a vaulted ceiling and want to know how to attach the block to the wall so that it will be secure without having to go to the ceiling.
Drywall finishes come in two basic styles: smooth and textured. Textured finishes range from light to medium and heavy, with both simple and complex textures. There are two types of smooth wall finish: smooth for wallpaper and smooth for paint (smooth for paint leaves a slight pebble finish).
Drywall panels cover most walls and ceilings built in the last 40 years. These panels have a layer of gypsum sandwiched between heavy paper facings. A waterproof type sometimes called green board is used in bathrooms and other areas subject to heavy moisture. The sheets, which are relatively inexpensive, are 4 feet wide, 1/4 to 5/8 inch thick, and 6 to 16 feet long. The standard size is 1/2 inch thick and 8 feet long.
Although drywall nails are inexpensive and quick to use, drywall screws are more secure - and often a better choice for hanging drywall on ceilings.
Drywall panels cover most walls and ceilings built over the last 40 years. Drywall can also be called sheetrock, wallboard and gypsum board. These panels are made of a layer of gypsum sandwiched between heavy paper facings. A waterproof type, sometimes called "green board" because of the color of the paper, is used in bathrooms and other areas subject to heavy moisture.
Q: We have a small hole in our wall. Can we repair it ourselves?
Q: What is the best way to go about sealing our windows? The drywall is slightly cracked around the windowpane. Is there anything we should do to prep this area before caulking?
Styles of drywall have changed a lot over the years. Using drywall techniques to add new architectural or design touches, or simply retexturing ceilings and walls, can dramatically change the overall appearance of a home with a relatively small investment. Following are some basic ideas to get you started.
Although newer wallpaper is often washable, older papers may not be. Before washing wallpaper, test an inconspicuous area. Washable wallpaper can be sponged off with a mild detergent.
Q: I am planning a remodeling project, and want to find out what has to be done, and what steps are involved to create a pass through wall between my kitchen and family room.
As I know that this is a load bearing wall, what are the things I must do and the sequence to be done with respect to ensuring stability of the supported ceiling?
Few things fill a professional paper hanger's heart with more dread than hearing a potential client say, "My walls are already smooth and ready for paper."
Few modern wallpapers are actually made of paper. Today's wall coverings may be made of vinyl, vinyl-coated paper or cloth, textiles, natural grasses, foil or mylar.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about removing wall coverings.
Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or simply hanging a mirror, an understanding of wall materials is essential. The two most common interior wall surfaces are gypsum wallboard, often referred to as drywall, sheetrock or gyp board, and plaster.
Wallpaper, with its variety of patterns, colors and finishes, is a popular alternative to painting a room. This information can clarify and help answer some questions about wallpaper.
Q: What is the correct procedure for installing drywall tape at the seams?
Q: I have a cinder block wall in a finished basement in a house built in 1978. Behind the paneling, the drywall and the studs were rotted out from moisture. A sump pump was added at some point before we bought it, but there is no evidence of standing water. There are hairline cracks in the wall on the outside, below ground level, but no large cracks (as far as I can tell). After removing the drywall and insulation, the cinder blocks were damp, not wet, but dried out eventually. Do I need to trench around the foundation and re-coat with waterproofing, or is waterproof paint on the inside good enough?
Q: We bought a house three weeks ago and we would like to repaint the walls. The problem is that in some areas or rooms there is already wallpaper. How we can get rid of the existing wallpaper? What do we need to do it ourselves?
Q: I've been wanting to paint my bathroom. The walls are covered with two layers of wallpaper and textured paint. I've been trying to remove it by scraping, but it's taking a very long time. I have been scraping and scraping. Is there an easier way?
Q: I want to remove an exterior wall that separates my living room from a sun porch. It is a load-bearing wall and I would like to support the 14 foot 6 inch span with as small a beam as possible, wood or steel.
Can you let me know my options for temporary support and permanent post and beam size requirements?
Q: My tenants stuck two sets of beveled mirrors to the wall. How can I remove them and will I have to replace the drywall?
Although plaster can be extremely durable, stress cracks can come from movement in the framing of the house. Holes are generally caused by impacts or water. Over time, plaster walls and ceilings may develop stress-cracks.