How to Make a Fake Wall

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Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-4-inch studs

  • Stud finder

  • Marker

  • Measuring tape

  • Circular saw

  • Hammer

  • 3-inch nails

  • Level

  • Shims

Fake wall construction varies depending on the purpose.

Fake walls can serve several different purposes including decorative and functional. The function of a fake wall includes hiding the wires of electronics, serving as a Halloween gag wall, or concealing valuable items. The most important thing is to provide stability for the wall. The easiest way to create a stable wall is to build a real wall frame and then either leave an open space for entry behind it or cover it with removable cloth or removable wainscoting. This project could require more than one person.

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Step 1

Mark the location of the fake wall on the ceiling. Use a stud finder to locate the ceiling joists and mark them along the fake wall line.

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Step 2

Measure the distance from the ceiling to the floor. Subtract 3 inches from the ceiling height to account for the header and footer boards. This is the height of your supporting studs.

Step 3

Determine how wide you want the wall to be. If the wall is to be longer than 8 feet, build the wall in 8-foot sections. If it is shorter than 8 feet, cut the header and footer to the desired length with a circular saw.

Step 4

Place the studs that will be your header and footer next to each other on the floor. Measure and mark across both studs the locations of the supporting studs. Studs should generally be 16 inches apart on center, but since this is not a supporting wall, you can spread some studs further apart to accommodate its purpose.

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Step 5

Build the fake wall on the floor of the room it will go in. Place all the 2-by-4 studs on their short ends. Secure the header and footer to the supporting studs with 3-inch nails.

Step 6

Lift the wall into place. Use a rubber hammer and a scrap piece of 2-by-4 to knock the wall horizontal. Check the angle with the level. Nail the fake wall into the ceiling joists you previously marked.

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Step 7

Shim any area that does not touch the floor.

Step 8

Cover the fake wall with cloth, carpeting or removable paneling, or nail drywall in place and paint depending on your purpose.

Tip

Ensure that there is a stud where you want to place the television or other objects if that is the purpose of the wall. Speaker cover material can hide components while allowing remote controls to function. Consider building half a fake wall if a full fake wall isn't suitable.

Warning

Always wear safety goggles when using power tools.

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