Post #527625 by jpmartdog on Mon, May 3, 2010 5:18 AM

I build similar walls on a regular basis in my 2500 sq ft art studio/rental. Because the wall is going to be L shaped - it , if built properly, will support itself and stand in the corner in front of your wall.
I would build it out of 2x4's and skin the frame with thin plywood.. 1/4" luan plywood is passable but often the panel is not beefy enough to hang a lot of items in varying areas (unless you hit a "stud"). I prefer 1/2" plywood. If you buy it at home depot - beware!!! many of their panels are warped - be sure to get a flat panel.

Build the small wall and the longer wall independently and then join together by abutting one to the other. Remember to compensate your overall measurements for the thickness of the 2 x 4's. When planning for the upright of each wall, be sure to space them at 16" apart. Your 4' x 8' sheet of plywood edge will fall on a stud for nailing. Build the 2 x 4 wall frames with 3 1/2 in common nails - Today's deck screws will often break before they set in 2 x 4's. You can attach the plywood panels with small deck screws or nail it. The 1/2 plywood will give a nice solid surface to attach matting-bamboo-shelving or hang photos. Be Sure to "hit a stud" in your new wall when attaching a heavy item or shelf.

if you measure your project right you should be able to fit it it snugly into the corner (floor to ceiling) and the L configuration should allow it to freestand safe and secure. You might think about buying some cheap carpet sample pieces to cut and glue to the bottom of your new wall to protect your landlords finished floors from scratches as you slide the wall into place and over time. The 'glued' carpet piece will also help you slide the wall construction into place.

Thats how I would do it - others may disagree. Good luck!

[ Edited by: jpmartdog 2010-05-03 05:20 ]