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closet opening
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Posted by
veedubdan (
My Page) on
Sun, Mar 9, 08 at 21:53
| I have a house that was built in 1941. I'm looking to enlarge a closet door opening and was wondering how to do so without damaging the surrounding plaster. Any suggestions would be a huge help. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: closet opening
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| I'm trying really hard to understand how a larger opening can be made in a wall without 'damaging' anything. Of course you would have to repair the damage afterward, but there's no magic that can enlarge a space without affecting the surrounding structure! |
RE: closet opening
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As Lucy said, this is not possible. Things need to be reframed, possibly a new header put in. There will be taping, spackling and the whole room will need to be painted.
Ron |
RE: closet opening
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| Well, I'm not sure about the whole room - not if you choose to make that one wall an 'accent' wall in a complementary color. |
RE: closet opening
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| I know I will have to do reframing and plaster will be damaged. I guess I was trying to find out how to keep the damage to a minimum. I've never done anything like this with plaster and lathe. My experience is only with drywall so far. |
RE: closet opening
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| The best way that I've seen to put a hole in plaster with minimal damage to the surrounding area is to use a drill to create a series of holes in as straight of a line as possible. Then use a key hole saw to start the cutting at the edges/corners. Once that's done, you can use a hammer or whatever to break the center sections out, a saw to cut out the lath pieces etc. There will be damage, but if you do that you have a hope at containing it. |
RE: closet opening
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| Best way to minimize cracking and collateral damage - cut the plaster with a circular saw with a concrete blade set at just the depth of the plaster, then go back over with a wood cutting blade for the lath. This kicks out a lot of dust, so have someone follow you with a shop vac hose as you are cutting. Cut back the lath and plaster just enough to get the old studs and header out. You should do the inside of the closet first (where you can hide any damage better). Install the new studs and header from the inside if possible. Then on the outside of the closet, pre-drill and countersink holes and attach the lath and plaster to the new studs with cementboard screws(they have slightly larger heads than drywall). Don't tighten them too much - you just want to snug the lath and plaster up, not crack the plaster. Then cut any excess lath and plaster back to the stud with the circular saw. If you do this "gently", you shouldn't have too much plaster repair to do after you you add the trim. |
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