skip to main content

mysterious wooden blocks in base of brick wall

12 years ago

I took the plaster off of a wall and found that there are wooden blocks in the base of the wall, spaced about 2.5 feet apart. They can be pulled out of the wall by hand. Here are photos showing one in the wall...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanwalker/6594658673/in/photostream

...and one pulled out...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanwalker/6594662645/in/photostream

What is the purpose of these blocks and would it be ok if I filled in the space with brick and lime mortar? I plan to point up the wall a bit and then finish with a frame wall with insulation and drywall.

Thank you

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

antiquesilver
12 years ago
The purpose is to provide a nailing area to attach the baseboard but I don't know what they're called.
arnoldbird
Original Author
12 years ago
makes sense. thanks.
Related Professionals
Euclid Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Bellevue Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Honolulu Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Kendale Lakes Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Lincoln Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Oklahoma City Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Panama City Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Patterson Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Rancho Palos Verdes Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Southampton Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Tempe Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Vashon Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Princeton Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Ken Caryl Architects & Building Designers · Saint James Architects & Building Designers
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
12 years ago
The purpose is to provide a nailing area to attach the baseboard but I don't know what they're called.

nailing block?

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Evoke Mystery and History With Moss in the Garden

Go ahead, lie about age. Moss on garden statues, planters and pavers creates the beautifully deceptive look of time’s passing

DESIGN DETAILS Design Workshop: The Modern Wall Base, 4 Ways

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Do you really need baseboards? Contemporary design provides minimalist alternatives to the common intersection of floor and wall

DECORATING GUIDES Design Mystery: Why Do Pineapples Sprout Up in Home Design?

By Mary Jo Bowling

Early Americans were bananas about pineapples — and we’re still reaping the benefits of the sweet fruit’s symbolism today

DIY PROJECTS Neat Little Project: A Wooden Planter to Hang Anywhere

Dress up a drab wall or window with this planter box you make yourself. Or just set it on a patio for the easiest 'installation' of all

MODERN HOMES Houzz Tour: A Base Camp Designed for Adventure, Durability and Style

Rugged materials join refined good looks and clever details in a Washington family’s all-year getaway

DIY PROJECTS Turn a Wooden Pallet Into Unique Photo Frames

By Julie Ranee Photography

Free wood? We're so in. Salvage a pallet or other cast-off wood to make delightfully distressed frames that fit almost any decor

COLORFUL KITCHENS Kitchen of the Week: Bold Color-Blocking and a Central Banquette

By Carol Crotta

Glossy red cabinets contrast with black surfaces and white seating in this cooking-dining space designed for entertaining

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Design Practice: 11 Ways Architects Can Overcome Creative Blocks

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

When inspiration remains elusive, consider these strategies for finding your creative muse

ARCHITECTURE Modern and Traditional Converge on Coveted Chicago Blocks

As newer structures replace old on a pair of desirable streets, architects are challenged with how best to bring in modern styles

KITCHEN DESIGN Yes, You Can Use Brick in the Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Quell your fears of cooking splashes, cleaning nightmares and dust with these tips from the pros

More Discussions

1920 house: Before and After kitchen - long! Lots of pics!

27

Updating suggestions please!

3

Help with lighting & arranging small, dark, narrow living room 1840's

1

Addition/floor plan help in a duplex

16

Bathroom beadboard base moulding

9