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Carpentry Pro Framer

Wooden Room Divider Construction

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by

Taylor Balthazar
in

Gather Necessary Materials

Here's what you'll need for your wooden room divider project:

  • Plywood Panels: Three pieces, 16 inches by 64 inches each.
  • Wood Lumber: Six pieces at 12 inches long, six pieces at 6 feet long.
  • Hinges: Six, with screws.
  • Paint and Brush
  • Wood Varnish
  • Nails (2-inch) and Wood Glue
  • Hammer
  • Drill and Screwdriver

Consider choosing hinges that complement your design. Having all materials ready before starting will make the building process smoother.

A organized set of materials for building a wooden room divider, including plywood panels, wood lumber, hinges, paint, varnish, nails, and tools

Construct Frames and Assemble Panels

Start by creating the frames:

  1. Lay out the six-foot lumber pieces parallel to each other.
  2. Position three shorter pieces perpendicular to these, forming the top, middle, and bottom of the frame.
  3. Secure each crosspiece with glue and 2-inch nails.

Repeat this process for all three frames. Once complete, insert a plywood panel into each frame, ensuring a snug fit. If the plywood doesn't slide in easily, check your alignment. Secure the panels within the frames using wood glue around the edges. For added stability, you can drive a few screws into strategic places.

This process transforms your raw materials into the core components of your room divider.

A carpenter assembling the wooden frame for a room divider, showing the process of joining lumber pieces and inserting the plywood panel

Install Hinges for Flexibility

With frames assembled and panels in place, it's time to add flexibility to your divider:

  1. Place your panels side by side in their final setup.
  2. Position a pair of hinges evenly spaced along the edge where two panels meet, about six inches from the top and bottom.
  3. For extra security, you can add a third hinge in the middle.
  4. Secure the hinges to the panels using screws, ensuring they're firmly in place but not over-tightened.

Once installed, gently fold the panels back and forth to test the motion. The hinges should provide smooth movement while maintaining stability.

Proper hinge installation allows your room divider to adapt to different spaces and needs.

Close-up view of hands installing hinges on the wooden room divider panels, demonstrating the process of securing panels together

Finish and Paint for Aesthetic Appeal

The final step is to enhance the appearance of your divider:

  • Choose colors that complement your existing décor, whether you prefer muted shades or bold hues.
  • For highlighting natural wood grain, apply a coat of wood varnish. This not only enhances appearance but also protects the wood. Sand between coats for a smooth finish.
  • For a painted look, use a set of paintbrushes and your chosen color. Apply thin, even coats for best results.
  • Get creative with patterns or gradients if desired.

Once the paint or varnish has dried, your room divider is complete. It now serves as both a functional piece for privacy and a custom element in your home décor.

"A room divider can transform a space, adding both function and style to your interior design."
A person applying paint to the wooden room divider, showcasing the final aesthetic enhancement of the project
  1. Van der Massen N. REN: A Collection of Limited-Edition Room Dividers. Design Milk. 2022.
  2. Smith J. DIY Room Dividers: 26 Ideas to Maximize Your Space. The Spruce. 2021.
  3. Johnson A. How to Build a Modern Wooden Room Divider. DIY Network. 2020.