How to straighten or pack old timber wall frame for plaster?

[damien-22]

 

How do you go about straightening an old timber framed wall, ready for plaster?

I don’t think it’s out that much, but how can you tell it’s straight/square?

And if not, should it just be packed?

[EricL]

Hello @damien-22 

One quick way to tell if the studs are in alignment is with a straight edge. It can either be a piece of timber you've accurately cut with your circular saw or a long spirit level. You'll immediately see the studs that are not in alignment and those that are standing proud.

These can be addressed using a combination of timber packers and trimming the excess with a planer to get a perfectly flat stud wall.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide:  Repairing Framing prior to relining with plasterboard.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[damien-22]

Thanks for the reply Eric. 

what is the ideal nails to be used with the packing strips?

[EricL]

Hi @damien-22 

Depending on the thickness of the packing strip, I suggest using Paslode 50 x 2.8mm 500g Flat Head Galvanised Nails. You can get shorter ones especially if the timber strip is not that thick. Should you decide to use an adhesive along with the nail for the strip, just keep in mind that this adds to the thickness of the strip.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Malarkey]

Hello,

I also may need to do this, and I want to know about the right kind of planer to buy to trim the excess on the timber packers. My wall is not out by much, but it needs to be true so that I can accurately install a shower liner.

Many thanks!

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Malarkey. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about planer selection.

If it's only a small amount you need to take of the packing strips then a hand planer would do the job. If there is a substantial amount then you should look toward an electric planer.

That being said, if the studs are terribly out of alignment then you should consider replacing them.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell