Walls and Ceilings - Recessed book shelves
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DaveServo
09-09-09, 06:58 PM
We recently moved into a house that was built in 1910. There is a wall that separates the kitchen from the rest of the first level. Besides a doorway in the wall there is a pass-through that measures about 3x3 feet. Under the pass-through is a book shelf that goes down to the trim along the floor. I'm not sure what the wall is made of. It sounds hollow and doesn't feel like plaster. when I knock on it it sounds like plywood. Anyway, I'm toying with the idea of putting a bookshelf on either side of the pass-through from ceiling to floor similar to the existing shelf. How can I determine if this is possible with this particular wall and what do I need to do in order to make it happen? I'm a complete rookie with major home projects but I'm not afraid to try something and mess it up before calling in a professional!
marksr
09-10-09, 04:50 AM
How thick is the wall? wide enough to have room for books :confused:
Is it a load bearing wall? There may be support members on each side of the opening to support the header over the opening which supports the structure above. It's also possible there is electrical, even plumbing in the wall cavity.
This doesn't mean the project can't be done, just that many things need to be considered [and dealt with if need be] first.
Is it a load bearing wall? There may be support members on each side of the opening to support the header over the opening which supports the structure above. It's also possible there is electrical, even plumbing in the wall cavity.
This doesn't mean the project can't be done, just that many things need to be considered [and dealt with if need be] first.
DaveServo
09-10-09, 08:03 AM
Well, there is already a small book shelf in there so I know it's thick enough. Beyond that, I'm not sure how to know for sure if it's load-bearing and what's inside. Is there a way to determine any of this without tearing the wall up?
marksr
09-10-09, 02:32 PM
You can start by finding out what's directly above it - rooms or attic? it's easier to determine if it's open attic space, is the wall supporting anything in the attic? If there is a room above, does that room have a wall in the same place? and again look in the attic.
You might not be able to determine for sure if it's load bearing until you open up the wall but you should be able to get some kind of idea before you go that far.
Are there elec outlets in that section of wall, on either side? Are there any plumbing fixtures on the other side or directly above? Gas lines for stove or heater? You may also be able to tell from underneath.
You might not be able to determine for sure if it's load bearing until you open up the wall but you should be able to get some kind of idea before you go that far.
Are there elec outlets in that section of wall, on either side? Are there any plumbing fixtures on the other side or directly above? Gas lines for stove or heater? You may also be able to tell from underneath.