Thread: Cheap Walls

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Hi,

I've searched the entire prop forum and couldn't find anything so here is my request. I need to make some cheap solid walls but don't know exactly how to go about doing that. I generally purchase the large rolls of black plastic and hang walls that way. This year I need a couple of solid walls in some spots for my haunt. I am fairly tool ignorant. I can use a cordless drill and that's about it. What are some cheap and easy ways to construct solid walls?

The simplest is to use 1/4" Luan plywood. It is about the cheapest I have found that will stand up to a good amount of abuse. It will run about $15 to build a 4' x 8' section. It has a good finish that is easy to paint and is relatively lightweight. All you do is buy 1 sheet of plywood, 4 1"x2"x8" firring strips, and enough 4d spiral nails to fasten the thing together (yes you can use 1 1/2" drywall screws.) Make a frame using the firring strips set on edge that measures 4'x8'. Put a cross member in the center for extra strength. Next lay the frame out flat on the ground or workbench and lay the Luan plywood on top. Even the sides and ends up so that all are flush with each other. Lastly fasten them together using your nails every 6" to 8" all the way around the outside. It is best to fasten the cross member also but is not mandatory. Your panel is done. Combine several to make a longer wall. Cut the panels to make them shorter. Extra framing and stiffeners will be needed when erecting the walls. The panels must always be made the same way though. Other options are easier for some things but this is as one of the simplest and least expensive to make and to store. Hope that this helps. If you need more help just yell!

ok what is a firring strip? Also if I wanted to put two panels together on hinges would that be possible with this format?

And thanks for the instructions!

Wow, I am so sorry. I thought that I was making it simple and I only muddied the water! You are very welcome for the help, however, I will have to rethink everything I say. I don't want to make it so you give up. We all need help in an area we know nothing about sometime. I know I have see plenty in these halls I knew nothing about. Hang in there with me and we'll get you there. Next time you can be my tutor!

A firring strip is a low quality strip of wood manufactured in smaller thicknesses and widths and usually in short lengths such as 8 feet long. They were used by us old time carpenters to help straighten crooked walls as well as for a myriad of other assorted uses. If you ask for help at your local lumber yard they will know exactly what you need. Yes, they can accommodate placement of hinges. Bear in mind that these are thinner pieces of wood and special precautions might have to be taken to allow for the rugged use they might have to endure. That means that you will have to work harder and build heavier to make it work.

Why don't we approach this in a different manner. If you have the capabilities, could you sketch out a floor-plan of the maze you intend on building. A written plan might work as well. I will then be able to first tutor you on the techniques you need to do the individual parts of the maze or second I might be able to help step by step as you build. Sort of a long distance partner. Much like a back seat driver is your partner in your journey. Maybe this will help a little more. I will wait for your reply.

Sorry about that. I was supposed to have inserted a picture in the text. Maybe you can tutor me on doing this properly EVERY TIME! I am still learning this technique. I'll insert it next time.

Thank you so much. I'll work on a floor plan. I'll warn you I'm not very good with them. I've been playing around with Google Sketch up hoping that will make things a little easier. The space I have to work with is a very odd one indeed so the floorplan will look a little odd once I get it done. I'm brand new to the forum so I'm not entirely sure about embedding pictures Thank you so much for your help and for explaining things for me. I can hang black painters plastic and create awesome mazes all day long I just need a little help in the lumber department. I hate walking into a hardware store and asking for something not knowing what it is. I've done that and they look at me like I'm the typical female who doesn't know what she's doing and while that may be true I like to pretend otherwise!

This is very interesting as I too am not tool literate but so desperately want to
learn how to make an outside haunt using popups and walls and such.