demolishing an interior non-loadbearing wall Brickwork, drystone walling, render are a few subjects covered here. Click here to post questions and get answers

[russellmre]

Could anyone help me with a DIY project? I'm planning to demolish an interior wall separating the kitchen and living room. It's masonry, about 20 cm thick, non load bearing, and does not contain any pipes or electrical cables. My question is, what would be the most straightforward and least messy way to go about it? If I use a sledge hammer, what about straightening the edges? What alternative tools could I use? What about demolishing the wall in sections using a large drill or removing piece by piece using an angle grinder? I've not been able to find information on any of these approaches on the Internet, so would much appreciate any advice

[tim reeve]

I would start at the top of the wall with a lump hammer and bolster,taking a wheelbarrow load at a time.Its a lot less dusty than using a angle grinder or sledgehammer.

[russellmre]

would the lump hammer be big and heavy enough to demolish the wall? what do you suggest I do at the edges to make it neat?

[the specialist]

Hi

Are you sure it is not load bearing? It's unusual to have a wall that thick if it is not load bearing? Have you checked to see if any of the floor joists above bear onto it?
I dont want to sound negative but thought I'd mention it.

Tim's right about methodology. To make the edges neat you ned to use your bolster. Once you have removed a few courses from the top you just have to snap the bricks using the bolster from the top. If you do it from the side you will loosen the bricks you want to keep.

[russellmre]

All the walls in my house are that thick. Of course, before I actually demolish anything I will carry out a detailed check that it's not load bearing. What do you think about using a wall cutter at the edges?

[TheDoctor5]

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[peterawilson]

I plan to do the same job in a few weeks. got the boys booked in to help and already have the opinion of a builder and a guy who works with steel we feel while the wall is brick it is not load bearing. The floor joists above run either side of the wall not on top of it. The upstairs partition wall does not sit above this wall either. We did feel it may well be a tie in wall for the rear wall of the house so I may well put in some steel to support this rear wall.
Question, should I involve the building people at local council?

[TheDoctor4]

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