How to Build a Metal Floating Wall

A floating wall.
  • 2-8 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 300-750
What You'll Need
Metal sheeting
Metal track and studs
Pencil
Spirit level
Adhesive
Screws
Hammer drill
Caulking gun
Insulation
Ladder
Paint
What You'll Need
Metal sheeting
Metal track and studs
Pencil
Spirit level
Adhesive
Screws
Hammer drill
Caulking gun
Insulation
Ladder
Paint

A metal floating wall gives your room an industrial look. If you want to separate two areas of your room, you can build a floating wall. They are tough and sturdy. Building a metal floating wall is very easy, with all the tools readily available at your local home improvement store.

Step 1 - Plan the Layout

First of all, decide where you want to build your metal floating wall. Mark the area on the floor and on the ceiling. Draw a straight line from one end of the floor to the other. Draw a matching line on the ceiling as well.

Step 2 - Take Measurements

Take the measurements for the floating wall metal tracks and metal sheeting. You can get your metal sheeting cut to size at your local home improvement store.

Step 3 - Attach the Metal Tracks

Attach the metal tracks on to the floor and ceiling, two on the floor and two on the ceiling. To attach them to the floor, spread some adhesive on them and attach them along the lines you marked. Use the hammer drill to drill holes in the floor and drive in the screws. To attach the metal tracks on to the ceiling, get a ladder and glue them onto the ceiling. Drive in screws as well, for additional support.

Step 4 - Attach the Studs on the Wall

The next task is attaching the studs to the wall. To do this, draw a straight, vertical line on the wall from the floor to the ceiling on both sides. The studs are placed on this vertical line, and they support the metal floating wall. A 1/4-inch gap is left between the studs, to allow for contraction and expansion of the wall. Also, the studs need to be securely placed onto the wall.

Step 5 - Attach the Metal Sheeting to the Studs

Attach the metal sheet to the wall studs using screws. A 1/2-inch gap is left between the floor and the metal wall, to allow expansion and contraction. Similarly, another 1/2-inch gap is left between the ceiling and the floating wall.

Step 6 - Insulate the Floating Wall

Now, you can fill the space in between the 2 metal sheets with insulating material. Insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs and cut down on noise.

Step 7 - Attach the Other Side of the Wall to the Studs

Once you have finished the insulation, you can attach the other side of the wall to the studs. This will close both sides of the wall.

Step 8 - Paint the Metal Floating Wall

You can leave the metal floating wall as it is or you can paint it with a color matching your room décor. Make sure you use a paint meant for metal.

Step 9 - Finish

The gaps left near the ceiling and floor provide space for expansion and contraction of the floating wall. Cover the gaps with trim secured to the wall, not the ceiling or floor.