? Scenic Divider down middle

[DigitalGriffin]

I'm building a 4x8 for my newphews & neices. I always built my benchwork on the long and skinny side, so I never needed a scenic divider, until now.

I thought about using 1/2" drywall down the middle. However I am unsure how to mount it to the 1/2" playwood base + 2 inch foamboad.

Could I run a 1x2 cleat across the plywood base and attach it at the bottom inch of the drywall? Could I use some small shallow corner brackets? Obviously I would have to cut the foamboard to accomodate the drywall/bracket.

Ideas? Suggestions?

Thanks guys,
~D

[Anonymous]

what about using 1' foam for a divider, it would be lighter than drywall, and you can paint it with latex, glue it to plywood base then ad 2" foam to each side. run a couple of 1x2's up each side for support and aid in any accidental bumping.

[SpaceMouse]

A lot depends on how you plan on scenicing the layout. IF you can get by with it. Throw in a few triangular supports.

[nucat78]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BXCARMIKE

what about using 1' foam for a divider, it would be lighter than drywall, and you can paint it with latex, glue it to plywood base then ad 2" foam to each side. run a couple of 1x2's up each side for support and aid in any accidental bumping.

I did a small N-scale layout on 2-inch foam with a half-inch (? maybe it was 1-inch) foam divider. I just cut a notch in the 2-inch foam and slipped the divider in.

Worked quite well without any additional bracing or support. I did have a couple of hills come up a few inches on the divider on one side though which probably provided a little bracing.

[larak]

Hm ... You don't say how tall the divider will be. In my experience with construction, unsupported drywall tends to sag or bend. This is possibly because of moisture absorbtion. You may also have issues with the edges being uneven and flaking. Painting all six sides could be helpful.

You might want to check out a product called "foamcore" or "foamboard". Any art supply should stock it. It is only 1/4 inch thick, light, pretty rigid and takes paint well.

Some folks use tempered masonite and I like the idea of 1" extruded poly foam (above). It's a bit thick but should "stand up" just fine.

Good luck.

[architct]

You dont say why you only want a 1/2" divider. If the divider is low say 18" or less one of the options above may work. If it is taller you may want to use 1x3 flat with 1/8" masonite attached to each side. A 1" dowel could be cut in half and used as a rounded end. Spackle sand and paint to finish.

[nbrodar]

Foam core is a good idea. You could also try 1/4 birch plywood. Both are rigid enough, but they will need some type of bracket at the bottom to hold them upright.

You could use a piece of angle iron, but a wooden L-shaped cleat , or a 2x4 stood on end would work better

Nick

[Pruitt]

Hmmm..... you live in a part of the country that gets pretty humid. Drywall will lose its rigidity and eventually fall over if not supported from top to bottom, or at the very least will curl one direction or the other.

The foam idea is probably your best bet, if you can't put up a support structure sandwiched between two layers of wallboard. Foam isn't affected by humidity, and will stay rigid l-o-n-g past when you'll care.