This is my first post, so forgive me for the stupid question….
I am framing out a half-wall for a peninsula for my new kitchen. I didn’t take into account the height of the electrical boxes and finished floor, so I built the half wall 42″ high with double top plate. That means I am about 3/4″ short for room for the receptical boxes by the time the finished floor and countertrop gets in. Normally I would just rip it out, but it was complex in that there are 2 45s and also half walls framed around a staircase.
So, the question is, can I “notch” out the lower of the top plates in order to attach the boxes, and then put another layer of 2×4 on top so that the finished height of the bar area will be 42.75 from the finished HW floor?
Or, do I cut the whole thing off the subfloor and add another bottom plate?
Pic might explain it:
Thanks in advance!
-Tony
Edited 3/15/2006 1:46 pm ET by Tbakes
Replies
If you are able and willing to add another top plate – notch away.
You can also incorporate the outlets into the backsplash. Bring the backsplash up to the framed wall height and you will eliminate any trim details under the top
By the way, if it makes any differance, your finished counter height will be higher than 42 3/4". (Don't forget to take the thickness of the top into account.
Terry
Yes, you can. But why do you need 2 top plates?
Also it sounds like you have room to mount the boxes horizontally.
Bill -I don't see how I have room - there is going to be cabs and counter sitting on top of finished floor, so that would be 36" + 3/4", and the top of the vertical studs are 38 1/2"....
That tight it looks like you might need to make then horizontal anyway.But I did not work out the actuall dimensions that you have.
It's a half wall. No load to speak of on the top. You can simply notch -- no need for yet another top plate unless you want the added height.
(Don't forget to figure any trim you'll put along the top edge -- you may need more height so trim can clear the boxes.)
happy?
Certainly....notch it out....and keep in mind what Dan said...
(Don't forget to figure any trim you'll put along the top edge -- you may need more height so trim can clear the boxes.)
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Thanks everyone - I knew I didn't need the double plate for structure, but it did stiffen things noticable. I think I will notch and add another top layer for a little extra height. I'd like the underside of the bar counter to be atleast 42" from the bottom of the floor.
Thanks for the quick replies - I love this forum!