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Tips & Techniques

Modifying the Framing in Lath-and-Plaster Walls

When making changes to walls during remodeling projects, use these tips for removing framing without damaging old plaster.

Issue 229 – Aug/Sept 2012

On my past two kitchen-remodel projects, my clients wanted counter-depth refrigerators but didn’t want to give up the extra storage capacity and pay the high price of most counter-depth refrigerators. In both cases, I ended up pocketing the refrigerators into the wall to gain a good 3-in. to 4-in. of depth.

The job illustrated here was a down-to-the-studs remodel on the kitchen side of the partition walls. The lath-and-plaster walls of the adjacent rooms were to remain intact. The challenge was how to remove the studs to make a pocket for the fridge without damaging the lath and plaster, and then how to reinforce the plaster in the affected area.

Modifying the Framing in Lath-and-Plaster Walls

I started by carefully breaking all the plaster keys off the back side of the lath in the area where I was going to be cutting out studs. I did this with a light touch so that I wouldn’t crack the plaster on the other side. As shown in drawing #2, I used my oscillating multitool to cut all the nails holding the lath to the studs that I needed out of the way. Then I cut the studs with my circular saw at full depth (2-1/4-in.) and finished the cuts with the multitool. Don’t use a reciprocating saw for this; it will shake the plaster loose.

After gently prying the studs and plate out of the wall, I was left with a wide opening and the wall on the other side held together only by the lath and plaster. I vacuumed the plaster dust off the wall and cut a sheet of 1/2-in. plywood to fit the opening. Then I applied a couple of tubes’ worth of Loctite all-purpose construction adhesive to the back side of the lath. Unlike most construction adhesives, Loctite has a spreadable, mayonnaise-like consistency.

I pushed the plywood into the opening, smooshing the Loctite into all the crevices but without pushing out the plaster on the other side. As shown in drawing #3, I screwed angle clips to the sides of the studs to give the plywood some backing. This technique gained a precious 4 in.—just enough room for my client’s fridge to stand flush with the surrounding cabinetry.

Paul Johnson, Portland, OR

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #229

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Previous: How to Secure Old Plaster in a Pinch Next: Modern Approach to a Plaster Cornice

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View Comments

  1. 2morweeks | Apr 28, 2021 09:27pm | #1

    Nice. I like the idea and use of the oscillating multi-tool, I can imagine how much more time and patience it took to use it over the recip. And the Loctite w/plywood...great thinking the job thru...great work. I've used Loctite on several projects, and have been very impressed, not only with the way it applies, but also its' holding power...good stuff.
    Thank you for the submittal, nice to see professionalism on this site!

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