Question about the walls in a small studio?

jaubles · #1 2008-01-12, 11:09am

I have a spot I can use in our laundry room. We dont have a garage. The space size is 5x6 Im wondering since its gutted if all the walls need to have fiber board. or just the wall near the kiln and desk for lampworking.

It used to be part of the garage so the floor is cement. And reading some others set up looks like a metal top desk is prefered for flammability. Any thing else I should be thinking of?

thanks! Jenn~

Judi_B · #2 2008-01-12, 11:22am

Hi Jenn,
Sounds like a nice little spot for your flameworking! I'm not sure about the walls, but I'm sure someone else will pop in with suggestions. The other major thing you need to consider is ventillation. You'll find a lot of helpful discussions on the subject in both the "Safety" and "Studio" areas here on LE.

Dale M. · #3 2008-01-12, 11:42am

I'm not sure what you are referring to as "fiber board"....

At a minimum it should be "gypsum" board (sheet rock) which is a flame retardant wall board used in much of home construction.....

Dale

Julz · #4 2008-01-12, 4:19pm

Only 5/8" and thicker gypsum board meets fire retardant specs. It's not much more expensive than 1/2". You can also cover the gypsum/sheet rock with 1/4" hardibacker cementitious board that is also fire retardant. Mind you, that does not mean "fireproof".

jaubles · #5 2008-01-12, 11:01pm

oh hardibacker is what I was thinking of OKay thanks! and Ill look for the saftey area for tips!! thanks a bunch everyone!

kirksglassart · #6 2008-01-15, 6:01am

If you're dealing with exterior walls, don't forget insulation between the studs before you put up your sheetrock or whatever.

Cherine Perrin · #7 2008-01-15, 11:36am

I've seen some really small studio's and if it's set up right, it can work. I would say that cement fiber board(hardibacker) behind your work table would be fine.

Good Luck!

Rose Leslie · #8 2008-01-17, 1:36pm

Did any one mention duroc or cement board. I am going to put some on the floor and then some behind my table for the torch. That way I'm a little more fireproof. Good luck with this.
Hardi backer is good also. Just read that also.

Curly Irish Girl · #9 2008-02-08, 2:52pm

My studio isn't all that big - 10x16....the walls are all "fire walls" - cement board - it's attached to our home, but no direct access - we talked with our home insurance agent and the fire department prior to building......just make sure that what ever you do keeps the home insurance happy - and your studio remodel is up to building as well as safety code - especially your ventilation - that's often a difficulty when carving you corner out of existing space rather than converting the whole space.