12/15/2024
Renovating a 1960s Bedroom – A Look at the Walls!
I’ve been working on renovating a small bedroom in my home, and I wanted to share something interesting I discovered about how the walls were originally constructed. Houses built in the 1960s often had unique building techniques that you don’t see much today.
Here’s how the walls are built:
The studs are 3x4s placed 24 inches apart (modern studs are usually 2x4s at 16 inches apart).
Over the studs, 1x16 boards were installed as the first layer.
On top of the boards, they used newspaper as insulation or backing.
Finally, they finished the wall with plaster and lathe for a smooth, sturdy surface.
Why did they build walls this way?
In the 1960s, this style of construction was common for several reasons:
1. Materials Efficiency: Wider spacing between the studs (24 inches vs. 16 inches) saved on wood during construction. It was practical and economical, especially during times when lumber was costly or in limited supply.
2. Layered Durability: The 1x16 boards provided structural support and acted as a base for the plaster and lathe. This gave the walls extra strength and stability.
3. Insulation with Newspaper: Newspaper was sometimes used as a basic form of insulation or an inexpensive filler, helping to block drafts before better materials became standard.
4. Plaster and Lathe: This method was popular before drywall became the go-to choice in the late 20th century. It created a more solid, soundproof wall but was labor-intensive compared to modern drywall techniques.
It’s amazing to see how much care and thought went into these walls back then, even if the methods were a bit different than what we’re used to now!
Stay tuned for updates as I renovate this space and bring it up to date while respecting its history. If you’ve encountered walls like this in your projects, I’d love to hear about it!
