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How to remove a stud wall

A ladder set up in front of a stud wall, with a pry bar and safety equipment hung from the spreaders and a nearby hammer and nail gun on the floor

Overview

Removing a stud wall is a simple job when you know how. Doing it yourself can also save you a lot of money. We show you all the basic steps involved and tell you what tools you need. You will also get some tips to make the job quicker and easier.

Steps

1Check with an engineer to make sure it is safe to remove the wall

Some stud walls do more than just separate rooms – they help hold the building together. Before you remove any wall, check with a structural engineer. They can tell you whether the wall is structural or not. Once you've got the all clear then you can get started.
A ladder set up in front of a stud wall, with a pry bar and safety equipment hung from the spreaders and a nearby hammer and nail gun on the floor

2Remove the doorjamb from the frame

If your wall had a doorway in it, the first thing you need to do is remove the doorjamb. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the nails and wedges holding the jamb onto the frame. Once the nails and wedges are out of the way, use a wrecking bar to pry the jamb out.
A Bunnings team member using a wrecking bar to pry a door jamb out of a wall frame

3Remove the noggins from between the studs

The short horizontal pieces that sit between the vertical timber studs are called noggins. These are used to strengthen the wall and separate the studs. They are only held in place with nails. Use a hammer to knock the noggins out from between the studs.
A hammer being used to strike the noggins clear of a stud wall

4Remove the studs

Cut the vertical studs in half with a saw. Then grab each half-stud and move it backwards and forwards until it comes off the frame. Each half-stud is attached to the frame with a couple of nails so it should come off fairly easily.
A vertical stud being cut in half with a saw, next to a stud already cut in half

5Remove the top and bottom plates

Use a reciprocating saw to disconnect the top plate from the rest of the house frame. Then use a wrecking bar to pry the top plate away from the frame. The bottom plate is removed the same way. If the bottom plate connects to the rest of the house frame, cut it off. Then use a wrecking bar to pry the plate up.
A wrecking bar being used to pry free the top plate of a stud wall from the rest of the house frame
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.