We want to build an interior wall 6" out from an existing kitchen wall. The span is about 124" with a ceiling height of 94". The joists in ceiling are exposed and run parallel with this new wall. We're doing this so that we can place a standard depth refrigerator in this wall so that it will be flush with kitchen cabinets we plan on installing around it.

I know we're going to have to put in "blocks" between joists, but how many and where do we place them (how far apart and how far from each wall)?

Also what is the best way to frame this wall?

Can we use 2x4's or do we need to use something different?

I guess our main concern is how to allow for the space in the wall for the 36" refrigerator? Treat this opening like it's a door? Or cut the opening out after the wall is up?

Any answers to these questions and any basic interior wall framing tips would be helpful. Thanks.

First, be careful to allow room for the refrigerator door to open without striking the wall! You may find that thr refrigerator must protrude a coulpe of inches to allow the door to open properly.

Framing with 2x4 studs is sufficient, but check your local building code for possible firestopping requirements between the two walls. All you need at the top of the wall is sufficient anchorage to prohibit lateral movement. I think blocks at 32 inches on center would be sufficient.

Frame the refrigerator opening as you would a door, but check the refrigerator door swing first to allow sufficient clearance for the door to open.

Someone suggested just building the exisiting wall out with 2x4's, using 3 of them stacked on top of each other, placing these vertically every 16 inches along the wall, except where the refrigerator will be. Then placing sheet rock over this. The down fall I see with this is the potential use of more 2x4's and,e new wall will be as well. Any thoughts?

Also, when putting up a new interior wall, how do I properly tie it into the wall perpendicular to it, without having to remove the plaster?