How to build a prayer unit wall?

Question

Hello, I have an inspiration photo below and would like to know what kind of materials I would need, and if things gets messy who is my best bet for instalment/ getting it done. My idea is to make a small prayer wall in on of our living area wall. I would like to be ivory/ whiteish themed so it goes with all the furniture and vibe of the house, that way it doesnt look too messy/ tacky. I would love any help as to how I could make the image happen. Thank you

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @josesandra000

I was thinking of framing it up and then plastering it as well. Pretty much building a frame out of 70mm by 35mm timber much like you would build a wall.  Then plastering the frame both sides. The timber cladding taht @EricL mentions is a good idea to incorporate.

Maybe sit down and plan how big you want it, wether floor to ceiling and if you want it tobe physically part of the wall.

Mark out on the floor the bottom size footprint first, if you are happy with that then continue.

As an alternative for a backup plan. A deep full height bookcase that you retrofit could also work but wont have the solidness of a built in.

With the framing out remember you will have to deal with the cornice and skirting board. Skirting board is easy, cornice is harder (Ive yet to do one) But draw it up and you will be able to slowly step through teh harder parts.

Dave

EricL · Answer

Hello @josesandra000

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about building a prayer unit on your wall.

Your inspiration image can easily be duplicated by building a small batten frame on each side of your wall to duplicate the recessed section of the wall. One side can be covered with ordinary plasterboard then painted over and the other side can be covered with the Ekodeck 219 x 26mm 3.6m Blonde Oak Batten Screen Castellated Panel to get that timber panelling look. The side shelves and main prayer shelf can be cut from Specrite 1200 x 600 x 18mm Timber Multi Use Pine Panel. But if you wish to include the drawer unit, it will take more building effort to duplicate it.

The LED lights can be installed using ordinary Lytworx 5m RGB And White LED Strip Light, but if you wish to have something more comprehensive it will be necessary to engage the services of an electrician.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric