Joint compound cleared so a split-level stair wall can become a half wall
Example project
- Home
- 1970s split-level in Burnsville with a full wall between the living room and the half flight to the bedrooms
- Original request
- Cut the wall down to rail height and finish it with a wood cap and spindles
- Testing
- An MDH-certified inspector samples the seam compound on the living room side, the stair side and the ceiling over the stair
- Found
- Positive compound at the seams and corners, living room side and stair side alike
- Clear
- The texture on the stair ceiling, which stays untouched
- Area
- About 100 sq ft of wall, both faces together
- Timeline
- Five-day notice, then two working days
- Cost
- $2,300
In this example, a 1970s split-level in Burnsville has a solid wall that blocks the view from the stair to the living room, and the owners want it opened up. A carpenter will cut it down to rail height beside the half flight and finish it with a wood cap and spindles.






