Step 5: Cut the Hole

man using utility knife to cut wall for wall niche installation
Photo: Laura Moss
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If your wall is drywall over plaster, follow all three steps to cut through both materials. For drywall only, use steps 5 and 6. For plaster, skip to 7.

Score the Drywall
Using a utility knife, pierce the drywall along the outline. Repeat several times until the knife slides through the drywall's thickness freely on all sides.
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    Tools List

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    • utility scissors
      Utility scissors
    • studfinder
      Stud finder
    • straightedge guide
      Straightedge, to mark cut lines between the lath pieces
    • utility knife
      Utility knife, to score the drywall
    • flat prybar
      Small pry bar
    • reciprocating saw
      Reciprocating saw, to cut any lath and plaster and to remove any obtrusive studs
    • circular saw
      Circular saw, to cut the 2x4 blocking
    • drill
      Drill/driver, fitted with a 1⁄8-inch drill bit
    • caulk gun
      Caulk gun
    • paintbrush
      Paintbrush

    Shopping List

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    1. Niche
    Choose a dense polyurethane niche in a design that mimics surrounding moldings.

    2. Cardboard
    to create a template.

    3. Pole system
    (or painter's tape) to hold the plastic sheeting in place.4. Plastic sheeting

    5. Painter's tape
    to secure plastic around work window.

    6. Adhesive caulk

    7. Paint