I am creating a window shutter to go over my window; the shutter is made out of drywall (the purpose is soundproofing fyi). The shutters will be hinged so they can open.
Each shutter will have 2 hinges vertically and will weigh approximately 17.5 pounds. It will be about 2 feet wide and about 4.5 feet tall.
In general, when open it will be opened all the way so it is not hanging outwards.
Moreover, on the outer side under the hinge, I will have a 1/8" piece of plywood that runs the vertical length, maybe 2-3 includes wide.
On the inner side, instead of it only going into the drywall, there will be a 1×2 piece of wood running the height of it.
So, the screws for the hinges will go through like this (bird's eye view, from above):
Screw
….. ⬇
──╫── Hinge
──╫── 1/8 plywood
══╬════════════════ 5/8" drywall
──╨── 1×2" lumber
So, the drywall is sandwiched in between 1/8" plywood and 1×2 lumber. I thought this way on both sides it is reinforced.
To be clear, although not shown in picture, the 1×2 is a free-floating strip that is separate from the studs. It is attached to the underside of the shutters only.
The other side of the hinge is screwed directly to the studs on the frame.
Here is a quick photoshop demonstrating intent.
Will this work, or how much weight can a piece of 5/8" drywall hold?
Best Answer
From what you describe it should work but better would be to also glue those wood strips to the face of the drywall pieces using some construction adhesive.
I think it will look a but hokey and crude, especially with the open raw edges of the drywall all around.