Blocking up an upstairs cupboard

[BotchItYourself]

I wish to block up the entrance to an upstairs cupboard. This entrance is built into a brick wall and I would like to block it up with masonry rather than with studwork (I thought aeriated blocks would do). This means building on top of the timber wall plate. Can I just lay the first row of blocks onto the wall plate using ordinary mortar or is some special method of preparation required. It is a Victorian house and as far as I can tell, the rest of the first floor brickwork rests on the wall plate.

Also, the first floor joists run under the opening so at this level I cannot lay blocks across the entire opening, only between the joists. Could this compromise the stability of the new blockwork ? If so, what is the solution ?

 

[xposis]

I wish to block up the entrance to an upstairs cupboard. This entrance is built into a brick wall and I would like to block it up with masonry rather than with studwork (I thought aeriated blocks would do). This means building on top of the timber wall plate. Can I just lay the first row of blocks onto the wall plate using ordinary mortar or is some special method of preparation required. It is a Victorian house and as far as I can tell, the rest of the first floor brickwork rests on the wall plate.

Also, the first floor joists run under the opening so at this level I cannot lay blocks across the entire opening, only between the joists. Could this compromise the stability of the new blockwork ? If so, what is the solution ?

yeah just build it up to the top making sure you leave 1/4" min though to add some bonding on it and give it a skim with multifinish. If its not structural you'll be fine

 

[JohnD]

I wish to block up the entrance to an upstairs cupboard. This entrance is built into a brick wall and I would like to block it up with masonry

You might find it easier to bury her under the patio