Table of Contents
How far should studs be from basement wall?
Be sure to maintain the 16-inch on-center stud spacing, and check the wall frame to make sure it’s plumb before nailing it to the beam.
Should I use treated lumber to frame my basement?
Treated wood is pressurized and saturated with chemical preservatives to resist insects and rot. It’s necessary for the bottom plate of your basement frame, which will be exposed to moisture from the concrete floor. Framing that contacts below-grade concrete walls may also require pressure-treated lumber.
Is it hard to frame a basement?
Framing basement walls is the first phase of learning how to finish a basement. I do love the smell of lumber dust on a cool fall morning. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it looks, but it’s one of the steeper learning curves. Once you get the basic concepts down it’s just rinse and repeat.
What is the cheapest way to finish a basement wall?
Paneling. Paneling can be used as an inexpensive way to finish you basement walls or ceiling. Use a strong adhesive to put strips of wood on your concrete basement walls, and then use wood screws that match your paneling to attach the paneling to the wood strips.
Can you frame basement walls 24 on Center?
Most basement walls us a 16″ o.c. (on center) layout. You should NEVER use a 24″ o.c. layout on your basement walls, it’s to far between wall studs and your drywall and trim may warp between the wall studs over time!.
Do I need a vapor barrier on my basement walls?
Building codes usually require a vapor barrier (4 mil plastic sheeting) on exterior basement walls if the framing is attached to masonry or concrete surfaces, or if the wood framing butts up against the outer basement walls.
Do basement walls need to breathe?
Foundation walls like concrete are porous. This means they can take in 10-15 gallons of water vapor a day. That is why your walls need to breathe. Moisture needs somewhere to go, and a house that is sealed up too tight ends up with moisture in puddles and rotten drywall.
Why is there a gap between basement wall and floor?
It exists due to the way that a home’s foundation is poured. After your foundation footings are built, your basement walls are poured so that they slot into a keyway. This helps keep them properly aligned. This leaves a small gap between the floor and the walls – known as the cove joint.
How much should I charge to frame a basement?
Framing and Insulation It costs $1,795 on average to frame a basement, not including insulation and drywall. Framing costs approximately $7 to $16 per linear foot on its own, but $20 to $30 per linear foot with drywall.
How much does it cost to frame a basement with wood?
Lumber Sizes for Framing a Basement Most likely you want 8 foot 2x4s, but measure your basement before you go. Measure from the floor to the underside of the ceiling joist. Keep in mind you’ll be putting your studs in between a top and bottom plate so that reduces the length by 3 inches.
Do basement wall studs need to be pressure treated?
Basement Masonry Walls Pressure-treated wood is required whenever you attach framing lumber or furring strips directly to concrete or other exterior masonry walls below grade. Because basement walls are hidden behind drywall or other wall covering materials, the wall framing members are not exposed to light and air.
Can a beginner finish a basement?
The basic steps to finish your basement include insulating walls, choosing flooring and adding a ceiling to transform your lower level into an additional living area. We advise reviewing all the steps and calculating your budget before beginning this project.
What do I need to frame a basement?
Materials Required 1-5/8-in. screws. 1/2-in. plywood. 16d nails. 2-1/2 in. concrete screws. 2X2 lumber. 2×4 lumber. 3-in. screws. 8d nails.
How far apart are studs?
The general spacing for wall studs is 16 inches on center, but they can be 24 inches. At my home, the exterior wall studs are spaced at 24-inch centers, but the interior walls are 16 inches on center.
How can I cover my concrete basement walls?
The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall, a.k.a. sheetrock. Drywall comes in panels panels made from calcium sulfate dihydrate or “gypsum.” Panels come in different thicknesses and sizes, the most common being 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ thick.
Is it worth it to finish basement?
Finishing Your Basement Adds Value to Your Home According to NerdWallet, a finished basement with an entertainment area and basement bath raises a home’s value at an average of $50,000. Also, according to Zillow, homeowners see an average of 70 percent return on investment with a basement remodel.
What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?
Finishing Basement Walls Without Drywall: Options and Paint. Basement Panels. Wood Fiberboard. Fabric. Vinyl and Wallpaper. Stone Veneer. Pargeting. Exposed Brick.
