Framing Basement Walls: Home Remodeling Tips

Home Remodeling Tips - Framing Basement Walls

By The Home Renovator

Here are some great, practical tips on framing basement walls ...

Whether you use metal or wood, framing basement walls will be the same as framing walls in any other area of the house. The big difference will be in the perimeter walls, which will most likely be made of concrete block or poured cement. Attaching framing lumber to these walls would require attaching them with concrete fasteners or glue and may result in create a span that moisture can cross and ruin any wall materials installed.

Before remodeling any part of the basement, make sure the walls are dry and sealed inside and out to prevent damage to any materials or furnishing you plan to have in the basement. Presuming it is going to be dry, the exterior walls can be framed like an interior wall, with a header and plate with wall studs, metal or wood, cut to size. In some cases framing basement walls each stud will have to cut to fit the available space.

When the wall is standing, the header can be attached to floor joists and the bottom plate will need to be attached to the concrete floor, usually with a concrete nail gun. Holes can be cut and framed in the walls for doors and for any windows. Another option when framing basement walls for the exterior is furring strips attached to the concrete blocks to serve as exterior wall studs. Interior walls are framed the same as any other room in a house.

Planning Walls Helps Reduce Mistakes

When remodeling calls for adding rooms to the basement, it should be drawn out the same as designing blueprints for the house. Each wall placement, along with electrical outlets, ventilation ducts and any plumbing fixtures should be scheduled into the drawings to insure that while framing basement walls everything is in place. Otherwise, tearing out new walls to install utility features may be necessary.

Checking with local building and zoning inspectors is also a necessity as there may be local requirements that have to be met in a remodeling project and if your project does not meet the codes, any work done on framing basement walls, may have to torn out and started over. In addition, fines and penalties may be assessed.

Metal studs are usually recommended for basement applications as they hold up better in the humid climate typically associated with basement construction. With proper ventilation, keeping the basement warm in the winter, cool in the summer and dry all year long should not be a problem.

Next article: Create Extra Living Space With A Basement Egress Window

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For more information about Home Renovation-related resources, see our Home Improvements resources section, subscribe to our Home Improvements Newsletter containing news, updates and insider tips, or go to more articles about Framing Basement Walls.

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