Wall Framing In Contact With Concrete

Note that this requirement is only for exterior walls as these may wick moisture onto the lumber.

Wall framing in contact with concrete.

Choose a length that will penetrate the concrete at least 1 inch. Lay out the 2 x 4 s for the wall frame with the studs 16 apart measured on center. With the exception of load bearing walls which are built. Score the shims with a utility knife and snap them off flush with the plate.

Be sure to wear safety goggles when hammering masonry nails into concrete. Other nails have a thick shank that sometimes has spiral ridges for improved holding power. No matter how your house is currently laid out you re never stuck with it. Framing basement walls seems pretty straightforward slap up some studs and caller er a day.

Perry mastrovito design pics getty images pressure treated wood is required whenever you attach framing lumber or furring strips directly to concrete or other exterior masonry walls below grade. Framing a wall against the concrete allows you to add paneling or drywall for a finished look more like a home than a cell. As you shim and plumb each section of wall drive 16d nails through the top plate into the framing with a hammer or nail gun. Use a hammer drill with 3 16 masonry bit to drill a hole through the wood and into the concrete floor.

Nail the end studs to framing in the existing wall. Use an impact driver to drive a 3 tapcon screw through the wood and into the floor. For this basement wall that means the sill and one of the end pieces. Fasten the bottom plate by driving 16d nails through it into the floor.

Use pressure treated lumber for any part of the frame that will come in contact with concrete. But a poor framing job is a real headache for the drywall guys trim carpenters and every other sub who works on the project. Use treated wood if the wood will come into contact with concrete such as the wood floor plates of framed walls or wood furring strips that attach directly to basement walls. If this wall will have a door leave one or two studs out of the layout to make space for it.

If space is a consideration attaching furring strips over either rigid. Some concrete nails are the cut nail design shown in the photo with a thick flat shank and a tapering v profile. And inadequately prepped basement walls could ultimately lead to moisture and mold problems.