How to Attach Drywall to a Cinder Block Wall

Cinder block walls can have an unfinished look if left uncovered.

Cinder block walls are common in basements and commercial spaces. They consist of large, rectangular cement blocks stacked one atop the other and fastened together by mortar. Drywall can give cinder block walls a more finished look. A framework of furring strips is installed to hold the drywall. Furring strips made of metal or wood serve as a point of attachment for the drywall and as a buffer zone between the concrete of the cinder blocks and the finished wall.

Things You'll Need

• Protective goggles
• Work gloves
• Measuring tape
• Wood saw
• Hack saw
• 1-by-3-in. wood or metal furring strips
• Drill
• Masonry bit
• Screw gun
• Concrete screws
• Straight edge
• Carpet knife
• Pencil
• 1-in. drywall screws

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the wall in question using your measuring tape. Depending on the furring material you have, cut one strip with your hand saw or hack saw to fit the entire horizontal length of the bottom of the wall parallel to the floor. Cut a second strip to fit the entire horizontal length of the top of the wall parallel to the ceiling. Metal furring strips will require a hack saw and wooden furring strips will require a hand saw.

2. Lay the bottom furring strip in place parallel to the floor along the bottom of the wall. Use your drill and a masonry bit to drill holes into the cinder block wall every 18 in. or so, alternating high and low so as not to create a straight line of support holes. Use your screw gun to drive your concrete screws into the pilot holes and fasten the furring strip to the wall. Fasten your next furring strip to the top of the wall lengthwise using the same method.

3. Measure the height of the gap left between the bottom and top furring strips already installed on the wall using your measuring tape. Cut furring strips to fit into the gap using your hack saw or hand saw. Start in one corner of the wall and draw a mark with your pencil. This is where you will place the first upright furring strip. Measure 16 inches from this mark along the surface of the wall and make a second mark. This is where you will place the second upright furring strip parallel to the first. Continue this process throughout the full length of the wall. Place your last furring strip in the corner at the opposite end of the wall from the first.

4. Install your upright furring strips in the same manner as you did your bottom and top furring strips.

5. Measure the height and width of the wall using your tape measure. Cut the drywall to fit starting at the top of the wall and working your way down. Use you straight edge and pencil to mark your measured lines on the drywall. Use your carpet knife and straight edge to score the drywall and then bend it until it snaps along the score. Use your carpet knife to cut the other external wrapper.

6. Install your drywall onto the mounted furring strips using your screw gun and drywall screws. Place one screw every 18 inches or so along the furring strips, making sure to place each drywall panel so its edges all land on a furring strip. Overhangs will result in loose panels and a flawed finished product.

Tips & Warnings

• Metal furring strips provide the added benefit of moisture resistance. They will not warp or bend over time and will keep their original form.

• Always use eye and hand protection when working with potentially dangerous tools like carpet knives.

References

• "Popular Mechanics"; Hang Anything on Any Wall; Alfred W. Lees; 1966
• "Popular Mechanics"; Hang Tough; 1996
• Concrete Fastners: How to Fasten Furring Strips to Concrete, Brick or Block
• This Old House; How to Hang Drywall; Scott Gibson
• Handyman USA: Finishing a Basement
• "Popular Mechanics"; Hold it!; 1976

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish