How to Finish or Frame Basement Walls

Many new houses contain a basement area that is left bare and barren at the time that the new owner moves in. Over time the new homeowners may show interest in remodeling the basement areas. This is a project that should not be attempted during the first year of occupancy to insure that there are no moisture "issues" in the basement area of your new home. After you have experienced all four seasons, you might want to begin by installing some wall partitions to define your basement space.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk line
• 2 X 4s
• Framing square
• Circular saw
• Saw horses
• Framing nails ( #16 common)
• Carpenter's square
• Carpenter's pencil
• Concrete nails

Instructions

1. Lay out the location of a wall on the concrete floor of your building. You can do this with a chalk line, remembering to allow for the 3 ½ inch width.

2. Cut a 2 by 4 to length and put it place to make sure that it fits. Don't forget that 2 X 4s are sold in lengths up to 16-feet long. A single plate is preferable even if you are going to have a doorway opening. If you are planning for a doorway, be sure to mark the opening.

3. Nail the 2 X 4 right to the concrete using 2-inch concrete nails. Do not place any nails in the opening for the doorway.

4. Mark the location of the top plate on the ceiling using a four-foot level and a eight-foot 2 X 4 to keep it plumb with the bottom plate. Almost for certain you will be nailing the 2 X 4 to the bottom of some floor joists, so you can use #16 common framing nails. The top piece can consist of more than one 2 X 4. If your wall runs in the same direction as the floor joists then you may have to block in between the joists with short pieces of 2 X 4. Do this every two feet.

5. Layout the locations of the vertical studs on the bottom plate with a carpenter's square or framing square. Remember to place them either 16 or 24 inches on center.

6. Cut, fit and nail every stud, except those adjoining the door opening. Make sure each vertical framing member is level in both directions.

7. Remove the portion of the bottom plate where the door opening will go. Do this with a circular saw, being certain to set the depth at slightly less than the thickness of the bottom plate. The cut can be finished with a wood chisel, if it doesn't break free easily. Be sure to wear your safety glasses when you cut and keep your blade from cutting into the concrete.

8. Frame in for the door opening. This includes two vertical studs and a cross piece or header (two 2 by 4s turned sideways) at the top of the opening. One of the vertical studs should be a double post. (two 2 X 4s nailed together, but not turned side ways).

9. Add your wall covering, door and trim. The most common choices are sheetrock or wood paneling.

Tips & Warnings

• Concrete nails vary greatly in quality and strength. Choose your brand carefully.

• Be very careful when driving the concrete nails into the floor. Use safety glasses at all times. It takes a very strong swing to drive a nail into concrete. You can rent a nail-driving gun to put the bottom plate into place. Make sure you rent from a reputable place and follow instruction very carefully.