How to Frame a Basement Bedroom
Basement bedrooms can be a positive use of additional living space. While certain considerations need to be made, this project uses the same basic framing skills as any other framing project. The project will require some tools and methods not usually associated with framing, but with careful planning and execution, it should be nothing you cannot handle. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer drill
- Anchor bolts
- 2 by 4 studs
- Hammer
- Nails
- Tape measure
- Level
- Square
- Circular saw
- Drill
Instructions
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1
Measure the area for the room and carefully mark the wall locations on the concrete slab. Double check these measurements, as it is vital they are correct. Begin in one corner of the room and measure out three feet from the wall. Mark this location on the floor. Continue along the outline of the room making a mark every three feet. Skip any marks that will fall in a doorway. These will be your anchor points to secure the wall in place.
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2
Drill the anchor holes on the marks from Step 1. The floor should be a minimum of four inches thick so your anchor holes can be up to three inches in depth. You do not want to penetrate the bottom of the slab as this could allow water seepage. Insert anchor bolts into each hole. The anchor bolt will need to extend up a minimum of 2 1/2 inches above the floor. Place a washer and nut on the bolt and tighten the nut to the floor. As the nut tightens, it will cause the lower portion of the anchor bolt to expand and secure it in place. Once the anchor is tight, remove the nut and washer. The anchor bolt should remain securely in place.
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3
Measure the distance from the floor to the overhead joists. If this measurement is eight feet you can use pre-cut 2-by-4 studs for your framing. These studs are the proper length to allow for a single 2-by-4 runner along the bottom and two 2-by-4 runners along the top. For your basement area, you will need to use pressure-treated wood. Construct each wall separately, placing the 2-by-4 studs on 16-inch centers. When the runners are in place, carefully measure along the bottom runner and drill holes to match the location of the anchor bolts. Stand one wall frame at a time, allowing the base runner to gently slide over the anchor bolts. Put a washer and nut on each anchor bolt and tighten it against the lower runner.
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4
Use a level to make certain the wall frame is in the correct position, then secure the top of the frame in place by nailing it to the overhead joist. It may be necessary to toenail these in place. With the anchor bolts and nails in place the wall is now secure. Repeat this process for each wall. Where the walls intersect, secure them to one another with several nails. When the last wall frame is up, you are ready to begin your preparation for electrical installations.
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Tips & Warnings
If your ceilings are not the standard 8 feet in height, you will need to cut the 2-by-4's rather than use the pre-cut studs. This will take a little longer, but does not alter the installation process.
