How to Panel a Cinder Block Wall
Paneling a cinder block wall requires treated furring strips to provide backing for nailing. These walls are often uneven, but if you shim the furring strips, you can alleviate this problem. Cinder block can also be soft and the anchors may not always hold. Plan on using extra anchors and construction adhesive to install the furring. You may find it helpful to have some wider treated boards on hand to bridge missing cinder blocks or to provide backing for wide trim. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Hammer drill
- Drill
- Masonry screws
- Circular saw
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Instructions
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Cut a treated, two-by-four board and lay it at the bottom of the wall.
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Drill 3/16-inch holes through the two-by-four into the cinder block every 16 to 24 inches.
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Install 1/4-inch concrete screws into the cinder block with a drill. If the wall is uneven, use treated shims to position the two-by-four.
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Cut two-by-two furring strips to fit between the bottom two-by-four and the ceiling.
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Attach the vertical furring strips by drilling 3/16-inch holes every 16 inches and installing 1/4-inch concrete screws. Apply construction adhesive behind the strips to add strength if the cinder block is soft, which is evident by the screws spinning without snugging up tight. Shim the two-by-twos to straighten the wall or if they do not rest flat against the wall. You are now ready to install your paneling as you put wood on a two-by-four wall.
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Tips & Warnings
1-5/8-inch metal studs could also be used to fur out walls. A bottom and top track could be attached to the floor and ceiling and the studs filled in between. Attach the middle of each stud to the cinder blocks to keep the wall from bouncing.
