How to Hang Drywall on Concrete

Furring strips are used to hang drywall on concrete.

Basements and other areas that do not have finished walls may simply have concrete. To give the walls a finished look, you can hang drywall or sheetrock. Doing so requires you to provide framing for the concrete to attach to. You also must insulate the walls to prevent hot and cold air from passing through the porous concrete. After the drywall is attached, you can hang pictures and other decorations as you would in other areas of the house.

Things You'll Need

• Furring strips
• Tape measure
• Electric saw
• Concrete fasteners
• Drill
• Drywall screws
• Carbide masonry drill bit
• Shop vacuum
• Foam insulation
• Concrete adhesive or glue
• Utility knife
• Concrete seam tape

Instructions

1. Place a vapor barrier on the concrete. Apply concrete seam tape over each crack and seam of the wall. This prevents moisture from penetrating the wall.

2. Cut the furring strips the vertical length of the concrete wall. Measure the strips with a tape measure and cut them with an electric saw.

3. Drill holes in the concrete for attaching the furring strips. Each furring strip should be spaced either 16 or 24 inches apart. Drill holes so a concrete fastener can attach every 24 inches on the furring strip and be 1 1/2 inch deep. Use the drill and a carbide masonry bit.

4. Vacuum the drilled holes with a shop vacuum to remove dust and debris.

5. Attach the furring strips with the concrete fasteners. Hold the furring strips against the concrete and use the drill to attach them with concrete fasteners.

6. Cut the foam insulation with a utility knife so it fits between each furring strip and runs the height of the wall. Attach the insulation by applying concrete adhesive or glue on the back and pressing the foam against the concrete.

7. Attach the drywall with drywall screws and a drill. Make note of the spacing of the furring strips. This is where the screws will attach the drywall to the concrete. Place drywall screws every 12 inches.

References

• Home Addition Plus: Fastening Furring Strips to Concrete Basement Walls and Brick Walls
• Ask the Builder: Drywall Installation
• Home Addition Plus: How to Insulate Concrete Block Walls