How to Attach Furring Strips to a Block Wall

The process applies to mounting furring strips to any brick wall.

Furring strips are 2-by-2 strips of wood that are anchored to cement or block walls to act as a stud. The strips are anchored in two ways: concrete anchors and construction adhesive. The strips can be mounted in any manner necessary but are typically mounted horizontally a few inches beneath the ceiling and above the floor with a strip running horizontally between the other two. Mount furring strips around windows, door frames and any outlets attached to the wall so that finishing materials can be properly anchored.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Masonry drill bit
• Screwdriver drill attachment
• Concrete anchor screws
• Construction adhesive
• Chalkline
• Chalk

Instructions

1. Stretch a chalk line against the wall where you will be mounting the furring strip. Pull the line away from the wall and release the line to snap a blue line across the surface.

2. Drill pilot holes along the line for the cement anchor screws. The pilot holes should be drilled into the mortar between the cement blocks. The line will intersect with mortar at numerous points. Drill pilot holes every 8 to 18 inches.

3. Mark above and below each pilot hole with a piece of chalk to indicate the location of the pilot hole.

4. Squeeze a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the furring strip.

5. Press the furring strip into place centered on the blue chalk line. Drill a pilot hole through the furring strip at each previously drilled pilot hole marked above and below with chalk. Drive a concrete anchor screw through the strip into the wall using a screwdriver attachment on the drill. Repeat along the length of the furring strip. Start at the ends and work your way towards the middle.

References

• The Home Improvement Web: Basement and Stud Wall Fiberglass Insulation Installation Instructions