Basement Framing Instructions
Finishing an unfinished basement allows you to turn your basement into a livable space, such as an extra bedroom, or an extra leisure space like a media room or game room. When finishing your basement, one of the first steps is framing the walls. Building the wooden frame against the concrete walls allows you to insulate the walls and install drywall, which can be painted for a pleasant appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Straightedge
- Chalk line
- Saw
- Pressure-treated 2-inch by 4-inch boards
- Drill
- Masonry screws
- Standard 2-inch by 4-inch boards
- Nail gun
- Level
Instructions
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1
Make small marks along the floor where the walls are being installed. Measure the marks so they are in the proper location, and use a straightedge to keep them in a straight line. Connect the marks by marking a chalk line over them to mark the location of the wall.
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2
Measure and cut pressure treated 2-by-4 boards. These are called sill plates, and are used to connect the wooden framing of the walls to the concrete floor.
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3
Drill pilot holes into the floor with a masonry drill bit. Follow local building codes regarding the spacing between the holes.
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4
Place the sill plates onto the floor where the walls are being framed and attach them to the floor with masonry screws.
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5
Lay two standard 2-by-4 boards on top of one of the sill plates. Measure the distance between the ceiling joists and the top of the boards. This gives you the height for the studs.
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Measure and cut 2-by-4 posts to the height needed for the studs, as well as boards that match the length needed for the top and bottom plates. The bottom plate is nailed into the sill plate and the top plate is nailed to the ceiling joists.
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Position studs at the top of each end of a bottom plate and nail them to the bottom plate. These are the end studs.
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8
Mark the location of the studs on the bottom plate between the end studs. Generally, the studs are placed 16 inches apart, but consult your local building codes for compliance.
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9
Nail the studs to the bottom plate in the proper location.
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10
Nail the top plate to the tops of the studs.
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11
Lift the frame into position on top of the sill plate. You may need help, depending on how big the frame is. Check that the frame is level horizontally and plumb (vertically). Nail the frame to the sill plate and the ceiling joists.
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Construct and install the rest of the framing, following the same method you used to construct the framing for the first wall.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact your local zoning board to acquire any needed permits and learn your local building codes before you begin construction.
Wear safety goggles when using the saw.
References
- Photo Credit hall construction image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
