Expert Basement Framing Techniques

The quality of your finished basement is determined by the quality of your basement framing. Although framing a basement wall requires only basic carpentry skills, attention to detail will make sure the job is done right.

Basement Framing Tips

• Tackle moisture first. Before you start your basement framing, make sure all moisture issues in the walls and floor of your basement are addressed. Cracks should be fixed, walls and floors should be painted with sealer and any outside drainage issues should be corrected before construction begins.
• Plumb and Square! Don't assume that your foundation walls and floor are level and plump. Go over your basement with a three-foot long level and a carpenter's square and make sure that your walls are plumb and square. Check the floor with a level as well. You'll be able to make adjustments as you frame, but fixing things afterwards will be costly and time consuming.
• Fight moisture. Use pressure treated wood for all base plates or any wood that comes in contact with concrete. If you can afford it, using pressure treated wood for all your framing will give you extra peace of mind.
• He's got a gun! You have two choices when it comes to installing bottom plates for your walls. You can pre-drill holes though the bottom plate and into the concrete with a hammer drill. Once the holes are drilled, you can use lag bolts or concrete screws to lock the wood into place. Alternatively, a powered nail gun (called a ramset) can be used to fire concrete nails through the wood and into the basement floor.
• Build walls in place. Although it seems like it should work, pre-built walls won't fit when you try to tilt them into position. You'll have to stick-build your walls one board at a time. After measuring, cutting and marking stud positions on you top and bottom plate, nail them in place. Measure, cut and install studs individually for the best fit.
• Block that joist. You'll be attaching the top plates of each wall to the bottom of first floor joists. In areas were a joist isn't directly above a bottom plate, install 2"x4" blocking every three feet between neighboring joists. The blocking will give you a nailing surface for the top plate.
• Leave plenty of access. As you frame the rooms of your basement, be sure to leave room to access overhead cut-off valves and plumbing cleanouts. You can cover access areas with an air grate or pre-manufactured plastic access panels.