Framing basement walls can be complicated because of all the different situations and obstacles that can occur.  Therefore, there are different basement framing techniques that can be done.   If your goal is to have a warm and comfortable basement, the perimeter walls should be framed with 2”x4” construction.  If you use 2”x4” studs on the perimeter, you can install insulation, which can create a warmer room.  If you do not need your basement to be warm, 2”x2” furring strips can be used.  They can be glued and nailed directly into the concrete. Also see finishing a basement in 6 planning stages.

Internal Wall Framing

Internal basement framing walls can be built on the ground and raised in place.  These basement framing walls should be built slightly shorter and then shimmed into place.  If you do not build the frame shorter, then you may have trouble raising the wall because it could get wedged between the floor of the basement and the ceiling joists.

If your home is built on clay soil, the basement floor could move slightly up and down, depending on the amount of water in the ground.  If this is the case, use L-Shaped steel framing clips to attach to the walls and the first floor joists.  This will allow your walls to move up and down with the soil, but will still give it the support it needs to keep from falling.

Stick Building Basement Framing

If you have a lot of obstructions in the basement walls, such as duct work and pipes, you should consider stick building basement framing.  Here is the stick building basement framing steps:

• Nail a top plate perpendicular to the floor joists.
• Secure a bottom plate to the concrete floor with concrete nails and an adhesive, such as liquid nails.
• Use pressure treated lumber on the bottom plate because it will come into contact with the concrete and will retain moisture over time.
• The top and bottom plates must be parallel to each other.  To ensure they are parallel, use a plumb line.
• Install 2’x4” studs every 16” along the plates.  Before cutting, measure for each stud.  The floor to ceiling distances can vary.

Ductwork and Basement Framing

If there is ductwork, soffits may need to be built.  Use 2”x2” parallel plates and connect them using vertical stud members.  Secure a top plate to the floor joists and nail into a 2”x2” stud on both ends of the top plate.  Nail the bottom plate to the two studs.   Install 2”x2” studs along the entire length of the panels on 16” centers.

Ceiling Basement Framing

Basement framing for the ceiling will need to be done if you intend to drywall it.  Use the same method as building soffits, except use 2”x3”s.  This will help to provide clearance for pipes that hang below the floor joists.  If there are not any pipes or hanging wires below the floor joists, then you can use 1’x3” strapping.  Just nail them perpendicular to the floor joists on 16” centers.

The basement framing technique you use will depend on what obstacles you have to deal with.

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Comments (1)

• |2010-10-28 18:50:52 Aaron  - Wall
  Hello I am currently planning out my basement. The home is a new build and the basement has been insulated with R12 and covered in plastic by the builder. I was wondering can I just frame on the outside of the vaporwrap?
  Also on two of the walls the builder ran the duct work down the corner - side of the wall on the floor joist. How would I frame the wall when I can't attach the top plate to the joist?
  
  Thank you Aaron
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