Framing a Basement Wall for Beginners in 2024

This video is for beginners who want to frame a basement wall. We'll show you the basics of framing a basement wall, including the tools you'll need and the steps you'll take.

My buddy Alan wanted to turn a part of his basement into a home gym, so he asked if I would help and I said, sure! I told him that it would be a perfect excuse to make a video showing others how they can frame their own basement wall.

There are many other videos that go into much more detail so think of this video as a quick crash course on what to expect.

*Materials Used in Video*
(these are affiliate links which help sponsor the content!)
_______________________________________________________________

FOAMULAR 1/2 in. x 4ft. x 8ft Foam Board Insulation Sheathing

Pressure Treated 2x4

Regular 2x4

*Tools Used in Video*
(these are affiliate links which help sponsor the content!)
_______________________________________________________________

[buildingwithbobby]

Biggest take away from todays video is that working with your friends is more fun. Let me know if we should ask Alan to be in more build videos.

[JT_]

I enjoyed your detailed commentary and delivery. Well done!

[ConstructionFun]

Thanks Bobby! We're building a wall today and that helped a lot!

[kianooshehtiatkar]

Great video, thanks! Two questions:
1. Can I use treated wood for the whole thing including vertical studs? I have a stone foundation, and the walls breathe and release dampness.
2. When you directly glued the pink insulation, didn't you essentially seal your foundation and now it can't breathe? Won't you now have mold problems and deterioration since moisture will be trapped?

[mr.eastcoastgrow]

ALWAYS add a vapor barrier below that pressure treated 2x4 bottom plate. The concrete will always pull in moisture through capillary action. Sill sealer or ice and water guard or zip tape whatever even thick plastic works. Otherwise over the years you will see wicking and eventually water stains. Cheap easy necessary step.

[ViSongs]

Just curious, wouldn't you want to tape of the seems of the foam board to make it a solid vapour barrier? What about the upper portion of the exterior wall, do you not put up plastic or some form of vapour barrier? Thanks

[lunam]

in california and international resident code requires vapor barrier between concrete floor and bottom plate

[SallowDawn]

Why not foam board up the entire wall? Great video.

[Trainman]

Nice clean job but if you get it inspected there may be an issue with fireblocking. I didn’t see you addressing this critical step.

[mikecrowe]

Love the video! Question: did you use 2x4x8 or 2x4x12? Is there a benefit over using one over another?

[ghostrunning]

I dont understand how you plumbed cam you please explain

[tobynormoyle]

Love that you used screws for everything!

[stevenleiler]

How is the foam a vapor barrier and allowing the concert breath? You get one or the other not both.

[mrdavis]

My issue doing it this way is that the height of the wall will be lower and higher in different places…..How will this work??? Houses settle in different spots after years

[carryssablundon]

Is there a way to add the frames to the floor without drilling a hole in the concrete?

[BenRivered]

what do you attach the foam/insulation board to?

[billch]

"That's your thumbnail right there"

[stephanie]

Should I frame my basement walls if I have mirror falling and some mold bubblrs

[rosewilcox]

How do u measure out you interiors walls lines what more do u add or take off for that measurement

[MStoff]

How far away from the insulation do you put your chalk line? I'm about to start a project and have that half-upper wall insulation going around my entire basement. I head it was 5 inches from the concrete, but wanted to know your thoughts. (Our building codes don't specify)