How to Frame a Basement Wall

When you build a wall for your finished basement there's a lot going on. It's more challenging than framing one outside to, for instance, build a shed.

This video breaks down some tips I use to make the process fast, accurate and fun. There are some tips that I think are useful for pros, new carpenters and remodelers, or DIYers binge-watching videos like this for mining home improvement tips (don't worry, us pros do it too.)

If this video helped you out, comment below or...

[AlchemyWealthLLC]

I am helping a buddy on a project today. I have never framed anything. Thanks for the simple showmanship to get the base understanding.

[Fourwedge]

Just something I like. I like to be told the instructions and watch the video instead of reading the instructions and then having to watch the video again

[alexraul]

Good video. I like the tools you showed. The viewers would benefit from step-by-step instructions. Keep making content!!

[youdagoob]

Umm. Were there instructions??? I must've missed them.

[acanfield]

Thanks for the quick and concise video, and appreciate the tip on the header hanger jig. I'm raising some walls in the basement but I might need to switch to the build-in-place method since the floor is tapering over an inch.

[repairdrive]

Man I don't think I learned Anything from this.

[mickthomas]

Man folks are harsh. A good youtube video is concise, needs to be stopped and rewatched, packed with information i dont subscribe to much, but i did here. If the trolls are so good, why dont you all make one better. I bet he will link to yours, and I'll subscribe as well.

[TylerRockwood]

“In this video I’m going to show you how to frame a basement wall…”
*<insert 80’s thirty second montage>*
“…and that’s all there is to it folks!”

[dancnkc]

This entire show is like a toy boat that floats aimlessly around a bathtub. It actually raises more questions than it answers. For real.

[Wanderer_]

Some applications I agree with your method.... however it is much slower.... the gap you are referring to on the top plate does not matter as the wall non load bearing.
Thanks

[bcoronel]

So how do you start? What are the steps? What did you teach?

[CougarLand]

Before you ever show framing a basement, you have to discuss what the situation is with the existing walls and slab.... what's under that slab?...what's on the other side of the walls? That goes a long way in deciding how the inside can be finished. For example, If you have a lot of gravel, then a vapor barrier, then hard foam under the slab, you won't need to create a subfloor on top the slab before putting the walls in the basement on it... but if you don't have that situation, you might consider it depending on the water table or how warm you expect the floor to be with whatever finished flooring you use. In this video a plastic vapor barrier is used on the walls, presumably because there is nothing but ground against the walls (and a little gravel by the footing). If the outside of the walls had a proper setup of a dimpled barrier followed by hard foam, then what's needed on the inside would be quite different. IF you are ever building a house from scratch, always put insulation under the slab and outside the walls. And that includes the 1st/2nd floor walls. As for the roof, if you are using trusses/don't plan on using it as a living space, then always use "raised-heel" trusses and you can load up the attic with insulation all the way to the edge where the top plate is.

[stacyglasgow]

Framing directly to the concrete seems like a bad idea. What happens when the house settles and or the concrete heaves. Everywhere I've lived you have to have a gap at the bottom of the wall and the floor plate. Here in my town now, it is 1 1/2" with pins (40D nails) every foot to hold it and to let the floor float. Strange that a city would let you do that, hopefully it doesnt push the house off the foundation eventually.

[evanmclaughlin]

That white tarp looking vapor barrier… is that R11 insulation underneath thats tied into the foundation wall with a rams set fastener nail and clip?

[ramblinman]

My basement has that blanket wrap insulation as well. I guess it's more of a moisture barrier. Will it cause a mold problem? And what type of insulation would you add between the blanket wrap and the drywall?

[ConcordCarpenter]

Solid advice, love that top plate, one-man hanger!

[shahar]

Unique video because you share good tips for specific situations you come across. This shows your experience nicely

[theomattis]

Not going to lie thought I was going to learn just a bit more from video but it ended up kinda being a waste of time.. next video you make try explaining things and show how and what u are doing.

[blyoung-xfjt]

Hi
Thanks for your great video, May
I ask one question
Should you removed the insulation first and then framing, then fill the insulation? Thanks

[shaestrunk]

We watched your video in hopes it would help us understand framing a basement better. One suggestion, which after reading the comments it seems like what everyone was hoping for is, could you slow down just a bit and have clearer shots and explanations of what you are doing. We had to rewind SO many times to read what your wrote. We like a little more fast paced videos, but you went a little too fast. Some guys go painfully slow. Most of the instructional videos that seem to work best are ones that the host explains what they are doing with minimal text as backup information. Example... you tell us and show us what you are doing and the product you are using... and the screen text might pop up what product(s) you feel are important for us to remember. Like the type of insulation. If you do have to have a longer sentence, make sure we have enough time to read it. Trying to watch you and read a few long sentences one right after the other is difficult. We are both fast readers but again because we are trying to absorb what you are doing, saying and typing is not easy to do at a really fast pace.

Hope this helps. Not trying to be sarcastic as many other comments seem to be. Just suggestions. One example of really good "how to" instructional videos is "I Like to Make Stuff" on YouTube. Bob is fast paced but super informative.