How to Frame Out Basement Walls | This Old House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to frame out concrete basement walls to get them ready for drywall. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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How to Frame Out Basement Walls | This Old House

[plmn]

I used that insulation then just framed 2x4s normally over the top of that. The "Mike Holmes method" which was the latest thing at the time. It does end up thicker than this method but I can't imagine drilling all those concrete holes. Plus I would think all those holes would affect the integrity of the insulation, which is serving as a vapor barrier.

[CarolinaNomad]

First, the air barrier is the insulation.  The tongue and groove creates the air barrier. 
Secondly, the wood is just to hang drywall and pictures.  Anything heavier than a picture will need to be anchored into the concrete.
Third, I'm not sure if this is cheaper, but it is an alternative for an individual installation as compared to 2x4 wall construction where the material is heavier.
And Lastly, the glue should be installed vertically, NOT Horizontal.  Yes, the basement isn't leaking now, but at some point it will.  By placing the glue vertically, the water can still run down the wall to the drain.  If the glue runs horizontal, it could trap the water and create mold.  Good air flow and a drainage path prevents mold.

[iceman]

First I sealed all cracks and joints in my foundation with polyurethane concrete failing. I then used 2 inch foam board for my basement and used foam adhesive. I also used house wrap tape on all my seems. I then put strips of 2 inch foam at the top ledge of the concrete foundation where the sill plate sits. Also adhesive and taped the seams there. Then a 2x4 framed wall was built in front of the foam. I anchored the wall every 3 ft with 3/8 th x 5in threaded concrete anchors. I also used wood chimes to push the foam firmly against the concrete or else moisture could build up in the air space. Then I insulated the cavity with Roxul mineral wool insulation. This way there's no chance of mold growth. Then I rocked it with moisture rock for bathrooms. It's a bit of a process but it's better insulated, stronger, tighter and has room for utilities.

[procomputer.support]

I followed this to the "T" in my new basement office... worked great! Thank you!

[ChannelOne-]

Who am I to say tom should do anything different...i really respect his work.  i do agree w the comments about the vertical foam board adhesive runs (instead of tom's horizontal.  The only other thing i would do differently is to not use drywall screws to attach the wood. Drywall screws have only one job, to attach drywall. I would use construction screws instead. There are a number of ways a basement wall can be framed out correctly...this is one of them.

[vit]

Tom is my favorite master carpenter! Thank you for you videos!

[NMETSGChan]

By hammering the rods, doesn't that just make the rod even looser on the exterior side allowing water to be able to seep in the concrete?

[JustinChristie]

I'm not sure why you don't build a 2x4 floating wall against the foundation? The insulation is method is fine, but if you use a 2x4 wall (built out) then there is no problem with spacing for electrical, plumbing, or ducting. Also it will handle the weight of a big flat panel screen or heavy pictures/artwork. I'm wondering if the building code allows this in your area.

[johnmartha]

Hammering the ties " in" are you pushing them out on the outside" possibly breaking the water proofing"

[seanarmour]

I'm curious, what would have happened or what would have had to be done if there was moisture in the bag?

[haplo]

What is the reason for building out a wall like this versus mounting a floor/ceiling plate and building a wall structure that you then lift into place? This looks easier, but just curious if there are other reasons.

[marcodeluca]

But the 5" hole could create water to seep through from outside and make a it wet behind drywall or moisture that will create mold behind and front of drywall

[aligzaidi]

Does it provide fire protection? It may fail framing fire protection?

[fdort]

@Thisoldhouse can you please explain why you filled holes then made new ones? Please explain if the new holes will leak?

[DonRolling]

I am also concerned about hanging things from the studs. Nothing massive, just want to make sure this would hold it.

[nkel]

have concrete block. can I use those hooked metal fastener?  I have no concrete I wall voids

[ForrestSurprenant]

Is there a video showing how the wiring is run? The NEC requires that the wire be at least 1.25in deep (to avoid screws from the drywall). How do they run the wires without violating code?

[LubaLuba]

But what a bout the moisture where is the air gap behind the wall?? And can this be done with block wall too?

[sinenkoalexander]

Plugs the holes in the wall, then punches 30 new holes to install the wooden frame...

[Fenderfatstratify]

Owens Corning FOAMULAR® 250 extruded polystyrene insulation is ideal for wall furring, perimeter/ foundation, cavity wall, crawlspace, pre-cast concrete, under slab, roofing systems, sheathing and other applications (Not approved for roofing). Owens Corning’s patented Hydrovac® process technology make the unique closed-cell structure of FOAMULAR® extruded polystyrene insulation highly resistant to moisture, retaining its long term R-value year after year – even following prolonged exposure to water leakage, condensation, ground-water and freeze/thaw cycling.