Looking for a step by step for framing basement walls/2x4's wrong direction/stairs???

yummy mummy

Take a look at all my threads and they may answer a lot of your questions.

I have been hanging around here forever, as I am still not finished my basement.

Yes, I completely agree, Atlantic is the best.

Where are you Atlantic, I haven't seen you around......vacation.......

pwhoolboom

Wow Atlantic, that is an awesome amount of info communicated in a clear, concise manner. kudos! :D

*Bookmarked* This thread will help with my next project...finishing my basement.

bjbatlanta

I'd be willing to bet he wouldn't shortcut even if he WAS asked. (And I like the inclusion of beer under the tool heading; of course not while working with power tools!)

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mainiac

PianoRayK.
Im am finishing my basement as well and looked at the Dricore product for my subfloor. I did some research and found www.systemplaton.com. as a better option as my basement was 42X30. I bought 6 roles: $98 ea and 36 sheets of Advantech TG 5/8 sheathing: $19ea. It cost me about $600 less all said and done. I plan to build my walls with top and bottom plates and now do not have to use PT wood as the Platon product allows for non-load bearing walls to be built on top of your subfloor. I am building my exterior walls 2" out as I plan to insulate/seal with sprayfoam in the walls and box sills. Hope this helps

Gary in WA

Good responses! Start at the planning.... http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...gs?full_view=1 Don't forget the sill sealer under the p.t. bottom plate for a thermal/capillary break, framing tight to the foam board to eliminate a convective loop, fire-blocking every 10' vertically and horizontally, and rim joist foam board. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...248&lpage=none http://oikos.com/library/insulating_...lls/index.html http://www.rd.com/57548/article57548.html

Be safe, Gary

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Rob1976

Agreed! This book rocks.

Rob1976

Atlantic wrote a pretty much perfect post... but just to chime in with a few thoughts as someone about to start framing this weekend for the first time...
(yes I know this post is older... but maybe it will help others reading)

1. Go to your local city hall should you be in a larger locale and get the permits necessary. Ask the inspector there the specifics of what you have to follow re: building code. My inspector told me code is to attach vapor barrier to the concrete "cold wall" at ground level, not at the top. That was a good tip... the book I had read told me otherwise.

2. Draw everything out on paper... EVERYTHING. This helps you think things through and raises confidence. Takes an hour but as a first-timer will help.

3. Start on the least visible wall first. Make your framing mistakes there and then work outwards.

4. Corners use the 5-4-3 rule. 4' down 1 wall, 3' down the other and then the line that connects them should be 5' long. Give or take an inch you have 2 straight walls and a perfect corner .

nateshirk

Wish I knew the 5-4-3 rule sooner. I'm just about finished framing my first basement. I think I'm pretty close though.

And I'm going to have to search "strapping", since it doesn't seem to explain itself. If I remember, I'll come back and post what I found if someone else doesn't first.

chrisBC

Strapping is used to "fur out" or "build out" a wall or ceiling, typically 1x material or 2x3, that is fastened to your wall framing floor framing, (the underside, for ceiling application) or sometimes concrete, to accomodate a variety of different things.

nateshirk

That's what I thought. This project keeps adding up.

chrisBC

yeah amazing how fast things add up hey..

pete0403

As for framing basement walls: I've seen it done this way before, can someone tell me if this is acceptable? I was going to do it this way when I finished my basement.

1) Mark location of wall at top and fasten top plate
2) Lay bottom plate down but don't fasten
3) Mark centers on top plate and individually measure/cut each stud fastening them to top plate as you go.
4) Straighten up studs to bottom plate if they moved and toe nail
5) fasten bottom plate to slab

Seems like an easier, or the only, way to do it if you're in tight spots.

nateshirk

That's kinda how I did it. Mark top and bottom plates, hang top nice and straight, make sure the bottom plate (preasure treated) is plumb with the top plate, and secure it to the floor. I used tapcons. Then cut and toe nail the rest. It might be kinda hard to secure the studs to the bottom plate before you secure it to the floor. And get the premium 2x4's if you're going to HD or Lowes. They're a lot straighter.