[anuvanoob]

I'm constructing an accent wall and the bottom/sill plate of it's framing will need to be fastened to the concrete basement floor. Being that that area of the basement sometimes gets wet during heavy rain I figured the bottom plate needs to be waterproofed. The associates at Lowe's told me to apply Drylok's masonry waterproofer to the stud and that'll protect it.

While applying the Drylok to the bottom plate stud last night I couldn't help but think this method was wrong and backwards. Is this indeed a wrong way of waterproofing the bottom plate? If so, what are some right ways to protect the frame from rotting?

Thanks in advance

 

[anuvanoob]

Pressure treated lumber is what you use against concrete.

I guess the guy at Lowes hasn't worked in that part of the store yet. :laughing:

Well, we discussed that and it was nixed immediately. Pressure treated lumber appears to be a personal no-no for most folks for projects inside the house because of the potentially dangerous stuff its made up of. I don't want it in my house either.

 

[anuvanoob]

Well then roll out some sill seal.

Better than Drylok? If so, how do I apply it?

 

[anuvanoob]

ah, I see. That looks a hell of a quicker than coat -> wait 3 hours -> coat again -> wait 3 hours. Thanks!

One last question: I'm using reclaimed wood flooring as the wall and the bottom row will touching the concrete basement floor... how do I protect that bottom row from rotting too?

 

[anuvanoob]

What about staining the bottom plate stud like you would for your deck? Will that protect against rotting?

 

[anuvanoob]

Yes, it just gets damp, there's no standing water. If there's another design or layout for the bottom row of the paneling I'm open to it. I figured the bottom row should touch the concrete floor to hide the bottom plate of the framing and it's sill seal.