I have a partially to fully exposed basement I am finishing and would like to know the best way to frame out the area where there is 42" of 10" thick concrete topped by 2x6 studs? Do I frame just to the top of the concrete and tack a piece of oak between the new frame and the old 2X6 framing to make a shelf? Or do I need to frame higher and put something else between the new and old framing before attaching the shelf? Thanks

Hi, All - I am building a TV room in my basement, and I am face with very limited headroom (80 inches from concrete floor to bottom of joists). I am looking for something to put on the ceiling that will take up the smallest amount of space, preferably less than an inch. I have thought of many things, but drywall/blueboard would be preferable. The only problem is I think with strapping it would take up too much room (I'm fighting for every inch here). Is it possible to hang a drywall celing without strapping, fastening it right to the joists, or would it just look too uneven? Thanks, DB