Hello,

I'm getting ready to finish my basement and I'm stuck on one issue. I know that the pros use 2x4's to frame a basement wall. But I have limited sapce and I don't want to loose that. Oh did I mention I only have 3 outer walls to finish. The other wall is one that separates storage from the rest of the room.

Is there any other recomendations on what to use to finish these walls? For example using 2x2's, Metal studs, maybe another type finishing system that I can install myself. Pros and Cons

Thanks in advance.....

 

When you finish off the space you have to add the required electrical. A recep every 12 feet is the first requirement. You need to make sure you have enough room for the boxes. You can install them sticking out of the wall, but it looks pretty bad. Figure out what and how you will do the wiring and the box sizes required. I usually use 3.5 inch deep device boxes to make the wiring easier. Another trick to save depth is to use square boxes that are only 1.5 inches deep with a plaster ring for single devices mouning. You get the box volume required in the shallowest box allowed for general purpose wiring.
You could probably use 2x2 studs and stand them off the foundation enough to fit wiring. Every hole in the studs for electric cable will need a protector plate, and even 1/2 inch holes will be removing one third of the stud.

 

I also forgot to mention that the electric and cable are already run via conduit. I have 7 outlets. I do agree with what you said because I might want to run speakers and phone.

Thanks for the reply...

 

I have always considered 2x2s to be tomato stakes. You might be best served by using 2x4s sideways.

 

Steve,

Are you suggesting turning the 2x4's so the 4" side is smack againist the wall? Or am I reading into this wrong?

 

Metal studs are best as long as they don't bear a load. They stay straight and are very easy to work with. Check your local code for wiring requirements and do yourself a favour and think about wiring for telephones, Stereos, computers etc before hand. It really looks nice when you can bury all that stuff behind your sheet rock, panel etc.