We're beginning the huge task of completely finishing an unfinished basement. I was so glad to find you guys on this forum! My first posting here has to do with framing the ceiling. We don't want to do drop ceilings, but instead use drywall. We have several ducts, pipes, beams, etc. in the way that will dictate that we box these in. Should the walls be built first and connected to the joists, or should the ceiling framing be built first? I guess simply put, which layer goes above the other? Thanks!

 

In general, the walls will be built first. But where a wall has to go under one of these obstructions, there will be some back and forth.

First consider if you want to move any of these obstructions. I know it's a pain in effort and money to move them, but it may be worth it. Moving them close to each other will allow the use of fewer soffits, and result in a cleaner ceiling line. Or sometimes you may be able to move them up to within the joist cavity. Usually a builder doesn't take that much care to make the basement finish easy, so you might have to do the job better.

 

SueP,

Just a suggestion. If you want to avoid allot of headaches, use the ceiling grid system per the attached link - easy and less costly. This is a grid system for drywall.

Why not look at page 19 of this PDF - flat ceiling Drywall suspension tracks?

This get's it up close and you can drywall, paint. It's fast and easy! It takes less room than 2x framing.

http://www.usg.com/expert_advice/pdf/Chapter_01.pdf

Main Track is approx. $4.20 for a 12 ft pc.
4 ft tees are approx. $1.45 each.
Wire hangers (don't know price)

Figure out your room based upon what you need and you'll find this a very inexpensive way to go. Don't forget about the wire to hang all this!

This can be done by a novice and if you rent a laser level, this will make installation easy and fast.

Makes for a clean look - hang drywall and tape - Done! Faster than all the wood framing and costs are far cheaper in both labor and material. By the way, you make tray ceilings from these just by using self tapping metal screws. Works great!

Also, this is not a HD item, contact a local drywall supplier or a good lumber yard. This is USG Drywall Grid System when you ask if they carry it.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks for the recommendations. We looked into our options on the ceiling and decided to go the route of 2x4s and drywall. The fun begins this weekend!

 

Ill go for a drop down ceiling any time over the drywall ceiling in a basement. When I think of all the times I have to back in it to change wires phone lights and clean out bath traps .

My .02 cents


Ed