Basement Wall Framing
#1
02-12-02, 06:56 PM
Basement Wall Framing
I am about to start framing out our basement for finishing. For a non "load bearing" wall with no windows, is it necessary to have a top-plate as part of the wall construction? What about stud placement? I am assuming it is 16in on center. What about the wall raising and dividing the wall into sections and raising them one at a time (27foot length wall)? I have a lot of seemingly obvious questions, but if someone can answer them... Thank You.
#3
02-13-02, 01:17 PM
Member
Lipper,
Assuming you are going to use wood studs, Yes you should use top & bottom plates. Even though it is not load bearing, a top and bottom plate allows you to make a straight wall, something to attach base moulding to, something to attach drywall to at the top & bottom and is easier to make plumb. I used wood studs because I was more comfortabale with wood, but steel appears to be an equally good alternative. I think when you add up all the various parts, I am not sure steel is any cheaper ( be sure to include costs for different type of electrical boxes, grommets to run wire through the stud holes, and wood for bottom plate & around doors).
Easy way to build your wood walls. Take your top & bottom plate (bottom should be pressure treated), clamp them together, mark your 16" on center marks ( be sure to leave room for adjoining walls in relation to drywall seams), unclamp & lay both stacked,flat on the floor where they are to go, then mark the length of each of the individual studs by setting the stud on the stacked plates and mark to the closest ceiling joist as you go down the length of the wall. Now cut those studs making the saw cut smaller by 1 saw blade width (cut on the inside of your line), lay out the studs according to their as measured location & hammer together the wall. Then just tilt up, it might need a little pursuasion but the 1 blade saw allowance gives some tilting room, do an itital square & plumb, attach it to the floor, square & plumb it up again, then attach to the above floor joists.
This part of your basement finishing will be the easiest & probably most fun since it goes fast and your work is immediately visable. Good Luck
Assuming you are going to use wood studs, Yes you should use top & bottom plates. Even though it is not load bearing, a top and bottom plate allows you to make a straight wall, something to attach base moulding to, something to attach drywall to at the top & bottom and is easier to make plumb. I used wood studs because I was more comfortabale with wood, but steel appears to be an equally good alternative. I think when you add up all the various parts, I am not sure steel is any cheaper ( be sure to include costs for different type of electrical boxes, grommets to run wire through the stud holes, and wood for bottom plate & around doors).
Easy way to build your wood walls. Take your top & bottom plate (bottom should be pressure treated), clamp them together, mark your 16" on center marks ( be sure to leave room for adjoining walls in relation to drywall seams), unclamp & lay both stacked,flat on the floor where they are to go, then mark the length of each of the individual studs by setting the stud on the stacked plates and mark to the closest ceiling joist as you go down the length of the wall. Now cut those studs making the saw cut smaller by 1 saw blade width (cut on the inside of your line), lay out the studs according to their as measured location & hammer together the wall. Then just tilt up, it might need a little pursuasion but the 1 blade saw allowance gives some tilting room, do an itital square & plumb, attach it to the floor, square & plumb it up again, then attach to the above floor joists.
This part of your basement finishing will be the easiest & probably most fun since it goes fast and your work is immediately visable. Good Luck
