I've just finished renovating my basement with one thing left. I would like to box out the three steel columns that remain. Of course I'd like to be as tight to the column as possible. If I framed the columns with 2 by's I feel it would be a rather large box out. Any suggestion on how to fasten the pine lumber to the steel columns without using a framing member? My first thought was to wire some wood furring to the column then attach the finished wood to it. Any other ideas? BTW the wood box out will be painted. Thanks

Hi everybody, All done with the framing in my 5 yr old 800 square foot L shaped basement.. Next step is doing all my rough-in's.. What is the best electrical wire to use 12 or 14 gage, I am planning on having a fridge, entertainment center, arcade game and home office down there.. Also how high should I go from floor for the outlets on wall? And I am planning on cutting in through main heating supply and return trunks running length of basement, should I just use normal air vents like the 1's in floor upstairs, or are there special one's, I have heard there are some with fans in them, what are the advantages? I am also planning on putting in a vent-free wall gas heater, any pro or cons on them. I have a 4x8 bathroom framed out and planning on just a sink and a UP-FLUSH toilet, does anybody have any expieriance with the UP-FLUSH type tiolets? . Really just looking for any idea's or shortcut/helpful hints on any electrical/lighting, heating/cooling, or plumbing anybody has to offer.. Thanx to everybody for all their help so far with my project..