Proper way to finish interior foundation wall on bottom of split level? Pics
#1
12-30-12, 04:27 PM
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Proper way to finish interior foundation wall on bottom of split level? Pics
Did some searching but couldn't really find anything applicable. This isn't really a basement remodel scenario which most other posts seemed related to. My home is a '69 split level (bi-level) home. The mid level CMU block foundation wall is now exposed in the lower level after tearing out the drywall to run some wiring.
My question is what is the proper way to finish the inside of this wall? Mostly I'm concerned about insulation as you can see from the picture there was nothing at all there before.
Should I do what was done originally, just reattach a cleat and nail the sheetrock to that and the rim joist? Or should I glue plastic to the CMU, glue foam to the plastic, and then nail the cleat over that?
My question is what is the proper way to finish the inside of this wall? Mostly I'm concerned about insulation as you can see from the picture there was nothing at all there before.
Should I do what was done originally, just reattach a cleat and nail the sheetrock to that and the rim joist? Or should I glue plastic to the CMU, glue foam to the plastic, and then nail the cleat over that?
#3
12-31-12, 03:44 PM
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You're correct, it's an interior wall. But ion the other side is the crawlspace. Below is a picture from a little further away. Above the wall is the kitchen on the middle level.
It's not a big deal I guess, just always want to be on the safe side of code. I was mostly concerned about vapor, but after researching today the foam board should have a low enough perm rating to serve as the vapor barrier and to avoid needing to use drylock or plastic sheeting over the masonry.
I think I'm just going to glue 1/2" rigid foam board to the masonry (after filling in the vent holes), and then nail a 1x4 over that near the floor and along the rim joist. I'll attach the sheetrock to those two boards.
As a side note, that railing is going to be replaced with framing for a solid half-wall, so the sheetrock will be going up over that framing to create a more contemporary look.
It's not a big deal I guess, just always want to be on the safe side of code. I was mostly concerned about vapor, but after researching today the foam board should have a low enough perm rating to serve as the vapor barrier and to avoid needing to use drylock or plastic sheeting over the masonry.
I think I'm just going to glue 1/2" rigid foam board to the masonry (after filling in the vent holes), and then nail a 1x4 over that near the floor and along the rim joist. I'll attach the sheetrock to those two boards.
As a side note, that railing is going to be replaced with framing for a solid half-wall, so the sheetrock will be going up over that framing to create a more contemporary look.
Last edited by shootmenow; 12-31-12 at 04:09 PM.
#5
12-31-12, 04:13 PM
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Really? That's interesting. I'd like to hear others opinion on this. I just felt it looks too old fashioned. And it creates a kind of useless space on the lower side - can't really put bookcases or anything in front of it since that would look odd from the kitchen? (kind of like how my tool chests look from the lower level right now 
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)
#6
01-01-13, 02:17 PM
Hey I like the look of tool boxes in the kitchen! My wife isn't a huge fan of them, though.
OK, nothing like an invitation! I agree with you that the existing balustrade looks very dated and really limits the uses of that space.
Given that, what would you think of replacing it, in whole or in part, with a counter? With chairs in the kitchen and stools on the family room(?) side. Maybe plain wall underneath, maybe some storage on one side or the other, maybe some pass-through storage? Pendant lights or ceiling cabinets with undercabinet lighting or open shelves over it? Or a pass-through in an otherwise complete wall?
I'd like to hear others opinion on this. I just felt it looks too old fashioned. And it creates a kind of useless space on the lower side - can't really put bookcases or anything in front of it since that would look odd from the kitchen?
Given that, what would you think of replacing it, in whole or in part, with a counter? With chairs in the kitchen and stools on the family room(?) side. Maybe plain wall underneath, maybe some storage on one side or the other, maybe some pass-through storage? Pendant lights or ceiling cabinets with undercabinet lighting or open shelves over it? Or a pass-through in an otherwise complete wall?
#7
01-05-13, 11:13 AM
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One of the perks of still being single I guess, I can put my toolboxes anywhere 
I hadn't thought about a counter at all. You've got some good ideas. My plan was to leave it open, just replace the balustrade with sheetrock and cap it off with some trim work. Maybe have some bottom shelving on the upper side and leave the lower side plain as that will allow for a desk or bookcases later on. I like the idea of lights too. Thanks for the feedback!
I hadn't thought about a counter at all. You've got some good ideas. My plan was to leave it open, just replace the balustrade with sheetrock and cap it off with some trim work. Maybe have some bottom shelving on the upper side and leave the lower side plain as that will allow for a desk or bookcases later on. I like the idea of lights too. Thanks for the feedback!
