How to Frame a Basement Pole

If you're finishing your basement one pesky detail might be how to frame basement support poles. Basements typically have one or more metal support poles positioned underneath the beams supporting your house. These poles are an important structural part of your home, so they can't be removed -- but a steel pole isn't the most attractive thing to keep when remodeling. Framing the pole with wood, to allow the later addition of drywall or other materials, is a smart way to work around this.

2-by-4-inch boards
Ruler
Circular saw
Masonry nails
Hammer
8d nails
Drywall
Utility knife
Drywall nails
Drywall corner molding
Joint compound
Sandpaper
Primer
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two 5-inch lengths of 2-by-4-inch board and two 12-inch lengths of 2-by-4-inch board. Place these around the perimeter of the pole, broad side down, forming a square. Nail the boards into the subfloor when they're positioned.
- 2
  Measure from the top of the base boards -- those you've just installed -- to the ceiling joists above the base. Cut four 2-by-4-inch boards to match the distance.
- 3
  Place these boards vertically onto the base boards and wedge them underneath the ceiling joists, forming a square around the pole. Toenail the boards into the base and the ceiling joists with two 8d nails at the top and bottom.
- 4
  Cut four pieces of drywall with a utility knife, one each matching the measurements for each side of the framework on the post. Nail each piece onto the frame with drywall nails, spaced every 6 to 8 inches.
- 5
  Nail drywall corner beads onto the corners of the post covering. Apply joint compound to the corners and let it dry.
- 6
  Sand the joint compound until it's smooth and even. Prime and paint the frame to match your basement decor.

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