How to Attach a Sill Plate to a Block

When making an addition to your home, you might choose to use a concrete block foundation. This type of foundation can be easy for homeowners to use when taking on the home addition without professional help. Before you can attach walls to the foundation, you need to attach a sill plate. This wooden structure is first anchored to the block foundation, then it can be used to attach walls and other structures.

Concrete wedge anchors
Carbide-tipped masonry bit
Hammer drill
Wire brush
Air compressor
Washers and nuts
Hammer
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Count the complete diameter of five of the concrete wedge anchors used to attach the sill plate from each edge of the block. Mark these locations with chalk.
- 2
  Count the distance of 10 anchor diameters from where you marked with chalk the first time and mark the block again. This is where your anchors will go. Continue until you have marked all the way around the block.
- 3
  Attach a carbide-tipped masonry bit to a hammer drill and make holes that are the same diameter as the anchors at each spot you marked.
- 4
  Clean the holes with a wire brush to remove debris. If necessary, blow out the debris with an air compressor.
- 5
  Put a washer and nut over each anchor before installing the sill plate.
- 6
  Place the sill plate over the block foundation and attach it using the holes you drilled in the block and the concrete wedge anchors.
- 7
  Hammer in the anchors and tighten them with a wrench and the nuts on each anchor.

Code Requirement for a Bedroom Closet

How to Make an Unfinished Basement Bedroom

Home Additions