Hanging Furring Strips on Cinder Block

Renovating a basement to make it usable living space often involves installing drywall over cinder block foundation walls. One option is to build a framework of 2-by-4-inch studs on the walls. The other option is to attach furring strips to the cinder block to hang drywall. Furring strips are usually 1-inch thick by 2 or 3 inches wide. Concrete screws are used to attach the furring strips because they will not break the cinder block like nails can.

Tape measure
Electric drill
3/16-inch carbide-tipped masonry bit
1/4 inch concrete screws
Hammer drill
Electric screwdriver or screwdriver bit

Instructions

- 1
  Position the first furring strip vertically, flat against the cinder block wall and butted into the corner.
- 2
  Drill one 3/16-inch hole through the furring strip about every 12 inches from top to bottom, staggering the holes along the furring strip. Use an electric drill with a 3/16-inch carbide-tipped masonry bit to make the holes.
- 3
  Drive 1/4-inch concrete screws into the furring strips holes to secure the furring strips to the cinder block wall. Use a hammer drill. Make the heads of the screws flush with the surface of the furring strips.
- 4
  Place the second furring strip against the cinder block wall either 16 or 24 inches from the center of the first furring strip. Attach the second furring strip to the wall in the same manner you attached the first furring strip.
- 5
  Repeat the process to attach additional furring strips to the cinder block wall.

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