How to Frame Out a Basement That's Brick

Hanging drywall is a pretty standard way to begin finishing a basement, and the process is the same whether your basement walls are concrete or brick. Before you can hang drywall, you need to build wood frames, which will go right along the existing walls to create a mask that will hide those old, unsightly basement walls. When building drywall frames for a basement, it is important that you take very careful measurements to account for any irregularities or unevenness in the floor and ceiling.

Measuring tape
2-by-4 pressure-treated lumber
2-by-4 lumber
Saw
Chalk line
Concrete screws
Drill
Laser level or plumb bob
Wood screws
Framing nails

Instructions

- 1
  Measure along the top and bottom of the brick wall you want to frame. Use the bottom measurement to cut a piece of pressure-treated 2-by-4 lumber. Repeat the process using the top measurement, but use regular 2-by-4 lumber.
- 2
  Snap a chalk line on the floor along the wall so that the line is about 1/2 inch from the wall. Place the pressure-treated lumber along this line so that the edge furthest from you runs flush along the chalk line.
- 3
  Drill concrete screws along the length of the pressure-treated plank. Use two screws every 12 inches or so. Use a laser level or plumb bob from the bottom plank to mark the ceiling for the top plank.
- 4
  Line up the top plank so it is flush with the markings you made. Drill wood screws through the plank and into the ceiling joists to secure the top plank.
- 5
  Measure along the bottom plank and mark the wood every 16 inches. Use a straight edge to make the markings so they go from edge to edge on the wood.
- 6
  Measure up from each marking, from the bottom plank to the top one, and make a note of each measurement. Repeat this process for both ends of the bottom plank -- these measurements are for the first and last studs. Cut 2-by-4 planks to these measurements to make your studs.
- 7
  Slide the studs into place and check them with a level to ensure that they are straight and perpendicular to the top and bottom planks. Drive three framing nails through both ends of each stud at an angle -- the nails must go through the stud and into the top and bottom planks. Repeat until you have installed all of the studs.

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