How to Install Furring Strips Vertically or Horizontally

Measure the length of the wall in inches with a tape measure, and then divide by 16 to determine the number of furring strips needed for vertical coverage. Add one additional strip to the count to make certain you have an end piece for installation. Make marks along the base of the wall with a piece of chalk, beginning 1 inch from the left corner of the wall and then proceeding every 16 inches along the wall. Make a final mark 1 inch from the right corner of the wall for the final strip placement.

Measure the height of the wall with the tape measure to determine the height of each furring strip. Subtract an inch from the measurement to allow for a 1/2-inch space along the top and bottom of the wall for wall movement. Cut the number of 1-by-2-inch furring strips that you calculated you need to the measured height, using a circular saw.

Place the first furring strip lying vertically against the left corner of the wall, with the chalk mark at the 1-inch point centered on the 2-inch edge of the strip. Place a carpenter’s level against the edge of the strip to make certain that the strip is plumb, running in a straight line up the wall.

Drill holes through the strip and into the wall beneath it with a hammer drill containing a carbide tip drill bit. Set the drill for a depth that’s 1-1/4-inch deeper than the concrete fastener length. Use the drill mode to get through the furring strip and to the masonry layer. Switch to hammer drill mode, and then drill straight into the masonry layer. Make a hole through the furring and into the wall every 12 inches along the length of the strip, staggering the line of holes through the strip to avoid cracking the wood.

Remove the strip, and then use a vacuum with a hose to vacuum out the concrete dust from the hole in the wall.

Replace the strip and use an electric screwdriver to drive concrete fasteners into the wall through the predrilled holes in the furring strip and masonry.

Repeat the installation process every 16 inches, and then place the last furring strip at the last mark on the wall in the far corner.

Follow the same installation procedure for horizontal furring strips, except space the strips every 12 inches up the face of the wall, leaving a 1/2-inch gap along the top and bottom of the wall.

Use multiple strips of furring along the wall length if necessary, butting the ends of the furring strips tightly together and using a carpenter’s level along the butted area to maintain the levelness of the furring line along the new strip’s length.