How to: Furring a Basement Wall

Clean the basement wall you'll be furring over by removing debris or loose masonry. Prepare furring strips by laying them out.

Draw a chalk line on your masonry wall, making sure the line is vertical. Using your tape measure, space your chalk lines 16 to 24 inches apart working out from the center. Use a straightedge to ensure your chalk lines are level and straight.

Place a straightedge flush against your chalk lines to identify bulges or lower spots. If you identify either, mark them with your chalk or a pencil. For the low or recessed areas, you can shim your furring strips after installing them.

Prepare your furring strips by predrilling for your concrete screws. Your predrilled holes should be roughly 16 inches apart. Place your furring strips against your chalk lines, and mark your masonry wall where you'll be nailing in your concrete screws by poking your pencil through the predrilled holes in your furring strips. Once you've marked for the screws, drill a surface hole in each mark.

Apply construction adhesive with a caulking gun all along the back of your furring strips. Once the glue is applied, place the furring strip on one of your chalk lines. Attach the furring strip firmly to the masonry by placing concrete screws in predrilled holes and drilling them in with your power drill. Repeat this step for every furring strip.

Ensure you've created a flat surface with your furring strips by using a straightedge. If you find recessed areas, place shims in the low area behind the furring strip.