How to Frame a Cement Wall

Walls for most basements and many garages are made of concrete or concrete blocks. If you're going to finish these rooms for living or for a workshop, your first step should be to frame the wall with two-by-four boards. This frame wall, often called a stud wall, provides a space for insulation and for running wiring. Additionally, it also provides the support for the wallboard or paneling that makes up the wall you'll see inside the finished room.

Tape measure
two-by-four lumber
Circular saw
10d nails
Hammer
Drill
Lag bolts
Wrench
Wood shims

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the wall with a tape measure. Cut two two-by-four boards to match the width with a circular saw. Place the two boards parallel to each other on the floor, resting on the narrow edges. These two boards are the top and bottom plates of the frame wall.
- 2
  Measure the height of the wall and subtract 3 inches -- this accounts for the top and bottom plates. Cut one two-by-four board to this measurement for every 16 inches of wall width. These are the vertical studs of the frame wall.
- 3
  Place the vertical studs between the top and bottom plates, spaced 16 inches apart. Nail the boards together with 10d nails.
- 4
  Raise the wall onto the bottom plate and slide it into position against the cement wall. Drill holes through the bottom plate and into the subfloor halfway between each of the vertical studs. Place a lag bolt into each of the holes.
- 5
  Tighten the lag bolts with a wrench until you have securely fastened the bottom plate to the subfloor.
- 6
  Slide shims between the top plate and the ceiling joists above them. Nail through the top plate and into the joists to secure the top of the wall.

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