I went to look at a basement job today to work up a bid to finish it out. The basement walls are 12′ tall and I can already see that there are some wood studs that are bowed,twisted etc. I would like to use metal studs to complete the rest of the framing( the basement is walk-out all along the back 71’+). I am willing to use wood to block things out, to making hanging doors,trim and cabinets easier. Does anyone have any experience framing tall basements like this, most of the basements that I do in the area are 9-10′ tall. This will be a very high-end basement and I want to make sure that everything will stay in place the first time they are installed. (no bowed walls, crooked jambs,built-ins not fitting flush to the wall w/o scribe)
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I have 10' ceilings. We did metal studs for exterior walls spaced about an inch away from the concrete. Polyurethane foam insulation was sprayed on foundation walls, the foam locked everything in place. The space is warm and dry.
I do alot of metal framing and the first thing that comes to mind is the stud gauge.
I would stay away from 25 or even 20 gauge for a 12' height. 18 gauge will be a little more per foot but what a difference in strength, straightness, and holding power ( with or without blocking )
I usually block with 2x6 or 3/4" ply depending on need. If you want to use full sheets of ply over the studs, 5/8" mates up nicely with 5/8" rock on adjoining surfaces.
If this is a large area (square footage) you might want to suggest to the owners framing the perimeter walls 16 inches away from the foundation walls. I've done this and the benefits are many.
Since you can now walk between the walls, making changes is simple. Whether you need access to the basement area, the homes' exterior, or the floor above, you've got it. Wiring, plumbing, ductwork are now no big deal to repair, add, or change.
You also create a large volume of air space to help handle/dissipate any minor moisture issues.
Something to think about, hope this helps...Buic
Edited 2/10/2006 3:47 pm ET by BUIC
Buic, I like that suggestion particularly about dissipating the moisture and preventing possible mold conditions.
blue
Good suggestion on the spacing,,I have plenty of room to work with on this job. I have about 2990 sf of floor space as it looks right now, so loosing a few sf to be able to have access at a later date may be worth it.