Journal stienman's Journal: Basement work finally progressing...
I finally got some major work done on the basement refinishing project. We determined not to go with 2x2s nailed to the walls, as I was having much trouble nailing them to the concrete. I eventually determined that since the concrete nails needed to penetrate at least 1", and my powder actuated nail gun only handled 2 1/2" nails, and the boards needed shimming (2x2 boards are 1 1/2" wide), then the nails wouldn't go in far enough.
So we returned the wood, and got metal studs (which were the same cost), which are 2 1/2", so the rooms are 1" smaller, but wow does it go fast. We have all of the track (top and botton metal track that holds the metal studs in) in, and about 2/5 of the studs done, all today. I did find out our concrete is HARD . Normally they suggest a level 3 powder to shoot 1" nails into concrete, but they were just bending out of the way. I tried level four (the highest level available at local hardware stores), and most of them go in now, but not all the way all the time. Enough to keep the walls up, though.
We've got to finish this phase of the project
So we returned the wood, and got metal studs (which were the same cost), which are 2 1/2", so the rooms are 1" smaller, but wow does it go fast. We have all of the track (top and botton metal track that holds the metal studs in) in, and about 2/5 of the studs done, all today. I did find out our concrete is HARD . Normally they suggest a level 3 powder to shoot 1" nails into concrete, but they were just bending out of the way. I tried level four (the highest level available at local hardware stores), and most of them go in now, but not all the way all the time. Enough to keep the walls up, though.
We've got to finish this phase of the project
Exterior studs
before moving onto the next 3 phases, which I hope to complete before school starts after labor day.
Interior studs and doors
Wiring (electrical, 2 cat5, cable)
Drywall and finishing
I'd like to do a ceiling as well, but the wife is hesitant, having had a bad experience with drywalling above her head...
-Adam
Note to self: knee pads. Please. I'm begging you.