Remodeling an unfinished basement is a typical example where installing wood paneling is an effective way of improving the appearance of the cement walls. In the process, the walls can be insulated to improve the energy efficiency of the space, and the procedure for accomplishing both can be adapted to any type of wall paneling or covering being used.
Instructions
1. Position continuous lengths of 2-by-4 pressure-treated lumber on its edge, end to end, against the base of the cement wall. Secure the boards to the wall using concrete nails spaced approximately 2 feet apart and 6 inches from each end joint. This installs the base horizontal backing for the wall paneling.
2. Mark an incremental 16-inch layout on the top outer edge of the horizontal boards installed in Step 1. Beginning at either end, use a measuring tape to place pencil marks at 16-inch spacing along the length of the wall being paneled. These are the center lines of the vertical nail backing. Use a hand square to extend these center lines down the outer face of the backing board.
3. Cut one 2-by-4 pressure-treated board for each of the layout lines defined in Step 2. Determine the length as the vertical dimension between the top edge of the base backing board and the top edge or ceiling line of the cement wall, then subtract 3 1/2 inches to leave an opening for the top horizontal backing.
4. Install one 2-by-4 pressure-treated board as vertical backing, centered at each layout line and flat to the wall surface. Verify that the 2-by-4 pressure-treated board is plumb using a level, then secure to the wall with concrete nails spaced 18 to 24 inches apart and 6 inches from each end. All of the concrete nails should be fully driven to flush the head with the 2-by-4 pressure-treated board's surface.
5. Install one additional 2-by-4 pressure-treated board as vertical backing at both ends of the cement wall. Secure using concrete nails spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart and 6 inches from the ends.
6. Install a continuous top horizontal backing board against the ceiling, across the length of the cement wall using concrete nails spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart.
7. Cut pieces of 1 1/2-inch foil-faced rigid insulation panels to fit the wall spaces between the backing boards. Cutting the panel pieces to a snug fit helps secure the panels in place. These insulated openings will help to improve temperature regulation and heating costs for the room.
8. Secure each piece of 1 1/2-inch foil-faced rigid insulation into the wall space with a continuous perimeter bead of construction adhesive applied to the back side. Press the pieces against the cement wall to spread the adhesive. Masking tape can be used to hold the edges flush with the face of the backing boards while the adhesive cures.
9. Install the wall paneling according to the pattern and type by attaching the paneling to the backing board frame using the recommended paneling nails.
Tags: 2-by-4 pressure-treated, 2-by-4 pressure-treated board, concrete nails, pressure-treated board, backing board, cement wall