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Basement Utility Room Karl uses style and storage to transform a dreary laundry dungeon. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-208

(Continued from page 1)

With a detailed plan in hand, Karl and Dan get to work framing the first wall of the family’s new basement utility room.

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Framing the First Wall

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Karl and Dan started out by framing the simpler wall – the one without a built-in laundry sorter.

Tip: Assemble the wall frames in the area where they will be installed. Wall frames probably will be too large to bring in through a doorway.

• Cut the 2x4 lumber for the first wall based on the project drawing. If the wall will rest on bare concrete, cut the bottom plate from pressure-treated lumber. This will prevent rot if moisture comes up through the concrete.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a circular saw or other power tools.

• Lay out the lumber for the wall frame, starting with the outside edges (figure A). The side pieces should go inside the top and bottom pieces.

• Make sure the corners are square and nail the side pieces into the top and bottom plates (figure B). Measure, square up and nail the studs into position in the same manner. Double-check the measurements before nailing the studs that will frame the doorway to make sure the placement is correct.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and use extreme caution if using a nail gun. These powerful tools drive nails instantly, which means they can cause serious injury if used carelessly.

• Measure, cut and nail into place a crosspiece that will frame the top of the doorway.

• With the frame complete, lift and slide it into position. Karl and Dan used builder’s tape to secure the new wall to a drain pipe and help hold it still while attaching it to the floor. Even with the tape, have a helper hold the wall steady until it’s securely attached to the floor.

• Making sure the wall is exactly in place, use a hammer drill to drill holes through the bottom plate and into the concrete floor, then attach the wall frame to the floor with masonry screws (figure C).

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and ear protection when drilling and driving screws into concrete or any type of masonry.

• Check the wall for plumb (figure D).

• Fit shims between the top plate of the wall and the ceiling joists. Using a nail gun, drive nails up through the top plate and the shims into the joists (figure E).

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