Finish a Basement: A DIY remodeling adventure!
Check out this section for help a\s you begin basement construction

Return to our Home page
Visit our project planning page to learn how to prepare to finish your basement whether you're remodeling your basement by yourself, or hiring a contractor to finish your basement
Visit our design page to see how we created our basement design, and for tips on how you can design the basement of your dreams
Check here for information on the tasks you'll need to complete to finish your basement. Complete with the lessons we learned as we remodeled our basement, and tips to help you avoid some of the mistakes we made.
Whether you're designing a dedicated home theater, or creating a multi-purpose media room, check here for tips on selecting home theater components, and calibrating, and setting up your AV equipment
Check here to follow along as we complete our DIY basement remodeling project!






 

>Home >Basement_construction >How to attach walls to concrete

How to attach walls to concrete

See the previous topic in this sectionSee the next topic in this section

There are a variety of ways to secure framed walls to concrete. If you have an air compressor, the easiest way is with a nail gun (Ramset) that will shoot the concrete anchors into the concrete. You can buy one, or rent one. This is the most expensive option.

If (like me) you're not that lucky, you still have a few options.

1. Buy concrete spikes and nail them in with a small sledge hammer.

Tapcon screws secure framed support pole2. Buy the spikes that come with a charge. When you hit the spike, the gunpowder charge fires, driving the fastener into place.

3. Use Tapcon screws - Although this requires a pilot hole, it's the option I used. Therefore, it's what I'll demonstrate here.

Using Tapcon screws

What you'll need:

  • Tapcon screws - Be sure to Hex-head Tapcon screw with hex drill attachment.get
    the ones with hex heads. Don't try to use a flat-head screwdriver to drive them! I used 3/16" x 2-3/4" screws
  • A hammer drill
  • Several concrete drill bits
  • A hex head fitting (for the drill) the size of the Tapcon head

How to attach walls using Tapcon screws

1. Drill the pilot hole

  • Drill a hole through the center of the 2x4, every 16" to 20" inches.
  • Hold the board in place by standing on it if possible.
  • Use firm pressure, but don't push too hard. Let the drill do the work!
  • If using 2 3/4" screws, put a piece of tap on the bit 3" from the tip. (Drill 1/4" deeper than the depth of the anchor plus the 1 1/2" for the 2x4.)

2. Attach the screw

  • For best results use a hex-head attachment on your power drill to secure the screw. (Even the correct size flat-head screwdriver attachment will slip off frequently.)
  • Start off slowly until you're through the 2x4.
  • Speed up the drill and drive the achor deep enough into the concrete so the screw head is flush with the 2x4.

Make sure you have enough drill bits on hand. You'll go through several as the tips eventually wear out or break off. Repeat this process with each wall section. Once you get the hang of it it goes pretty quickly!

 

 

Construction Topics

Tools you'll need

The 3-4-5 rule

How to frame a wall

How to attach walls

How to install insulation

Drywall estimating

How to hang drywall: Step-by-step

How to cut drywall

How to cut around outlets and openings

Drywall installation tips

How to frame a door

How to trim a door to fit

How to finish a door

How to frame around poles

How to finish drywall

How to sand drywall

Tips for buying, finishing, & installing baseboard molding

How to fix squeaky floors

Home |Project Planning | Design | Construction | Home Theater | Our Progress | About this site


©2008-2012 Wilk Web Works
All content is protected by copyright. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.
All rights reserved.