2x4 framing in basement

[SuperNaruto]

So i'm looking to finish the basement.. talked to a few friends and they told me to use pressure treated 2x4.. just so if theres any water contact, it wont rot..

Is there something better to use or thats the best thing ? i dont want any hidden surprise 10 year down the road...

 

[DeadByDawn]

Sounds expensive. I'd probably only consider it on the boards that touched the concrete myself.

 

[rivan]

Pressue treated's as good as anything, though you should pay a ton of attention to getting a vapor barrier up if you've got any concerns at all about moisture. If there's enough water getting to the 2x4s to rot them out, there's probably enough moisture for mold.

That'd be bad.

 

[amdskip]

You should really only have to use that for the bottom plate. Honestly I'd make sure your basement was water tight before finishing it. I know someone who had to tear their walls out due to water.

 

[dullard]

I just put pressure treated on the concrete floor and any place that touched the concrete walls when I added a bathroom to my basement. Then I used normal 2x4s everywhere else.

If you are really concerned, then
(1) Get proper drainage away from your house and fix the problem at its source.
(2) Paint your basement with DryLock. It'll cost $200 for most basements, but that'll keep all water out.
(3) Use a vaper barrior.

 

[RU482]

use pressure treated for the board that sits on the floor, regular wood for the rest

 

[Kelemvor]

Definitely do something to treat for water protection before you frame it in. You can get the stuff you paint on that penetrates the cement walls to form a barrier. Then you can use pressure treated for the bottom piece as others have said. No reason to use it on the vertical pieces unless you think you're going to get flooded out or something. But if you have a sump pump and such, I wouldn't worry about it.

Is this a new house or do you know the history of any water issues?

 

[xanis]

Before you even start, make sure that your basement is as waterproof as you can make it. Put DryLock on all of the walls, caulk and seal any small windows (if your basement has any) and go buy a dehumidifier. You don't want problems down the road.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

as others have said, you only need pressure treated wood where the framing is in direct contact with concrete. You will also need to use either double-dipped galvanized or stainless fasteners whereever you nail into the pressure treated wood, as the chemical use to make it corrodes steel very quickly.

 

[ajf3]

Why not use alum studs if you're concerned about moisture?

 

[Mellman]

Originally posted by: ajf3
Why not use alum studs if you're concerned about moisture?

This is what we did...still used a vapor barrior and a sealant on the walls...we've had to deal with water problems from inside the house though not outside, damn water filter/refrigerator

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: ajf3
Why not use alum studs if you're concerned about moisture?

you mean steel studs? they still rust.

 

[Ulfwald]

Check your local building codes too, Pressure treated may not be allowed for indoor use.