Basement half wall advice

basementfinishingframing

Thoughts on how to go about this half wall on all the exterior walls in my basement? I have framed 2×4 walls up to the height of the half cinder block wall and installed installation. Above the half wall was insulated with a vapor barrier over by the builder. I do not need a vapor barrier on the half wall as this was done on the exterior of the home below grade. I am planning on installing a wood shelf at this area but should I be cautious of the 2" span of the top of the cinder blocks and moisture? Should this area be drywalled to make for easier shelf installation? Advice on how to handle the top of the cinder block wall and possible moisture issues in the future?enter image description here

Best Answer

Man you can make that look really nice. I would pop a 1x of pine on that and stain and poly it before install. It only needs a couple of screws (or finishing nails - debate debate!). And then you have this nice focal point ledge on the basement. Can hold a vase, the remotes, or just stack it with junk!

I dont know how long of a run you have but - you have a LOT of options.

  • just the nice pine ledge (pine takes moisture really well, doesn't swell, and the stain doesn't fade fast with moisture)... ok here is the deal. cool as hell if you can get something that spans the area or if you have an idea to cover the joint of 2 different 1xs with some ornamental wood (or functional)
  • pop in wall shelving all the way across.
  • be eclectic - different size pine boards... its a wall. Different size shelves and whatever.

Do not hide this edge with drywall/mud. I have a feeling just looking at it + your description you could drywall/mud but that's trying to hide it. Make it look like you framed it for a purpose. Make people who enter your basement think - wow wonder why he framed a ledge out like that, love that idea. I always try to take any weird architectural iffyness and turn it into a focal point.

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