I'm planning to build some stud walls in my basement and I've noticed there are tons of wood options out there. I'm curious, does it really make a difference which type I use for the studs?
5 Answers
If you're putting your studs directly in contact with concrete, definitely go with pressure-treated wood and don't forget a sill gasket. You want to protect the wood from moisture!
Honestly, you can just use the cheap stuff if you want. It's not super critical for basements, just be mindful of moisture.
If you're really in doubt, just go with metal. It takes away a lot of the worry about moisture and structural issues with wood.
But how would that work with faced foam board? Is it compatible?
I'd recommend SPF lumber—it's usually a good and affordable choice for studs.
In the Northeast, we usually skip wood studs below grade and opt for metal instead. It’s a bit more hassle, but if you choose wood, make sure your baseplate is pressure-treated and suitable for contact with concrete. Also, use galvanized fasteners to keep everything in good shape!
I'm actually installing mine on top of a Dricore subfloor with faced foam board. Does that change anything?