To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Partition wall in wet locations

sling

Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2013
Messages
24
Location
Newark, DE
I'm expanding the basement part of my shop. Unfortunately my basement can be leaky at times. While I'm trying to figure out the moisture problem, I'd like to add a wall to partition off the shop from the storage and laundry area. The basement is completely unfinished and will stay that way for the foreseeable future.
I'm afraid a traditional wood framed wall would get wet at the bottom occasionally and rot. The previous owner had built a wall with a course of block on the floor then framed up from there.
I can't find any examples of this hybrid type of wall online, but I can't really find any specific reason why I shouldn't do this either. Any ideas? Or better yet, are there better alternatives?
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

G McKay

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 6, 2014
Messages
6,849
Location
In the garage in Bremerton
First off, you need to fix the leaks. But you can always put the wall up about an inch or so off of the floor. When you cover it with trim- it will never show. That way the trim might get wet, but the wall won't. And you can always get plastic trim that is stained to look like wood.
 
Last edited:
OP
S

sling

Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2013
Messages
24
Location
Newark, DE
The leaks are extremely minor and have been chased for 12 years. By me and professionals. Short of exposing my entire foundation, which would damage tons of landscaping, a $20k stone patio, and the slab of a screened porch, we're running out of ideas. I wanted to minimize the water intrusion before installing a drain around the perimeter and I think I'm at that point.
Still, I want any additional structure in the basement to be resistant to water.
I considered PT lumber, but I'm concerned about any moisture wicking through it to non treated parts. That's probably insignificant though. Any other concerns using pressure treated lumber for interior walls. Health-wise? Cost is not a big deal because it's just one 12' long wall.
As for "putting the wall a half inch or so above the floor", how would I do that? Galvanized or coated deck hardware? I considered the bases used for exterior columns, but I figured there must be a product to do what I want.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

bobemmerich

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 23, 2009
Messages
1,611
Location
Middletown, Ct.
I used a PT 2x4 set inside a steel stud. Primered the underside (with automotive primer) of the steel stud and put foam under it on the floor.
 

Scud67

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Messages
331
Location
Metrowest Boston MA
You could use steel studs and durock the lower 2' of the wall. It's what we used all the time in kitchens (when I built Dunkin Donuts locations). Moisture won't wick up the wall if you use durock and the steel will last a very long time.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom