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2x4 to block wall

Blkctsv05

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Joined
Dec 7, 2012
Messages
61
I wanna build off my block wall In lowering my 11.5' ceiling down to 9.5' an my walls are cinder blocks. Was thinking of attaching 2x4's down the wall an beam from side to side. So what's the best way to get these attached??? ceiling will be basically a false ceiling with a weight of all beams ,foam board an 10 1x4' lights.
 
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kblazer87

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Aug 15, 2005
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2,047
Location
Southeast Indiana
Why not just build the drop ceiling? Bring everything off the original celing or beams you have now and there won't be a need for 2x4s. The only thing you would need to attach to the walls would be the border strips for the ceiling panels.
 

metaleltr

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Sep 4, 2009
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2,680
Location
Western Ohio
The fastest way would be a powder actuated nailer such as a Ramset. The cheapest way would probably be to use tapcons. It will take more time to drill the holes and drive the screws, but you don't really need and special equipment. It would be easier with a cordless hammer drill, but it can be done with a regular drill/driver.
 
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imnutz

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May 7, 2012
Messages
106
cinder blocks or cement blocks? With cement blocks, I would use Tapcons, true cinder blocks are another matter.
 

justanengineer

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Apr 5, 2011
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7,722
Location
Motor City
Dont attach anything to the block wall. Its a royal PITA to clean them up in the future when you or someone else wants to "undo" it. Dont ask how I know.
 

Tim The Tool Man

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Mar 1, 2012
Messages
1,520
Location
Lehigh Valley, PA
When I frame out a block wall I either use furring strips glued and secured with a 22 cal. impact hammer (Ramset) and between each strip I glue those pre-cut syrofoam panels in place - OR - I build 2x4 partition walls with vertical blocking every 4 feet that I can use to glue, anchor, screw, or Ramset to the cement blocks. Preferably you wouldn't secure it to the block wall at all and instead secure it at the floor and ceiling...

There are lots of other factors to consider as well such as if a vapor barrier is needed, what is the condition of the block walls and can you drive a nail or Tapcon into it without it crumbling...

Sometimes paint or a stucco type coating is the best (and cheapest) solution for older block walls. In that case you would just go with a drop ceiling tile...
 
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Blkctsv05

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Joined
Dec 7, 2012
Messages
61
Cinder blocks are just normal ones hollow on inside an the main beans are covered in foam board so to build off the main beans I would have to take it all down so more time but I can also save money so might go that route or even drill holes in blocks an use toggle bolts
 
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