Fire Blocking and Stud Layout for a Basement in Herriman

Stud Layout for a Basement Finishing Project in Herriman, Utah

Hello everybody. Today, we have been installing some framing on this basement that we just started. Framing is one of the first trades that begin when we finish the basement. I want to point out a few things that are important to complete when you’re framing. We framed these studs into this wall today on a standard 16″ spacing all throughout.

Why Are 16” Spacings Important When Framing?

The 16” spacing is important because it allows the drywall sheets to end on a single stud so that the next one can continue from that same stud. If you don’t maintain the standard spacing, a piece of drywall ends in between the two studs. This results in a weak point that’s not quality, and that’s not what we’re aiming to achieve. The drywall would break if somebody leaned against it just right. The spacing, therefore, is important to maintain at 16″ on center.

Alternate Spacing Options for the Stud Layout

The studs may technically space apart 19-1/2″ or 24″, which different folks prefer different spacing depending on how they plan to use the spacing or how rigid they want the walls to be. In this case, the owners elected for the 16″ option, which is the standard.

Fire Blocking Basement for Fire Protection

The other thing I want to show you is located at the top of the wall. We installed our fire protection, known as fire blocking. If a fire ever started in this wall, it could come up, burn through this insulation, and go right behind this 2×4 top plate, and then spread into the floor cavity throughout the home and up into the next level. We installed this 5/8″ drywall, and that blocks the fire for a one hour rating, which allows the people upstairs to get out of the house before they become part of the fire. Fire blocking is a difficult step to install and is time consuming, but honestly, on a very terrible day, the fire blocking would give anyone in the home a chance to get out.

Fire Blocking and Stud Layout

Those are the two things that I have for you today. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you guys have a good rest of your week.

BASEMENT FINISHING COST GUIDE

Have you wondered what it costs to finish a basement in Salt Lake and Utah Counties? Our basement finishing cost guide will give you everything you need to know.

Pricing for 1000 and 1500 square foot basement finishes
Pricing to include a bathroom, a kitchen, or open square footage
Pricing for Basic, Average, and Luxury Level Finishes
Basement walkout entrance pricing
Real project costs for basements we have finished
How to avoid the most costly mistakes while finishing a basement

Caleb Dansie

Caleb Dansie has been in the construction industry for 10 years. He began his career working on custom homes and remodels. He earned a degree in Construction Management from BYU and loved his studies there. He founded Dansie Design Build with the mission to create a great building experience for customers, provide financial peace for employees, and build wonderful places to live. Caleb oversees all aspects of the company.