Fastening Furring Strips to Concrete Basement Walls and Brick Walls

Once the furring strips have been fastened to the concrete basement walls or brick walls, the drywall can then be attached to the furring strips using standard 1 inch drywall nails or screws.

In addition, rigid foam insulation can also be installed in between the furring strips, prior to attaching the drywall.

To fasten furring strips to concrete basement walls or brick walls, typically a concrete fastener is used. Concrete fasteners include concrete screws and sleeve anchors. Concrete fasteners can be used on concrete, brick and cinder block walls. With either you need to pre-drill a hole in the concrete or brick using a hammer drill and carbide masonry bit. The hole depth should be around 1.5 inches.

Before inserting the concrete fastener make sure you thoroughly clean out the hole with a shopvac. It is important that the hole is thoroughly clean of dust and debris to ensure a solid bond between the fastener and concrete or brick. Note you can attach the concrete fasteners into the mortar between bricks; however the strength of the holding bond is directly proportional to the quality of the mortar.

After drilling and cleaning the hole, affix the furring strip to the concrete basement wall or brick wall by inserting the screw or sleeve anchor through the furring strip and into the hole drilled into the concrete or brick. Tighten the screw or sleeve anchor with a socket wrench, however be careful to not over tighten. You should install a concrete fastener every 24” along the length of each furring strip.

Once the furring strips have been fastened to the concrete basement walls or brick walls, the drywall or other wall covering can then be attached to the furring strips.