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When finishing a basement, one of the matters that confront us is how to deal with the structural beams. They’re obviously essential to the durability and safety of the home (you got the “structural” bit, right?), yet it is true that they can be a nuisance from a design perspective. Standing out in the renovated or finished space, they interrupt the flow of the new room. These basement finishing tips for dealing with structural beams will help you find an economical, safe and aesthetically pleasing means to deal with your beams from your basement ceiling.
Dealing with the structural beams of your basement ceiling
1. Measure from the floor to the ceiling to determine the height of the basement. Subtract 1/2 inch from the figure. Measure the width of the structural support beam, adding 2 inches to that figure.
2. Now, cut four wooden planks to these meet these measurements. Be sure they fit to form a box around the beam.
3. Put a thin bead of wood adhesive along the wider edge of a wood plank. Join the long edge of the second plank to this prepared one. Hammer in a row of finishing nails to bind these two planks, spaced at 6 to 8 inch intervals.
4. Apply adhesive over the other long edge of the second plank and repeat the process to join the long edge of the third plank to it. In the end, so you will have a three-sided frame.
5. This three-sided frame unit can now be placed around the basement beam, its lower edge sitting on the floor. A thin bead of wood glue can now be applied to the two long edges of the first and third planks. Now, simply add the fourth plank against the glued sides to form a box at center of which is now the support beam. A row of finishing nails, every 6 inches along the two edges, will bind the unit together.
6. Apply a thin coat of adhesive to a wood shim and insert it in the gap between the ceiling and the top of the box cover to secure it around the beam. Let it sit undisturbed for the period of time designated by the manufacturer of the adhesive to ensure secure binding.
7. Now, finish off the project by sanding the four-sided box cover with 220-grit sandpaper. Apply an even coat of primer over the box cover and allow it to dry. You then can design it in the aesthetic manner of your choosing.
We hope that these basement finishing tips for dealing with structural beams help you find an economical, safe and aesthetically pleasing means to deal with your beams from your basement ceiling, ensuring the best possible finished basement space in your home.
