Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 10/3/2009

Question
Hi Bruce, I am in the process of preparing to finish my basement which measured at 1400 S.F. or 44' by 45' and is 8' in ceiling height.  I would like to know how do I calculate or determine how much drywall, and 2x4 studs are needed.  I will be putting up 5 walls also.  Thanks.

Pat

Answer
Hi Pat, drywall is usually figured by the square foot..since your overall area is 1400 sq ft that would be the square footage for the ceiling.  If you are using 4'x8' drywall then divide that amount by 32 to get the number of boards.  If you are using 4'x12' sheets then you would divide 1400 by 48.  44+44+45+45= 178 lineal feet of perimeter walls..since your walls are 8 feet tall then your perimeter walls will be figured this way..178/ 4= 44.5 sheets or 45 sheets of 4'x8' drywall.  When figuring interior walls for drywall you determine the length of the wall multiply that by two and then divide by four for the 4' wide drywall..As far as studs go..figure the length of the walls and figure a stud for every foot of wall.  This will give you studs at 16" on center and provide enough studs for corner and door framing.  Or you can figure the length of wall and divide by 1.34 for the 16" spacing but then you need to add in extra studs for corner framing, door cripples, etc.  You will also need a top and bottom plate for the walls..the bottom plate will have to be pressure treated so figure all the lineal feet of wall and get that much pressure treated  wood and that much regular white wood..the longer the lengths the better 12, 14, or 16 foot lengths.  I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com