How To Frame Basement Support Poles (Hiding Basement Poles)

[@rajathiruvathuru1207]

Wonder if making a hole in the steel pole weakens it structurally? is it code approved?

[@dad1432]

Glad I stumbled onto this video. Makes complete sense. No need to mess with treated lumber, just leave a 1/2" gap between the board and the concrete.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

This is a task that we have to perform on almost every basement project we finish. Framing-in the support columns like we do in this video makes simple-work out of hiding basement support poles. ~Eddie

[@johndope2849]

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[@T1Diabilities]

I just wanted to add a quick tip I use when my drive pins don't sink in as far as I would like. I load the Ramset with another shot but not another pin, I place it over the head of the half sunk drive pin and fire the Ramset a second time. My Ramset is a hammer fired one but I'm sure this would work with the trigger ones as well.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Nice! We actually do that too occasionally, works really good in sending the pin home!

[@brandonmcdole7886]

Never thought to do this, every time I use my ramset I have that problem, I'm either choosing the wrong length of pin or my concrete is just that hard.

[@dpfeeley21]

Does the part of the wood touching the basement floor not need to be pressure treated? Looks like untreated wood touching the concrete floor?

[@capitankak]

dpfeeley21 My exact question thank you

[@BasementFinishingMan]

It's just the very bottom of a full 2" x 6" and will be okay! It's only 8.25 sq. inches of regular wood touching...It won't be rejected by any code officer and perfectly acceptable to do. If your worried about it just keep your 2" x 6" up an 1/8" or a 1/4" off the floor before you shoot it on and proceed as normal. Treated could be used as well if you want...but in my opinion it's just not needed and we don't use it for this application as just the small edge of the regular lumber is in contact...been doing like this for 25+ years and no issues and no call backs!

[@BasementFinishingMan]

@Maxima Technically yes, but it's such a small amount touching the floor that it's okay and will not be flagged by a code officer nor will it affect the structural integrity for what we doing.

[@73matty1]

Only unless you’re expecting more water hopefully the basement is dry

[@gregkolke7813]

Great solution and easy to install following your instructions! Thank you for this shortcut for hiding support posts.

[@s1esteve]

Trying to decide if doing it this plus drywall is more or less work than just boxing it out with wood and mitering it then paint

[@dad1432]

Thought of using 1x6 or 1x8 to box around it, but I decided drywall is more forgiving, and I can change it later if necessary.

[@djdrewthat7623]

Should it be treated if it’s touching the concrete? And is it ok for the structure?

[@dad1432]

Yes. But instead you can leave a 1/2" gap between the floor and the bottom of the 2x6. Much easier.

[@DaveSomething]

one of my enclosed poles is making popping noises after a year... something went wrong!

[@j.brentmefford448]

Can I use the ramset option if I want to frame in a wall that butts into the bottom of the steel beam? I believe it is 3-8” steel I beam. Was thinking I could use ramset to mail into the flange part of beam?

[@seankadar9550]

Thanks brother. Always great content. Really looking forward to showing you the before, during, and after pics of my current job. I hope you and your family, employees stay healthy during this difficult time. One last thing. Tell that man to wear safety glasses.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Sean Kadar thanks for watching Sean! Yes he should have been wearing his eye protection!

[@seankadar9550]

Basement Finishing Man you’re welcome.

[@jakeovertake7885]

Your videos are very helpful. Thanks truly appreciate you taking the time to show us how it’s done.

[@vladb4727]

Amazing videos, Eddie! How would you hide a support post in the wall if the post is 4 inches in diameter? Should 2x6 be used instead? Is it common practice? Thank you!

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Yes a lot of projects we use 2”x6” and that works out great to hide 4” supports!

[@CMCraftsman]

I make 4 squares out of scrap PVC trim I keep around, hole saw the center of the square the size of the column, cut the square in half, and use pocket screw holes in them to wrap the post then I attach my trim to that.

[@nicolereadstarot]

Our house was built in 2000. It looks like the support poles were moved. How can I figure out why? I have rough cement on the floor where they used to be so idk how to fix that either..

[@dad1432]

Check with your city's building inspectors to see if they have a record of someone remodeling your basement. Your city, county, etc., probably has a team of people dedicated to inspecting new buildings and remodels.

[@Jon-Ivy]

I'm drilling into my column rather than using a ramset to secure a pony wall to it. What steel screws do you recommend?

[@romurphy8869]

Glad I found your video, really clear and precise. Am about to frame two columns in my basement with your instructions. Thank you.

[@SanjivMalkan-u4t]

Can Ramset move the steel Column? Can the Ramset damage the foundation since it exerts lot of force on the steel column?

[@jkorinkeify]

Sorry if you already answered this but won't this be 1/2 inch longer on one side? Would you just double up half inch drywall on the short side to make it square?

[@dad1432]

Or let it remain rectangular. That's my plan.

[@1989hindu]

Which screw should I use for framing?

[@justinnorris103]

I got a duo fast powder actuated fastner that I have to hit with a hammer, will that still work on the steel column?

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Justin Norris hi Justin! Yes these guns work too, but it’s a little more difficult to use than the model we’re using simply because you need to strike the back of the tool with a hammer to make it fire the nail...I used to use this type years ago but switched to the trigger model fir simplicity sake...plus the silencer model means no hearing protection needed ! Thanks for watching ! ~Eddie

[@justinnorris103]

Basement Finishing Man thank you for your reply, this is a task that I am taking on by myself, so hopefully I can build this plumb and straight by myself.

[@jaredmac42]

Thank you Eddie! Studying these videos carefully as I prepare to finish my basement. Question: I want to “bury” a series of these lally columns in an interior wall. Does that mean I’m making a thicker wall with 2x6s rather than 2x4s? I haven’t seen this done so I wasn’t sure. Thanks again.

[@houssainalderawy313]

Bury them with regular 2x4 framing. Ask me how I know 🙄

[@closequarters4575]

Thanks for the video. I have an ugly post that is currently boxed in with drywall that is falling apart. I think I’ll trim it out with wood 😊

[@runninbare]

Depending on the diameter of the pole you may have to fur the common lumber out to make it square and not rectangle. Matter of preference....and to allow for an electrical box

[@ThaDieNasty]

Yeah im thinking of how to do this and run an outlet or 2.

[@runninbare]

@@ThaDieNasty I usually use 2x6 on opposite sides of the post and use a hilty to attach it

[@briancockerham6426]

Tha is for the great video. I took this along with inspiration from another source to class up my posts in an already finished basement. I used red load in the powder actuated device I rented and holy crap did it pack a punch.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Yes Brian they really do "back a punch"!

[@lovemafia8317]

Hi, I've one question.. I'm Framing my basement, can i leave 6 inch space from the insulated concrete wall, i wanna make wider window sill. is it fine to do it?

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Love Mafia yes that is fine to do! Won’t hurt a thing. ~Eddie

[@lovemafia8317]

@@BasementFinishingMan Thank you

[@jamesmatsas5009]

Does the 2x6 leave enough room for an electrical box if I want to put an outlet on the column?

[@kevnglasson3362]

What if they are filled w/concrete???

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Blast away! Make no difference to this gun's power... ~Eddie

[@mpxz999]

Thanks for the great video/advice! This looks strong, and made sense!

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Good luck with your project! ~Eddie

[@vcsoccer88]

Does it have to be a trigger style ?

[@jhl22222]

Thank you!! Finishing my basement column per your video.

[@jean-paulnancyraut6596]

Couldn’t one fasten the 2 x 6 to the pole with liquid nails?

[@CodeMonkey66]

Eddie - Thanks for your vids...they've been super helpful as I have been refinishing my basement. A quick question. Have you ever, instead of using ramset and nails, drilling holes and using screws to accomplish the same thing. So, if someone wasn't comfy (not me...a friend of mine :)) with shooting nails into a metal pole..that they could drill holes and use screws instead?

[@BasementFinishingMan]

I guess you could John, but that's the long way around to doing it. But yes you could lag into the steel by pre-drilling and then using proper metal screws. ~Eddie

[@CodeMonkey66]

@@BasementFinishingMan Thanks for your reply. I just don't have a ramset...so, I'd have to go rent one...which is fine...might cost less than the steel bit and lags.

[@TheeRogerWayne]

@@CodeMonkey66 I would do your method. Ramset is typically used to to fasten a floor plate to concrete. No reason to use a .22 pistol to fasten this thing to the post, but either way these guys know what they're doing.

[@pryme2013]

Why would it really be necessary to Ramset the steel pole? Couldn't a guy box it in on all four sides and top and bottom and that would be more than sufficient? I don't think I'd feel comfortable shooting into the pole.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Mr M this is the quickest way to do it. Sure you could box it out on 4- sides, it’s a lot more work and will not be nearly as solid as attaching the framing to the pole itself. I’ve done it both ways and this is what works best for us. The Ramsey is an AWESOME tool and is super easy to use...you really need to try it sometime! Thanks fir watching. ~Eddie

[@pryme2013]

@@BasementFinishingMan I wonder what a structural engineer would think about shooting 8 holes into a load bearing pole though that would be my main concern.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Mr M he’d say the steel pin fills the void solid and no structural integrity has been lost...fire away sir!

[@mohsinadnan]

@@BasementFinishingMan moreover, now you have two 2x6 in addition to the Hollow pipe supporting the weight. The tiny holes should not cause any problem to the load path.

[@wink853]

So after you get this part done just sheet rock it?

[@TheeRogerWayne]

My house was built in 64. the poles I'm encasing are just supporting the beam, there's no other framing connected to them. I'm just going to use adhesive for the 2 initial 2 by 6's, and then screw those to the other 2 boards, because I don't want to bore holes into the poles. In my case I feel like that method will be sturdy enough as it is. Once it's sheetrocked and trim tacked on the bottom, that thing isn't going anywhere.

[@borys444]

Ur videos r very inspiring and I hope one day to b as knowledgeable as u r. Thank u for ur time but I have just one question: I noticed the heads of those nails standing quite proud on the wood. I’m assuming ur going to hammer them in the rest of the way?

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Yes...sometimes they will stop short of sinking the head of the nail into the wood. In this case you simply take your hammer and knock the head all the way into the wood surface. If the nail has broken through the hollow rolled steel column into it's core, It's easy to pound the nail-head into the wood 100% with your hammer. If you can't hammer it in, just bend it over or pull it back out and then shoot the column again. Thanks for watching Nicholas! ~Eddie

[@adam_smith]

Hey Eddie, first off, big fan. Thanks for posting all of these helpful videos, can't tell you how much they are appreciated. I have all my floor studs in with concrete screws and don't have a Ramset tool. I have two poles to frame in though, do you have any recommendations without using a Ramset?

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Drill-out holes and use tapcon screws.

[@amoeba2091]

Ram sets are usually terribly loud. The video doesn't do it justice. Unless that model suppresses the sound, I'm not sure, but I suggest ear protection when using that tool.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

It has a silencer on it...No noise with our gun.

[@amoeba2091]

@BasementFinishingMan I had no idea they existed, good to know. Coming from someone with tinnitus, It may be time for an upgrade lol. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

@@amoeba2091 I have it too! Ring ring ring!

[@amoeba2091]

@@BasementFinishingMan Its more like Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.......I'm still waiting to hear the ng. Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy lol

[@tnasty7711]

Excellent Thought Process!!!

[@eddiebeltoe]

Awesome video Ed would you recommend any companies that serve south New Jersey? I see you guys are out of PA doubt you would make the trip :) love your videos thanks

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Hey Eddie! No brother..I do not know your area at all for recommending other contractors to you!~ Get 3 or 4 estimates and weigh the input!

[@understandthepeaches1025]

Thanks for the video! Can you tell me. I have uninsulated supply ducts against the ceiling in my basement we are going to finish. Do I need to insulate them before I box them in with Sheetrock so they don’t sweat? Thanks!

[@BasementFinishingMan]

No...Not necessary to insulate I'm assuming metal ductwork before drywall! ~Eddie

[@understandthepeaches1025]

@@BasementFinishingMan great, thank you!

[@n4xyy]

You just solved a problem I had with creating a railing under my deck! We had pavers installed and I need to attach a railing to the metal poles supporting the deck and sun-room above. Ramsetting a 2x6 on either side of the steel poles gives me a perfect foundation for attaching my railings. Thanks.

[@ryanmiddleton8215]

Great video! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@frankieg3933]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Matt.Hagens]

Thanks Eddie - keep the vids coming!

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Matt Hagens thanks for checking out the video Matt. Appreciate the view... ~Eddie

[@auronedgevicks7739]

but now your fastener is sticking out?

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Watch the whole video to see how we handle the fasteners that do not sink 100%…! -Eddie

[@johnwayne7776]

thank you.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

You're welcome John Wayne!

[@teutatezify]

Thanks Eddie

[@BasementFinishingMan]

Your welcome my brother! Eddie

[@capitankak]

Ear protection or not needed??

[@capitankak]

Oh sh\t I didn’t know they came with silencers these days. Wear eye protection John.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

@@capitankak Yep the silencer is great! Yes Jonathan should have had his eye protection on for this project...didn't even notice it during the making of the Video ... ~Eddie😵

[@mitsagia8129]

So probably a silly question, but how do you end up hiding the portruding nailheads so they aren't exposed? Drywall finish, clip them off, leave them showing, something else?

[@BasementFinishingMan]

WE just pound them the rest of the way in with our hammer... ~Eddie

[@jamesgroner6176]

If it doesnt go in the first time just load another charge into it and fire the nail a 2nd time.

[@73matty1]

So your relying on drywall and corner bead to hold those boards from moving with normal expansion and contraction. That’s a smooth nail hopefully going into that steel. No strength in the nail.

[@BasementFinishingMan]

I'll give you $1,000.00 if you can pull that 2" x 4" off of that column after I nail it on! Been doing it this way for 25 years and never had a cornerbead crack-out from expansion and contraction on any of these finished columns...No worries Matty my boy! ~Eddie

[@SamBaker-z9h]

OK but how to you frame a pole if it's in a corner?🤷🏼‍♀

[@jonfairbank7626]

Hiding the metal poles of an erected carport

[@haystak1]

1x6 pine is cheaper

[@danheinze4177]

Wordy

[@shanesimms1691]

short story long