Hello. I have a beginner's question. I've torn down fiberglass weave in the family room, and of course, the plaster came down with it. Finding a mason who has time to take on the job is as difficult as finding a unicorn. So. I thought I'd build a new interior wall instead. These are two walls that are "exterior walls" which I intend to do this way.
I was thinking of using steel studs since it's in the basement. I also planned to build the wall with a gap (40-50 mm) between the concrete and the new wall. However, there is a panel ceiling attached to joists in the ceiling. I want to keep it, and therefore, it seems difficult to set a U-channel in the ceiling. Would it work/be sufficient to attach the studs to the floor and then make noggings (also steel, of course) and set them between the stud and the concrete wall?
Then, what would be best to clad the wall with, horizontal paneling (that doesn't touch the concrete, of course) or drywall?
I should add that the basement is dry.
