Studding in the basement - beginner...

[adde82]

Hi
I just tore out part of the basement where it was framed with wood against the outer wall + poor vinyl flooring and chipboard against the floor, which isn't ideal.

I might avoid self-leveling compound, so I'm planning to have tiles on the floor. As for the walls and ceiling, metal studs are assumed (for both floor and ceiling)?

I'm not going to insulate, just use OSB and drywall, but is it enough to attach/screw the metal studs directly to the basement wall, i.e., skip the track at the top and bottom? Does that even work or are these studs dependent on having a top and bottom track to stand in? I also don't plan to go all the way with either the OSB or drywall to the ground but stop a few centimeters above the ground.
The reason is that I'm trying to save a little space and not build out too much, and since I'm not insulating behind, there should be an air gap anyway or am I completely wrong when talking about these types of studs?

Best regards,
Andreas

 

[b8q]

1. You should have a rail both at the top and bottom.
2. Ceiling joists don't need to be metal, regular wooden nail joists are fine.
3. If space is important, why not just plaster the walls directly? Do you absolutely have to have paneled walls?

 

[adde82]

There is quite a bit of electricity and outlets that need to go there, and tracing/grooving into the wall feels a bit off....hence the framing.

 

[meckis]

Surface-mounted? Then fix the walls. That way you avoid a lot of work. But yes, it's nicer with recessed, but in a basement maybe it's okay.

 

[adde82]

Yes, you can, but it's too much work and polishing isn't really my thing.... As you might understand, we use the basement more as living space than a basement, so I want it to look nice