Basement Remodeling Article:
Materials Calculation
Using the information from the Estimate Worksheet here’s how to figure some of your materials.
Number of wood studs for walls:
Add up from the estimate worksheet, the linear wall lengths in the following columns:
- Siding 6
- Frame 3 ½
- Interior 4
Then add 10% to this total. Assume 1 stud for every 1 linear foot of wall. This is the total
number of studs that would be used for the walls.
To further refine your number you should use treated lumber for the bottom plates. If you
would like to use 10’ long treated 2 x 4’s divide the above total by 10 for the number of treated
base plates required. Deduct this quantity of studs out of your regular stud quantity.
Number of wood studs for ceilings:
Take the length of the room (assumes the length is perpendicular to the existing floor joists).
Divide this number by 8. (8= the length of the stud used) This answer we call “A.”
Take the width of the room. (The width is parallel to the existing floor joists).
Multiply the number by 12 (for inches) add in any remaining inches in the width.
Then divide by 16. (For 16” centers) This answer we’ll call “B.”
Multiply A & B together. Then add the number of studs found in “A” to this total.
Add 10% for waste. Subtract out for soffits if need be.
Number of sheets of drywall with a drywall ceiling:
Add up from the estimate worksheet, the linear wall lengths in the following columns:
- Siding 6
- Frame 3 ½
- Interior 4 (2x)
Multiply this total by your ceiling height. Use 8 feet as a minimum. For taller ceilings figure
accordingly. Now add in the square foot number computed for the finished ceiling space.
Add 5% to this total. Divide by 32 to get the approximate number of sheets you’ll need
using 4’ x 8’ sheets. If you have a 9’ high ceiling divide by 36 for 9’ long sheets or 40 for 10’ sheets.
This assumes drywal sheets will be installed vertically.
I recommend that when the time comes to run the drywall downstairs, you leave several sheets
in the garage. Then just takes these down as you need them. It’s a lot harder to bring drywall
back up the stairs.
Perimeter wall insulation:
From the insulation column of the estimate worksheet there is an entry for wall style “Siding 6.”
Multiply this number by the ceiling height. Add 10% to this number. Divide by 110 for
the amount of bundles you will need. We regularly use Owens Corning fiberglass faced batts R13.
Each package contains approximately 116 sq. ft. of insulation.
Perimeter and interior wall baseboard
Add up from the estimate worksheet, the linear wall lengths in the following columns:
- Siding 6
- Frame 3 ½
- Interior 4 (2x)
Add 10% to this number. Your answer is the total linear foot length of baseboard to purchase.
Interior casing around doors and windows
Assuming your windows are standard issue metal and glass that fit inside your concrete wall
use the information below:
For every window as described above, or similar, assume 20 linear ft. of casing. This is if
you wish to wood wrap your window as in our pictures.
For every door that has one side finished assume 17 linear ft. If you have a double wide
door assume 20 linear ft. Double these numbers if both sides are to be finished.
Figure 15 linear ft for each stairwell side that is opened up.
When you arrive at your total, add 10%. This is what you want to buy.
Paint
Generally, 1 gallon of paint covers approximately 300 sq. ft.
Ceilings
To figure how much paint you need, use the total number of square feet calculated for
ceilings from the estimate worksheet. Divide that total by 300 for each coat you intend to put on.
Walls:
Use the total number of square feet of drywall walls including a 10% overage. Divide this
number by 300 for the number of gallons of paint you need for each coat.
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