Basement Walls question?

Question

I want to apply a brick veneer to my unfinished basement wall of poured concrete, but I am unsure if I should apply a plywood base to the wall; or stud out the wall, and then attach the veneer to the studs. I am limited on space because I have a pool table sitting in the middle of the floor and I need as much room as possible to play pool. So should I use concrete nails to attach the veneer or nail the plywood and then attach the veneer to that. I have no moisture issue, so insulating the wall is not necessary.

Answer 1

Concrete nails are asking for a leak down the road. I would seal first then use 2x2s for frame and attach to the framing.

Answer 2

I assume the brick veneer is already attached to the plywood?

An ounce of prevention is seal the walls, use 1x2 or 2x2s or 1x4s to the walls, 16 in on center, it can be nailed to the walls, or use contractor liquid nails to attach to walls. Then you can attach the (plywood) veneer to the wall,  Keep it off the floor 1/2 in to avoid sucking up moisture.

Of course you could use paint compatible to concrete for a clean look also.

Answer 3

You should be able to apply the brick veneer directly to the wall.  You can either set it in mortar, or use a construction adhesive.  I'd use an adhesive.

The only reason to apply the veneer to a plywood base first would be if you had problems with uneven walls... thats unlikely, since you say the walls are poured.

I'd give some thought, as the others have mentioned, of sealing the poured wall before doing anything else... give that plenty of time to dry, and go from there.

Have Fun