My daughter asked me to build some cabinets for her basement. These units will be sitting directly on the concrete floor. Normally I use regular SPF framing lumber for kitchen base cabinet bases, as moisture from the floor is not an issue. However, moisture drawn up through the concrete floor may eventually cause deterioration. I could instead use pressure treated 5/4 deck boards for the base cabinet bases, or perhaps just treat SPF framing lumber with a water repellant such as Thompson’s Water Seal. Your recommendations, please. Thank you.
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Replies
Set them on pink sill barrier is one idea.
Sewerman
I don't know their exact name or intended purpose, but I use Simpsons metal 2x4 end pieces (purchased at Home Depot) to keep the feet of any wood storage unit off the floor.
Use some adjustable cabinet feet similar to commercial use.
dusty
Don't they make PVC shaped like dimensional lumber nowadays? Seems like I saw them building a soffet on a house with PVC on PBS a few weeks ago. I bet that would be perfect.
Lay some pressure treated 2x4" on edge as the lumber making direct contact with the floor. Drill some large holes in them to allow any moisture that does get under to get out / i.e., air circulation (and you may want to staple some screen or wire mesh to the inside where these holes are to keep out pests). Add some 3/4" plywood to top the platform off - and function as the base of the cabinets. If moisture is a big issue in this basement. you can paint the side of the ply facing the floor before you screw it to the pressure treated.
Try using cypress, it's highly rot resistant.
I agree with old dusty. I'd use the adjustable cabinet feet.
Dear S,
The adjustable cabinet feet have merit. I would stay away from Pressure Treated as it is not stable. (Then again neither am I.......) Another product that you may consider is "Dri-Core". It is a subfloor product that is designed for basements.
http://www.dricore.com/en/eIndex.aspx
Best,
John
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