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Home inspector once told me my basement has a slightly high moisture reading.

No mold, dampness or musty smell.

I am building an entertainment built-in out of lumber and MDF.

Should I use pressure treated lumber where the wood will sit in contact with the concrete floor/foundation? The rest will be standard 2x4 lumber.

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    It can't hurt. Will you be leaving the floor bare concrete? – fixer1234 Feb 26 '18 at 1:56
  • Yes, at least that was my initial intention – Marinaio Feb 26 '18 at 14:41
  • I would absolutely not use any material susceptible to rot (such as plain ordinary construction lumber) – UuDdLrLrSs Feb 27 '18 at 23:37
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If you'are trying to save money you could use regular lumber with sill seal, then the wood will not come in contact with the concrete. https://preview.tinyurl.com/yc5zzslh The URL takes you to a preview first and then provides a new link.

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  • A strip of plastic sheeting would probably work also. You may want to caulk the holes of whatever (galvanized or stainless) fasteners used to attach to the slab. – UuDdLrLrSs Feb 27 '18 at 23:37
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Most building codes require PT wood that will be in contact with basement concrete floors. So the bottom plate of a 2x4 wall and code requires the use of fasteners (galvanized) approved for use with PT wood.

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Yes you should use naturally durable (Redwood, cedar), or preservative-treated wood (AWPA U1 and M4) for sills or sleepers on a concrete or masonry slab that is in direct contact with the earth if you want to do it by the book (IBC 2304.11.2.4) and its also a wise idea.

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