jdebree - Quad lock does not have full length web like Fox or Nudura. They have horizontial webs that just produce small rectangles to screw into so they are harder to locate both ways then ICF's with continuous interlocking webs.

For those of you who feel they need plywood backer for cabinets, just substitute 1/2" ply for the drywall just smaller then the cabinets.

Quadlock does have web in their FS panel design however I will be using the standard panel. The ICF will not be a problem when finishing the house with sheet rock or plywood (to be used as the backing of cabinets). As long as you place the plastic brackets in each run in identical locations horizontally and vertically, you can use horizontal/vertical chaulk lines to find the location of the brackets. However, once the house is finished it will be interesting to find interlocking webs on ANY ICFs. It wouldl be nice if they start making ICFs with pressure treated wood so you can use a stud finder. Still, ICF is the way to go. Maybe I'll play around with a magnet to find the screw in the sheet rock so I know where to bracket is. Or just use sheet rock screws.

FBBP, i assume you mean the vertical webs. As ive mentioned in the other posts, Quadlock does have FS panels which are continuous webbing vertically which is what I wished I had used.

Aruba1, I didnt worry about any of that either but it did end up giving the subs problems. Also, there are no webs for a bottom plate so there is nothing to attach base molding to except for the metal "c" channel which the nails wont puncture. There is also nothing at the top of the wall to attach to which is why I used a single row of FS panels at the top interior to nail to. The big screwup I made was not thinking about the soffit. How are you going to attach the inside 2x4 to the exterior wall that supports the soffit? You will have to drill alot of holes into the concrete and use 6" anchors. If the FS panels are used in that row you can just screw to it. To find the webs later just use a magnet stud finder, when you move it around on the wall the little magnet moves around to show the screw. I bought a $20 kids handheld metal detector to find them.

I didn't realize that there were ICF systems without continuous strips- my only experience has been with Fox. Trim is a problem, both with ICF and the steel studs I used for internal walls. I've heard of people using finish nails on an angle plus glue. I've been using trim screws with pretty good results. As for finding the webs under a finished wall- mine are 8" from the corner, and then every 8", but then, I already know where they are. If someone bought the house and wasn't told, it would be confusing. Trimming around doors and windows can be tricky, too. Oddly enough, I have a cheap stud finder, and it does seem to work on the strips if you move it slowly and carefully.

This is a very informative thread. My workaround would be to place 1x4s or 2x4s flush with the icf (with some trimming/cutting) and screw them in place in the ICF with 2-1/2' or 3-1/2" screws. When the concrete is poured the wood plates will be solid in place (into the concrete) and have my provision to attach my baseboards and crown moldings. Another option is to glue the moldings to the sheet rock but it would tear up the sheet rock if they ever had to be removed.

Aruba, I spent alot of time reading on this site before building so i know what you mean. I have to ask though, have you built with ICF before because your workaround is a nightmare compared to just getting a few packs of FS panels and use them instead of what you are talking about. Im just trying to save you some hair.

Billy, no, I never worked with ICF before but I have done stick building and build my whole house, from footing, to laying cement blocks for the crawl basement, to floor joists, floors and sub-floor, 2x4 walls, insulation, windows/door install, electrical, plumbing, sheet install/finish, roofing, laying tiles, making kitchen cabinets from scratch (!!!!), with stained glass design (my design and build), to concrete counter tops, and the list goes on and on. The only things I did not do myself was to install the septic tank and the HVAC system although I did install HVAC duct work when we did the last addition of 1000 sq ft. I also installed my own wood burning stove with an inline fan motor to move hot air from the wood stove the 3 kids room, and neatly done and finished.

I spoke yesterday with the QL specialist in GA and he only advised the use of the FS panels for the outside if you are installing any type of siding. The problem that you will be facing down the road with the FS panels is that once you put sheet rock over them it will be a pain to locate the strip. On the plus side, if you find one strip, you know where the others are. But I will stick with my idea, based on my experience I think it will work fine. Thanks for the heads up though.

Our QL rep. advised us to use the FS panels at the bottom and top of the wall on each level, and we did. I am planning to put plywood in place of drywall were the kitchen cabinets will mount. Trying to avoid attaching to the concrete as we built using the 4.25" panels so it takes a really long tapcon.

BillyBob, Great job all the way around. I've also been leaning towards QuadLock for a new building. (We closed on a 16-acre farm in Illinois this afternoon.) Based on the response you've received, and the experience you've picked up, I wonder if you could become your parish's go-to ICF builder. Tom.